There’s something special about hiking through the Smoky Mountains and seeing their natural beauty up close. When you stay in our Pigeon Forge cabins, you’ll be just 5 minutes away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which has more than 850 miles of hiking trails. There are plenty of kid-friendly trails near our cabins that are perfect for families, so you can spend a day during vacation exploring the mountains. Here are the top 5 kid-friendly trails for hiking near Pigeon Forge:
1. Laurel Falls
The hike to Laurel Falls and back is 2.6 miles and worth every step. This paved trail is great for families. Both parents and children will enjoy getting to see the 80-foot waterfall at the end of the trail. The waterfall has both an upper and lower section that is divided by a walkway that crosses the stream at the base of the upper falls. It provides picture-perfect opportunities and is a relatively easy hike that children can do.
2. Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls is another great kid friendly trail in the Smoky Mountains! Grotto Falls is a 25-foot-high waterfall that you can get to from hiking the Trillium Gap Trail. The distance to the waterfall and back is 2.6 miles and considered moderate in difficulty. Children enjoy this hike because the trail runs right behind the waterfall! Be careful not to let them climb on the rocks around the waterfall though so they don’t slip and fall.
3. Baskins Creek Trail
Baskins Creek Trail is a little bit longer of a hike, just under 5 miles. But, it’s an easy trail for everyone in the family! Along the trail, you’ll see incredible mountain views, get to cross a footbridge, then follow the creek down the mountain. The last part of the trail before you reach the waterfall can be challenging to some because of its steepness, but it’s well worth the effort. Baskins Creek Falls is a 40-foot, 2-tiered waterfall that creates a gorgeous scene for all to enjoy.
4. Gatlinburg Trail
Gatlinburg Trail is one of the easiest kid friendly trails to hike in the park, and it’s one of the closest to Eagles Ridge Resort! The trail is 1.9 miles one way from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of Gatlinburg. It’s relatively flat, so you don’t have to worry about your kids climbing any steep hills. If you stay in one of our pet-friendly cabins in Pigeon Forge, bring your four-legged friend along for the hike! The Gatlinburg Trail is one of two walking paths in the park that allows dogs.
5. Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail
Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is the best if you’re looking for a short and simple path to enjoy the fresh mountain air. It is a half-mile loop trail that is paved and has a few walkout paths you can take down to the river. If you have children in a stroller, this is the ideal trail for hiking near Pigeon Forge! You’ll be able to see everything in just a short and relaxing stroll along the nature trail.
Planning on being in the Smokies this summer? Check out these summer hiking trails near Pigeon Forge!
Whether you visit during the winter and see snow-covered mountains and icicles, or visit during the spring and see wildflowers and cascading waterfalls, the whole family will love these kid-friendly trails for hiking near Pigeon Forge. Wondering what else you can do with your kids in the area? Check out these things to do with kids in Pigeon Forge.
