11 Best Short, Easy Hikes in the Smoky Mountains – 2024

Are you looking for the best easy hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Hiking in and around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-do experience because there is so much to see and experience – amazing views, beautiful wildflowers, animals (bears, deer, elk, and more), and, of course, creeks, rivers, and waterfalls!

The good news is you don’t have to be an expert hiker to experience what Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers. Here are the 11 best easy hikes to get you started.

Published July 5, 2023…Updated January 11, 2025

TL;DR Summary (for those in a hurry…)

• Our favorite easy hike is The Deep Creek Waterfall Trail, because there are three waterfalls on this hike.
• If you’re limited on time, skip Fighting Creek Nature Trail and Look Rock Tower Trail. Fighting Creek is the least impressive of these hikes, and Look Rock is not a short drive.
• The best views are at Clingmans Dome but go early or late to avoid the crowds.

1. Gatlinburg Trail

Gatlinburg Trail is an easy, flat hike along the west prong of the Little Pigeon River. It is also the closest trail to Gatlinburg, sitting right off the western edge of town.

The river is just beautiful, with lots of places where you may walk over to it and dangle your feet in the cool water. You will also see the old ruins of old homesteads along the way. And lots of gorgeous wildflowers.

At 1.37 miles into the hike (if you begin at Sugarlands Visitors Center), you will cross a big bridge to the other side of the river. Continue for another 0.6 miles or so and you will arrive at the edge of Gatlinburg.

Quick Facts

• Distance: – 3.8 miles round trip
• Directions: This trail begins at the Sugarlands Visitor Center on the north boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just west of Gatlinburg.
• Behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center is a short sidewalk leading to the Fighting Creek Nature Trail. Follow this path to a fork, stay right, and walk 0.1 mile to Park Headquarters Road. Cross this road and turn left onto the footpath. You will walk next to the road another 0.4 miles or so and the trailhead will be on your right.
• Difficulty: Easy Peasy!
• Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours

• Restrooms? Yes, they are located at the Sugarland Visitors Center.
• Parking? Lots of parking at Sugarlands Visitor Center.
• Dogs Allowed? Yes! This is one of only two trails in the entire park that allow dogs (on leashes).
• Crowded? No, but you will encounter more people as you get near Gatlinburg.
• Visitor Center? Yes, Sugarlands Visitor Center

2. Oconaluftee River Trail

Oconaluftee River Trail begins at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center just inside the south boundary of Great Smoky Mountain National Park, just north of Cherokee, NC. It is a beautiful area that includes historical buildings, wildflowers, and river views.

The first half of the trail takes you on a walk along the Oconaluftee River. This area is flat and shady. You will probably see several people playing in the river. Try to identify wildflowers – there are a lot of them on the trail. The other half of the loop trail includes the Mountain Farm Museum, an outdoor museum of historical cabins, barns, and chickens!

There are often elk grazing in the meadow next to the trail, but keep your distance! Photo Opp!

Quick Facts

• Distance: 3.2 miles roundtrip
• Directions: The trailhead begins at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on Highway 441, better known as Newfound Gap Rd., just north of Cherokee, NC.
• Difficulty: Easy Peasy!
• Duration: 60-90 minutes

• Restrooms? Yes, available at the visitor center.
• Parking? Ample parking is available at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. (Parking passes are required. They may be purchased online or at the Visitor Center.)
• Dogs Allowed? Oconaluftee River Trail is one of only two trails in the park where (leashed) dogs are allowed.
• Crowded? Somewhat, more so in the afternoon.
• Visitor Center? Oconaluftee Visitor Center

3. Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail

There are 11 Nature Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These are short, self-guided loop trails that usually take 30-60 minutes.

This trail is more of a stroll than a hike. It is a relaxing walk on a paved trail through a beautiful section of woods. Stop and listen to the birds singing. Half of the trail follows the west prong of the Little Pigeon River.

Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail explores the remnants of the Sugarland settlement, which predates Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Hikers will see old chimneys and the ruins of stone fences from days gone by.

Sugarlands Valley Trail is both wheelchair-accessible and stroller-accessible.

Quick Facts

• Distance: 0.5 miles loop
• Directions: This hike begins 0.3 miles south of the Sugarlands Visitor Center on Newfound Gap Rd (U.S. Highway 441).
• Difficulty: Easy Peasy.
• Duration: This hike will take you 25-30 minutes – less if you don’t stop to enjoy the scenery.

• Restrooms? There are no restrooms located at the trail. However, there are restrooms nearby at Sugarlands Visitor Center.
• Parking? Yes
• Dogs Allowed? No
• Crowded? No.
• Visitor Center? Sugarland Visitor Center is just down the road.
• What Else? Lots of poison ivy. Stay on the trail!

4. Fighting Creek Nature Trail

Fighting Creek Nature Trail is another of the nature trail hikes mentioned in the section above.

This shady trail circles through woods and crosses Fighting Creek. Many of the trees and plants are labeled here. But this trail has a surprise!

At the end of the trail, you come to Cataract Falls, a small, cute waterfall hidden behind the Park Headquarters building.

Quick Facts

• Distance: 1.0 mile loop
• Directions: The trailhead is behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Walk a short distance between the visitor center and the restrooms and look for the sign.
• Difficulty: Easy, flat trail.
• Duration: 30-60 minutes, including time at Cataract Falls

• Restrooms? Yes, at Sugarlands Visitor Center
• Parking? Ample Parking at Sugarlands Visitor Center
• Dogs Allowed? No
• Crowded? No
• Visitor Center? Yes, Sugarlands Visitor Center

5. Kephart Prong Trail

Kephart Prong Trail is often described as more of a stroll than a hike. The trail is an easy hike that meanders along the Kephart Prong of the Oconaluftee River. It includes four log bridge creek crossings.

You will hike 2.0 miles to the junction of the Sweat Heifer Creek Trail and the Grassy Branch Trail, where you will find the Kephart Shelter – an excellent place to sit and rest. You will also see the remains of a Civilian Conservation Corps Camp.

Look for wildlife, as it is often seen on this trail, as are beautiful wildflowers.

Quick Facts

• Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
• Directions: Kephart Prong trailhead is on Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441), 5.0 miles north of the Smokemont Campground, on the east side of the road. It is near a large footbridge. There is a large pullout area where parking is available.
• Difficulty: NPS (National Park Service) rates this hike as Moderate, as well as listing it as “Kid Friendly”. Be aware that it does involve some walking uphill on the first half of the hike.
• Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours

• Rest Rooms? There are restroom facilities nearby. Smokemont Campground restrooms are open year-round, while the Colins Creek Picnic Area restrooms are open in the summer and early fall.
• Parking? The parking area is alongside Newfound Gap Road
• Dogs Allowed? No
• Crowded? No
• Visitor Center? No

6. Porter’s Creek Trail

Porter’s Creek Trail is located in Greenbriar Cove, six miles east of Gatlinburg, TN. This is a spectacular area, featuring beautiful woods and the Little Pigeon River.

The trail has a bit of an incline to it as you begin. It is wide, gravel, and well-maintained. You can hear Porter’s Creek off to your left. Lots of easy places to step off the trail and go down to the creek to play or take photos.

Look for the ruins of old homesteads about 0.5 miles in. Also, take time to observe the native plants growing along the trail – ferns, Umbrella Magnolias, rhododendrons, wild roses, dwarf crested irises, but watch out for poison ivy!

There is a small cemetery about 30 yards past the first bridge you cross. It has about three dozen graves dating back to the early 1900’s.

To make this trail more kid-friendly, hike in and out to Porter’s Flat, which was first settled in the 1700s. That will make the hike much shorter (only 2.0 miles roundtrip).

Or, you can continue straight past Porter’s Flat for another 0.8 miles to Fern Branch Falls. The trail will become narrower here, with more rocks and roots.

Or, you may go right at the fork in the trail at Porter’s Flat instead, which will put you on Brushy Mountain Trail and lead you to an old homestead, circa 1875, and to the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club, built 1934-1936.

Quick Facts

• Distance: 2 miles roundtrip to Porter’s Flat
• Directions: Travel east from Gatlinburg on Highway 321/73 for 6 miles. The entrance to Greenbriar will be on your right. The road will become gravel in a couple of miles. Drive straight until you dead-end into a turnaround/parking area. just over 4.0 miles in. The trailhead will be right in front of you. On the way to the trailhead, you will pass a ranger station and a couple of picnic areas.
• Difficulty: To make this an easy hike, stop at Porter’s Flat, one mile in. It is a large, flat area where the trail forks. The left continues on Porter’s Creek Trail; the right takes you onto Brushy Mountain Trail.
• Duration: 30-60 minutes

• Rest Rooms? There are restroom facilities at Greenbriar. They are located at the picnic pavilion area, which you will see on the main road in Greenbriar Cove.
• Parking? Yes
• Dogs Allowed? No
• Crowded? No
• Visitor Center? No

7. Kuwohi (aka Clingmans Dome)

Kuwohi, formerly known as Clingmans Dome, is one of the most visited areas in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It has a large observation tower/deck with spectacular views of the surrounding area. The elevation here is 6,643 feet, making it the highest point in the park. Photo opps!

This walk is smooth, paved, and STEEP! After 0.5 miles, you arrive at a circular ramp leading to the observation tower. Did I mention the views are AMAZING?!?! Signs mounted on the observation deck describe the views in every direction.

Due to its elevation, Kuwohi is usually 10-15 degrees cooler than other sections of the park. You might want to bring a jacket, especially in the spring and fall.

The road to Kuwohi is closed from December to March due to road conditions.

Quick Facts

• Distance: 1.0 mile round trip. This is a short, paved trail, but please be aware that it is steep.
• Directions: Kuwohi is at the end of Kuwohi Road, off Newfound Gap Road. It is in the center of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Look for the ferns and beautiful yellow wildflowers that line this road.
• Difficulty: NPS rates it a “Moderate” hike. This is a short, steep walk. There is very little shade on the trail, and you are also at a higher elevation. Having said that, we saw many children and senior adults (including us) making the climb. Just take your time!
• Duration: 60-90 minutes, including time spent admiring the view.

• Restrooms? There are pit toilet restrooms, both regular and handicapped-accessible, located in the parking area.
• Dogs Allowed? No
• Crowded? This is one of the most visited areas of the park. There will be LOTS of people here.
• Visitor Center? Yes
• We Suggest:
  • Comfortable hiking shoes or boots. This is not the place for sandals.
  • Avoid the crowds. Consider coming early or later in the day.
  • Get some beautiful photos of a sunrise or sunset!

8. Look Rock Tower

Look Rock Tower is another observation deck/tower with stunning views. The observation deck is roughly 3,000 feet in elevation (above sea level), making it possible to see as far as 40 miles on a clear day.

This short, paved trail leading up to Look Rock Tower begins on the Foothills Parkway, across from the parking area. It is mostly shady. The first 0.25 mile is steep but begins to level out a bit as you go. Stay on the trail – there is a LOT of poison ivy!

You will come to a gravel road, where you will go left to continue climbing. On the way, you will pass an air quality monitoring station. Just a bit past this you will arrive at the foot of the tower.

Look Rock Tower has three “switchback-type” ramps, each about 50 steps long, leading up to the observation deck.

Quick Facts

• Distance: 1 mile round trip. The trail is paved and short, with a bit of an incline.
• Directions: Look Rock Tower Trail is on the Foothills Parkway on the northwest boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about halfway between the towns of Walland and Chilhowee.
• Difficulty: NPS rates this hike “Moderate”. As is often the case, it is uphill going to the tower and downhill coming back.
• Duration: 30-60 minutes

• Restrooms? There are no restrooms at Look Rock Tower. However…Look Rock Campground is only 0.5 miles east of the tower, on the Foothills Parkway. It has recently undergone a huge renovation after being closed for several years. Millions of dollars were spent to upgrade the camping area, including new restrooms.
• Parking? There is a parking lot just across the road (Foothills Parkway) from the trailhead.
• Dogs Allowed? No
• Crowded? No
• Visitor Center? No

9. Juney Whank Falls Trail

Juney Whank Falls is one of three connected waterfall trails in the Deep Creek area, which is on the southern boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City, NC. It features a heavily shaded hike leading to a bridge where the waterfall flows just a few feet under you. The hike is very short but is a bit steep in some places.

Quick Facts

• Distance: 0.6 miles roundtrip loop
• Directions: The three Deep Creek waterfall trails are 7 minutes from Bryson City, NC. Drive north on West Deep Creek Road (1339) until you arrive at the parking lot. The parking lot is large but often crowded, especially in the afternoon. The trailhead is just off the entrance to the parking lot. Follow the signs to the falls.
• Difficulty: AllTrails ranks this hike as “Moderate”, and the first half is, because it is uphill. However, the second half is all downhill.
• Duration: 20-30 minutes

• Restrooms? There is a picnic area with restrooms as you drive into the Deep Creek area.
• Parking? Large parking lot which fills up as the day gets later.
• Dogs Allowed? No
• Crowded? No
• Visitor Center? No
• What Else? You can see all three waterfalls by continuing on to the Deep Creek trail, which leads to Tom Branch and Indian Creek Falls. Just turn left when the Juney Whank trail dead ends into the Deep Creek trail.

10. Tom Branch Falls Trail

Tom Branch Falls is the second of the three waterfalls in the Deep Creek area. It is formed by Tom Branch, which tumbles down almost 80 feet of the rock face into Deep Creek. During the summer there will be dozens of families inner tubing here. It is also the easiest of the three waterfall hikes at Deep Creek.

The Deep Creek trail follows Deep Creek. (The creek will be on your right). The trail is wide, flat, and shady. You will see Tom Branch Falls in about 0.3 miles. There are benches here where you can sit down and enjoy the falls. They are gorgeous!

The last time we were at Tom Branch Falls, an NPS Park Ranger was there, teaching people about “Nature Journaling”. Take time to visit with rangers. They are very friendly and have so much interesting information to share!

Quick Facts

• Distance: 0.3 miles from the trailhead one-way
• Directions: Tom Branch Falls Trail is actually the first section of Indian Creek Trail. It can be found at the end of Deep Creek Rd. There is a large parking lot there. The trailhead is off the parking lot, just past the trailhead to Juney Whank Falls. Follow the signs to the falls.
• Difficulty: Easy Peasy
• Duration: 30 minutes roundtrip

• Restrooms? There is a picnic area with restrooms as you drive into the Deep Creek area.
• Parking? Large parking lot
• Dogs Allowed? No
• Crowded? Not crowded in the mornings; crowded beginning around noon
• Visitor Center? No
• What Else? Continue down the trail to Indian Creek Falls!

11. Indian Creek Falls Trail

Indian Creek Falls is the third of the waterfall trails at Deep Creek, and it is the largest of the three. The hike follows Deep Creek to the falls and is mostly flat and easy.

The trail is wide and shady. There are lots of wildflowers on the trail – foam flowers, wild geranium, yellow root, ferns, and…poison ivy. Stay on the trail! Indian Creek Falls is very nice and well worth the short hike.

This is a popular area for inner tubing. On warm days you will see dozens of folks enjoying the water. You’ll enjoy listening to them laugh and scream!

When crossing the bridges, stop and look for fish in the creek. We saw two big trout on our last hike there!

Quick Facts

• Distance: Indian Creek Falls is 0.5 miles past Tom Branch Falls, making it 0.7 miles from the trailhead. If you hike all three waterfalls, it’s about 1.2 miles one-way.
• Directions: Continue past Tom Branch Falls on Deep Creek Trail. You will cross a bridge a little past Tom Branch Falls. Past a second bridge, you will see a sign for Indian Creek Falls. Turn right, and the falls are 200′ feet ahead.
• Difficulty: Easy Peasy
• Duration: 30-60 minutes

• Restrooms? There is a picnic area with restrooms as you drive into the Deep Creek area.
• Parking? Large parking lot
• Dogs Allowed? No
• Crowded? Not crowded in the mornings; crowded beginning around noon
• Visitor Center? No

Quiet Walkways

Scattered along the roads of Great Smoky Mountains National Park you will see signs for “Quiet Walkways”. These are exactly what they sound like. They are short, quiet, and usually uncrowded.

Quiet Walkways are a great place to get away from the crowds, relax, listen to the birds singing, sit on a rock and think…whatever you need to do. Highly recommended if you need a break!

Map of Easy Hikes in the Smoky Mountains

Recommended Gear for Hiking in the Smoky Mountains

• Comfortable Walking Shoes are a must!
• When hiking a natural trail (as opposed to a paved trail), consider wearing hiking boots. While boots are heavier than walking shoes, they will protect your feet and ankles much better.
• Hiking poles will help you keep your balance, and they make walking easier.

• Bring a Jacket. Higher elevations can be much cooler than expected. Plus, rain is not unusual in the Smoky Mountains.
• Always bring water with you on a hike. We dehydrate much more quickly than we realize. For longer hikes, we recommend bringing along something to eat.
• Don’t forget your camera. Photo opps are everywhere!

Where to Stay Near Great Smoky Mountains

There are so many choices. Consider which area of the park you will be spending the most time in. Do you want to be “in the middle of the action”, or in a a quiet, secluded spot? Luxury or budget hotel? Or are interested in camping out? Here are a few suggestions.

The Buckhorn Inn

The Buckhorn Inn is a beautiful privately owned inn a few miles east of Gatlinburg on U.S. Highway 321. It is our favorite place to stay. The Buckhorn Inn features cottages scattered over the property, plus a main house with several rooms. The furnishings are beautiful, in a relaxing, cozy kind of way.

The staff is friendly and professional. They are happy to suggest things to do in the area.

The grounds are landscaped with gorgeous flowers, plus a pond complete with swans. There’s even a meditation labyrinth!

And the food! Breakfast is included in the price. Make reservations for dinner and you’ll enjoy a three-course meal. Trust me on this!

Price: $$$$

Just minutes from Gatlinburg. Quiet. Secluded. Very friendly staff. Highly recommended!

Greystone Lodge on the River

If you want to be in the “middle of the action” in Gatlinburg, the Greystone sits at 559 Parkway, on the east end of the main tourist area. You are just steps from Ripley’s Aquarium, Anakeesta Theme Park, and hundreds of restaurants, shops, and exhibits.

This family-owned hotel features all of the usual amenities, but we like it for its location at the east end of Gatlinburg. Try “Pancake Pantry” for breakfast ($$-$$$), a Gatlinburg tradition. We also recommend “No Way, Jose Mexican Cantina” ($$-$$$), which sits next door to the Lodge.

Price: $$$$

Route 19 Inn

If you’re looking for something a little quirky (we do this a lot), try the Route 19 Inn in Maggie Valley, near the southeast end of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The Route 19 is like taking a trip back in time. It’s an old motor court that has been renovated to include the amenities you are accustomed to.

The grounds include a restored vintage car, two creeks for wading and fishing, a pool, a childrens’ playground, grills, and picnic tables.

The rooms are decorated to look like you are back in the ’60s, including a refrigerator and tile bathrooms. Don’t worry – there’s a coffee maker!

There is no food service at the inn, but Maggie Valley has several fun places to eat. Try “Joey’s Pancake House” ($$-$$$) for breakfast. “Brickhouse Burgers & Pizza” ($$-$$$) has amazing burgers and onion rings. And don’t miss “Pop’s Butts on the Creek BBQ” ($$-$$$)!

Price: $$$

Campgrounds

Great Smoky Mountains National Park maintains 10 front country campgrounds. Each campground has restroom facilities with running water (cold) and flush toilets. There are no showers. Individual campsites all have a fire grate and a picnic table.

We recommend that you pick a campground that is near the sights you are most interested in. We also recommend that you make reservations as early as possible. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America. The early bird gets the campsite!

Visit nps.gov for specific info about campsites.

Reservations for campsites are made through recreation.gov.

Smoky Mountains FAQs

Still have questions? Here are the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions.

What is the easiest hike in the Smoky Mountains?

Try Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail. It’s short, flat, paved, wheelchair accessible, shady, interesting, and beautiful!

What is the shortest hike in the Smoky Mountains?

Again, try the nature trails. Most are 0.5-1.0 miles. Toms Branch Falls is less than 1.0 miles roundtrip. Clingmans Dome Trail is only 1.0 miles roundtrip, but it is a steep climb.

Can I bring my dog on a hike?

Dogs are only allowed on two trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail. They must be on a leash.

Are any hikes wheelchair accessible?

Yes! Oconaluftee River Trail, Toms Branch Falls, and Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail are all accessible. It is a good idea to check at one of the visitor centers for trail info, conditions, and suggestions.

The Verdict – 11 Best Short, Easy Hikes in the Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the busiest national park for a reason—it’s beautiful! And the best way to experience that beauty is to go hiking! Here’s the good news—there are plenty of easy hikes in the Smoky Mountains.

You don’t have to hike 10 miles straight up the side of a mountain (unless you want to). Take a short hike. Take your time. There’s no rush. Have fun!

Related Posts

• 17 Smoky Mountains Waterfalls You’ll Absolutely Love
• 15 Unforgettable Things to Do in Cades Cove – Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Spruce Flats Falls: Hiking in the Smoky Mountains
• Baskins Creek Falls: Hiking in the Smoky Mountains
• Hen Wallow Falls: Hiking in the Smoky Mountains
• Indian Flats Falls – Discover This Amazing Hidden Gem