Gatlinburg Trail - Seven Solid Reasons to Hike It

The West Prong of the Little Pigeon River

I can think of at least seven really good, solid reasons to hike the Gatlinburg Trail. We’ve done this hike multiple times, and there’s a new surprise every time!

Published October 9, 2024

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Gatlinburg Trail – Seven Solid Reasons to Hike It

I promised you seven solid reasons to hike this trail. Let’s see if I can convince you…

#1 – Location and Convenience

There’s a reason this trail is called the Gatlinburg Trail – the trailhead literally begins right on the southwest edge of Gatlinburg, just one block past Parkway traffic light #10 on River Road. It is easily within walking distance of several restaurants and hotels and our favorite place to shop in Gatlinburg – the Nantahala Outdoor Center.

(Click anywhere on the map below to enlarge it.)

Map showing Gatlinburg Trail trailhead location

Or, you may begin from the other end of the trail, at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Continue past Traffic Light #10 onto Highway 441 for 1.7 miles, then turn right onto Fighting Creek Rd/Little River Gorge Rd to enter the Sugarlands parking lot. The trailhead begins behind the visitor center.

(Click anywhere on the map below to enlarge it.)

Pro Tips…

If you intend to park anywhere in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for more than 15 minutes, you must obtain a parking pass. Parking passes may be purchased at park visitor centers or online at recreation.gov.
The Gatlinburg Trail trailhead near the Sugarlands Visitor Center is a little tricky to find.
- Walk behind the visitor center restrooms towards the Fighting Creek Nature Trail trailhead, but don’t take it—continue walking straight. This will lead you to the Park Headquarters building and Park Headquarters Road. Turn left on Park Headquarters Road.
- This road will take you past several park buildings and maintenance shed areas (and make you wonder if you took a wrong turn – don’t worry, you didn’t.) The West Prong of the Little Pigeon River will be on your right. This will lead you to the trailhead.

#2 – Gatlinburg Trail is Dog-Friendly

There are only two trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park where dogs are allowed on the trail – Gatlinburg Trail is one of them. (The other is the Oconaluftee River Trail.) You will meet LOTS of folks walking their dogs on this trail, especially as you get closer to Gatlinburg.

Two ladies hiking along a wooded trail with their two white German Shepherd dogs

Your pet will thank you for bringing him along. Please remember to keep your furbaby on a leash at all times and to pick up after your dog.

#3 – Gatlinburg Trail is Family-Friendly

The Gatlinburg Trail is appropriate for folks of all ages. It’s a little less than 4.0 miles out and back. AllTrails rates it as an “Easy” hike, and we agree. The trail is wide, shady, and mostly flat.

Because you’ll be walking alongside the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, it is also a great spot to let the kids play in the water, and who doesn’t like splashing around in a cool stream on a hot day!

Four family members hiking today through the wood

This trail is not only for hiking. Bikers and runners also frequently use it, so your family has some activity options.

#4 – Gatlinburg Trail is Even Bear-Friendly

Most people who visit the Great Smoky Mountains hope, or even expect, to see a black bear. If you think that this trail is too near to town to see a bear, think again.

An adult black bear enjoying a swim in the Little Pigeon River

My wife, Mary Ellen, took this photo while walking our dogs on the Gatlinburg Trail. The bear ambled right by her, intent on cooling off in the river. Our dogs never even noticed it.

(It is actually not unusual to encounter a bear in Gatlinburg. We have seen them walking down Parkway, the main street, late at night, and have even had one on the second floor of the motel where we were staying.)

#5 – The River Views

The Gatlinburg Trail follows the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, providing some really pretty views. Roughly halfway through the “out” section of this “out and back” hike, you will come to a large bridge that crosses over from one side of the Little Pigeon River to the other. Stop on the bridge, get out your camera, and take some fun photos!

The West Prong of the Little Pigeon River shining in the sunlight

A black and white photo of the bridge crossing the Little Pigeon River on the Gatlinburg Trail

A small cascade on the Little Pigeon River

There’s something about walking alongside a river that makes the heart quiet and peaceful, don’t you think?

#6 – The Wildflowers

If you hike this trail during the spring or summer, you are going to see so many beautiful wildflowers. Be sure to take time to stop and smell the roses…and the daisies, sweet shrub, wild hydrangeas, galax, ferns…the list goes on and on.

Sweet shrub - A sweet-smelling shrub with large, green leaves and day red blooms

Unusual white wildflower bloom on the Gatlinburg Trail

#6 – Parking is a Breeze

You have at least four options for parking when you visit the Gatlinburg Trail…

First, if you’re lodging near the trailhead in Gatlinburg, you don’t have to worry about parking at all—just walk. Several hotels are just one to two blocks from the trailhead.

Second, you can park at the Sugarlands Visitor. Even though this is usually a crowded spot, there are multiple parking lots here, and you should have little trouble finding a parking place.

The Sugarlands Visitor Center, with benches and sidewalks surrounded by green grass, shade trees, and native plants

Third, there are at least two paid parking lots just a block from the trailhead in Gatlinburg. Paid parking in the town costs $15 -$20 per day.

Fourth, when you drive out of Gatlinburg into the national park, there are a couple of pullouts where you may park. One of these is a small side road “turnaround”, where there are several parking spots. The other is a roadside pullout located adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrance sign. You’ll be able to both see and access the trail from either of these pullouts.

#7 – Need a Restroom? No Worries!

Need a potty break? Sugarlands Visitor Center has a large restroom facility at the far end of the building. There are also several vending machines and benches here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this hiking trail worth my time? We believe it is! It’s easy, shady, and beautiful.
How long does it take to hike this trail? For most folks, it will take 1.5 to 2 hours, more if you stop frequently to play and take photos.
Is this trail stroller-friendly? Yes, but there are a couple of spots that might be a little tricky.
How about wheelchair accessible? The AllTrails app says that it is. My advice is to check with a park ranger at the Sugarlands Visitor Center before you try it. (The Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is 0.8 miles past the visitor center on Highway 441, and it is wheelchair accessible.)
Is there a charge for entering the national park? No, but as mentioned earlier, a parking pass is required.

The Verdict – Gatlinburg Trail – Seven Solid Reasons to Hike It

Did I convince you? This is a great trail with a lot to offer – for you, your family, and even your dog! It’s easy and convenient to Gatlinburg. And you might even get to go swimming in the river with a friendly bear!

Happy Hiking!