When I just want an easy hike in the woods in Gatlinburg, the 2 mile Gatlinburg Trail is always the best choice. Located right at the end of Gatlinburg leading into the park, the trail follows the river down to the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The trail is wide and heavily traveled, but it also allows for some great shots of scenery, particularly in fall. This is the trail of choice for joggers because of the wideness and how well it's maintained and it's close proximity to downtown. This is one of the two trails in the park that allows dogs and you'll see quite a few dog walkers.
As someone who has hiked a lot in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Gatlinburg Trail isn't one of the "must see" trails, but for a easily accessed trail that gets you into the woods it's a nice walk. Don't expect solitude, but expect a pleasant place to spend some time. Don't confuse the Gatlinburg Trail with the Old Gatlinburg Trail. That one starts across the road past the Sugarland Riding Stable and is used nowhere near as much. One end of the trailhead is at the north end of Gatlinburg (with minimal parking...a lot of people park towards where the Great Smoky Mountain park sign is), the other goes from behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center through the ranger parking lot to show up again across the road headed back towards the ranger maintenance area. You'll walk along the side of the road for a while until you get back behind the maintenance housing area.
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AuthorA librarian who likes to travel and experience life. CategoriesArchives
June 2022
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