Whether you are limited in how far you are able to walk, are on a time crunch, or have small children, there are many reasons shorter trails are some of the most common families ask us about. We have made a list of a few of our favorites, so take a look at these short Smoky Mountain hikes and add them to your family vacation itinerary!
1. Elkmont Nature Trail
Length: less than 1 mile
Location: Elkmont
The Elkmont Nature Trail is popular, not just because it is an easy, family-friendly hike, but because of the nearby ghost town and iconic troll bridge. This area is also packed with wildflowers in the spring and summer, and the kids will love crossing the cool footbridge along the path.
2. Fighting Creek Nature Trail
Length: 1.2 miles roundtrip
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center
The Fighting Creek Nature Trail is one of several hikes near the visitor center. It runs along a creek and features incredible forest scenery, as well as the historic John Ownby cabin. Walk a little farther and you will reach Cataract Falls, a smaller but mighty waterfall.
3. Metcalf Bottoms
Length: 1.5 miles roundtrip
Location: Wear Cove Gap
The Metcalf Bottoms Trail takes less than an hour to complete and is also home to one of the most popular Smoky Mountain picnic areas. The peaceful location next to the river is great for fishing and cooling off after your hike, and at the end of the trail, you will come to the Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse. Many claim that this old schoolhouse is haunted!
4. Grotto Falls
Length: 2.6 miles roundtrip
Location: Roaring Fork
The Grotto Falls Trail is one of the best short Smoky Mountain hikes that lead to a waterfall. You can access this trail from the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail at the Trillium Gap trailhead. The falls themselves are 25 feet tall, and if you want to extend your hike, you can actually the summit of Mt. LeConte from this trail.
5. Andrews Bald
Length: Clingmans Dome
Location: 3.6 miles roundtrip
The Andrews Bald Trail leads to a stunning meadow overlooking the Smokies, and the hike along the Forney Ridge Trail isn’t as difficult as you might think! The trailhead is right off of the Clingmans Dome parking lot, and there are some stone steps; however, they are fairly easy to manage. While you are there, you should definitely walk up the 1-mile path to the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower, the highest point in the Smoky Mountains. The paved trail is quite steep but well worth it!
6. Porters Creek Trail
Length: 4 miles roundtrip
Location: Greenbrier
The Porters Creek Trail is popular with young families for several reasons– spring wildflowers, the Ownby Cemetery, remnants of an old homestead, John Messer’s farm site, and Fern Branch Falls, a beautiful 60-foot waterfall! It’s ideal for exploring a lot on a time limit.
These are some of our favorite short Smoky Mountain hikes! Plan your next hiking expedition and see why our vacation rentals in Gatlinburg TN are the best place to stay in the Smokies! See you out on the trails!
