Do you want to hike in the Smokies but you don’t have to have to go too far? There are several hikes near Gatlinburg TN you can go on that aren’t too far from downtown! They also range from easy to difficult and the amount of miles. Here are the top 6 hikes near Gatlinburg TN you should go on:

1. Gatlinburg Trail

The Gatlinburg Trail is considered easy and is 3.8 miles roundtrip. You’ll hike alongside the Little Pigeon River for most of the trail, so you can enjoy looking at it and playing in the water. Then you’ll cross a footbridge over the river and hike through dense forest. There are old remains from homesteads along the trail, and this is one of the only dog friendly trails in the entire national park.

2. Twin Creeks Trail

Another hike near Gatlinburg TN you should go on is Twin Creeks Trail. This trail is also considered easy, and it is 4.5 miles roundtrip. This trail has a lot of dense forest that is beautiful any time of the year. You’ll cross over creeks, and you will probably see historic buildings along this trail too. Plus, if you want to see a unique spot in the Smokies, the House of the Fairies is along this trail!

3. Baskins Creek Trail

If you want to see a beautiful waterfall, you should hike Baskins Creek Trail. This moderate trail is 3 miles roundtrip. You’ll cross over creeks and walk through a ton of forest along this trail. Near the end, you’ll come to Baskins Creek Falls. This waterfall is 40 feet tall and has a few tiers.

4. Grotto Falls

Grotto Falls is another one of the beautiful waterfall hikes near Gatlinburg TN. It is 3 miles roundtrip and is considered moderate. It takes about 2 to 3 hours to hike to and from the waterfall. You’ll hike through a ton of forest, and you might see llamas along the way taking supplies to the summit of Mount LeConte. Grotto Falls is 20 feet tall, and it is the only waterfall in the Smokies you can walk behind.

5. Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is a moderate trail that is 5.4 miles roundtrip. You’ll hike through beautiful Smoky Mountain forests, and when you get to the waterfall, you’ll see why people love hiking to this place. This waterfall is 80 feet tall, making it the tallest single-drop waterfall in the national park. In the afternoons, the sun hits the mist just right and creates a rainbow, which is where the name comes from.

6. Bullhead Trail

Another great hike near Gatlinburg TN is Bullhead Trail. This is one of the trails you can take to get to the summit of Mount LeConte. There are several forests you’ll hike through, and there are cool features you’ll see along your hike, including The Pulpit. Closer to the end of the hike, you’ll see incredible mountain views.

Want to see more waterfalls while you’re in town? Here are the top waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains!

If you want to explore the Smokies, going on these hikes near Gatlinburg TN is a great way to do it. They aren’t too far from downtown, and you’ll have a blast! Are you ready to plan your trip to explore the Smokies? Look at our Pigeon Forge hotel rooms and book yours today!