3 Things to Know When Hiking Along the Gatlinburg Trail

If you love the outdoors, you should definitely plan to go hiking in the national park when you stay at one of our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals. Visitors who are just getting into hiking have plenty of options for fun and easy trails. Let us give you one great recommendation, the Gatlinburg Trail. Read on to learn more about it! here is a list of three things to know when hiking along Gatlinburg Trail:

1. Trail Description

The Gatlinburg Trail follows along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River and has two starting points. One is in the national park boundaries at the Sugarlands Visitor Center while the other is in downtown Gatlinburg off of River Road. It has a round-trip distance of 3.8 miles, and the terrain is paved and flat the whole way. You’ll also cross one of the longest footbridges in the park. As you hike, look out for the historical remnants. They include a stone chimney that was once part of an old homestead. It was part of the thriving settlement that existed long before the park was formed. As for wildlife, you can spot salamanders and fish swimming around in the water. Look up towards the trees to see a variety of bird species flying about. You may even see some bigger animals, such as black bears and deer.

2. The Trail is Bike and Pet-Friendly

Visitors love to take advantage of our selection of pet-friendly cabins and take Fido on vacation. If you’re looking for things to do with him, you’ll be happy to know that Gatlinburg Trail is dog-friendly! In fact, it is the only pet-friendly hiking trail on the Tennessee side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. During your visit, be sure to keep your fur baby on a short leash (no more than 6 feet) for the safety of yourself, your pet, other hikers, and wildlife. If you want a speedier way of traveling, the Gatlinburg Trail is bike-friendly as well. Bring your own or rent one! Make sure to wear your helmet!

3. Hiking Tips

Part of a safe and fun first hike on Gatlinburg Trail is proper planning. A helpful tip is to plan your hike early in the morning. The temperatures are milder and you won’t have to worry about running out of daylight. That will also leave plenty of time to clean up and relax at the cabin if you have something on the itinerary for later in the day. While you should eat a good breakfast before you leave, it is wise to pack water and light snacks to eat on the go. Keep your food secure, as the scent may attract bears and other wildlife. When it comes to attire, you’ll want to wear sturdy close-toed shoes. The terrain on the Gatlinburg Trail isn’t strenuous, but proper footwear will keep your feet from getting tired. It will also prevent you from falling in slippery spots if you plan to do some exploring along the water.

Now you have all the information you need to plan a perfect hike on Gatlinburg Trail. Want even more routes to choose from? Explore our other list of top places to go for a scenic hike in Gatlinburg!