- Explore 5 of the best hiking trails in the Smokies under 5 miles, all close to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
- Find easy, family-friendly, and dog-friendly options perfect for a half-day adventure.
- Get insider tips, seasonal advice, and unique features for each trail.
- Eagles Ridge Resort is your ideal base camp, just 5 miles from the park entrance.
- Book your cabin early to enjoy hot tubs, game rooms, and pet-friendly stays after your hike.
The Great Smoky Mountains are famous for their endless trails, but you do not have to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy the best views, waterfalls, and wildflowers. Whether you are traveling with kids, bringing your pup, or just want a laidback adventure, these 5 hiking trails in the Smokies under 5 miles deliver big rewards with minimal effort. When you stay at Eagles Ridge Resort, just 5 miles from the park entrance and only 1 mile from the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, you are perfectly positioned to explore them all.
1. Elkmont Nature Trail: Easy, Educational, and Perfect for Families
Distance & Difficulty: 0.8 miles roundtrip, easy
Dog-Friendly: No
Unique Feature:
Wander through peaceful woods, cross gentle creeks, and enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors. Interpretive signs along the way share stories about the area’s plants and animals, and history.
Family Tip:
This trail is a great option for families with little ones who want a quick, flat walk.
Insider Tip:
Elkmont Nature Trail is less crowded than many other Smokies hikes, making it a great spot for a quiet morning stroll.
Best Season:
Spring through fall for wildflowers and lush greenery.
Eagles Ridge Resort Connection:
After your walk, head back to your cabin for a snack on the deck or a relaxing soak in the hot tub.
2. Kuwohi Trail: Big Views With a Short Hike
Distance & Difficulty: 1 mile roundtrip, moderate (steep, paved)
Dog-Friendly: No
Unique Feature:
Reach the highest point in Tennessee. The paved path climbs to the Kuwohi Observation Tower, where you can see up to 100 miles on the clearest of days.
Family Tip:
The trail is short but steep, so it is best for older kids or those comfortable with a climb. It is not recommended to bring a stroller because of the steepness.
Insider Tip:
Arrive early for parking, especially in peak seasons. Bring a jacket, as temperatures at the top can be 20 degrees cooler than in Pigeon Forge.
Best Season:
Late spring through fall. The road is closed seasonally from December through March, making the trip to the Kuwohi Observation Tower require a much longer hike.
Eagles Ridge Resort Connection:
Start your day with breakfast in your cabin’s kitchen, then enjoy a scenic drive up to Kuwohi before hiking to the observation tower.
3. Gatlinburg Trail: The Only Dog-Friendly Trail on the Tennessee Side
Distance & Difficulty: 3.8 miles roundtrip, easy and mostly flat
Dog-Friendly: Yes (leash required)
Unique Feature:
This riverside trail is the only one in the Tennessee Smokies where you can bring your dog. Enjoy views of the Little Pigeon River, cross footbridges, and spot historic stone chimneys along the Gatlinburg Trail.
Family Tip:
The trail is wide and mostly flat, making it great for strollers and young kids. Start at the Sugarlands Visitor Center for easy parking.
Insider Tip:
It can get busy near the Gatlinburg end, especially on weekends. For a quieter walk, start early or begin from the Sugarlands side.
Best Season:
Year-round, with wildflowers in spring and beautiful river views anytime.
Eagles Ridge Resort Connection:
With pet-friendly cabins available, you and your pup can relax together after your hike.
4. Porters Creek Trail: Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and History
Distance & Difficulty: 4 miles roundtrip (to Fern Branch Falls), easy to moderate
Dog-Friendly: No
Unique Feature:
Follow a gentle path through lush forest to a 60-foot waterfall along the Porters Creek Trail. In spring, the trail is known for its incredible wildflower displays. You will also pass historic buildings and an old cemetery.
Family Tip:
The gradual incline is manageable for older kids. Bring a picnic to enjoy by the creek.
Insider Tip:
The trail can be muddy after rain, and wildflowers peak in April. Arrive early for parking.
Best Season:
Spring for wildflowers and fall for colorful foliage.
Eagles Ridge Resort Connection:
After your hike, unwind in your cabin’s game room or relax by the fireplace.
5. Grotto Falls Trail: Walk Behind a Waterfall
Distance & Difficulty: 2.6 miles roundtrip, easy to moderate
Dog-Friendly: No
Unique Feature:
Grotto Falls is the only waterfall in the Smokies you can walk behind. The trail winds through a lush forest of rhododendron and tall trees, making it a favorite for families and photographers.
Family Tip:
Kids love the experience of walking behind the falls. Keep an eye out for salamanders along the trail.
Insider Tip:
Parking fills up quickly, especially in peak seasons. Arrive early and use caution, as rocks near the falls can be slippery. The road to the trailhead is closed in winter.
Best Season:
Spring through fall for the best waterfall flow and scenery.
Eagles Ridge Resort Connection:
After your hike, soak tired feet in your private hot tub or enjoy a family meal back at your cabin.
FAQ: Short Hiking Trails in the Smokies
What is the easiest hike in the Smokies for families?
The Elkmont Nature Trail is one of the easiest options. It is only 0.8 miles roundtrip, mostly flat, and suitable for all ages.
Are there any dog-friendly hiking trails in the Smokies?
Yes. The Gatlinburg Trail is the only dog-friendly trail on the Tennessee side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Dogs must be kept on a leash.
Which short hikes in the Smokies are best for kids?
Elkmont Nature Trail, Gatlinburg Trail, and Grotto Falls Trail are all great choices thanks to easy terrain and fun features like waterfalls and river views.
Do I have to pay for parking to hike in the national park?
Yes. Vehicles left unattended for more than 15 minutes in the park require a parking tag. Daily parking tags are just $5 and can be purchased at visitor centers, kiosks throughout the park, or online. There is no entrance fee for the national park.
What are the best short waterfall hikes in the Smokies?
Grotto Falls and Porters Creek Trail to Fern Branch Falls are two of the best options. Grotto Falls is especially unique because you can walk behind the waterfall.
Are there stroller-friendly trails in the Smokies?
The Gatlinburg Trail is one of the most stroller-friendly options thanks to its wide, flat path.
When is the best time to see wildflowers on Smoky Mountain hikes?
April and May are peak months. Porters Creek Trail is especially known for its stunning spring wildflower displays.
Stay Near Short Hiking Trails in the Smokies
There’s nothing like crashing in a cabin after a day of spending time on hiking trails in the Smokies. Eagles Ridge Resort puts you about a 5 mile drive from all the fun in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with amenities like hot tubs, game rooms, and a community pool that make your trip truly unforgettable. Find your perfect Pigeon Forge cabin today and make your memories as relaxing, or adventurous, as you want!
