Gatlinburg, TN

Smoky Mountain National Park

Laurel Falls (currently closed, set to reopen Spring 2026)

    This set of falls is probably even more popular than Abrams - or maybe it just seems like it is because it's a shorter hike and not near the room at the falls for people to spread out.  Because of this and of trail conditions, this hike will be closed until Spring 2026 to improve trail conditions and viewing platforms.  This is an easier moderate trail that is only about 1.25 miles roundtrip and is paved so it allows strollers access (although there is quite a bit of uphill).

Cataract Falls

    These falls are located on a short, 1 mile roundtrip trail at the Sugarlands Visitor Center.  This is a very easy trail and would be great for strollers and possibly wheelchairs - the trail surface is asphalt, cement or packed dirt.  Even though these falls are small, it's a really pretty walk through the woods.

 

Clingmans Dome, Cherokee, NC

Great Smoky Mountains, Cherokee NC

I wanted to include these hikes together because they are all easy to hit in the same day.

Clingman's Dome

    This is the highest point in the Smokies and is on the TN/NC line.  The good news is that you get to drive to the top, then it's a short 1/2 mile up on a paved path.  The bad news is, it's uphill the whole way.  However, with frequent breaks, it's not so bad and the views are amazing!! even from the parking lot!

Socco Falls

    This is a short walk down to the observation deck for this double waterfall.  However, to get down to the base requires a little bit of scrambling down a bank.  There are some ropes to help get down and of course trees and roots help also.  

Mingo Falls

    This is also a pretty short hike at only 1/2 a mile round trip, but does require about 160 stairs to climb.  These falls were so pretty, even with lower flow.  Would recommend going in the rainier season.

 

Kingsport (Bays Mountain, part 2)

 Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium

    For more information about the park, see previous post :)

 

Holly Loop

    This is a great short trail!  It's relatively easy and only about 1 mile in length.  You access it from Lakeside Trail - make you loop and head back.  It is a good option if you want a quick hike or even to extend Lakeside a little more.  

Bays Ridge Road to Lake Road

    This trail is best used when the leaves are off the trees so that you get the best view.  It's definitely a climb, but not steep and offers beautiful views from the top.  You can hike back down the same way or make a loop and go back Lake Road.  To make the loop is about 2.25 miles

Bays Mountain to Laurel Run

    There are several options for this hike - which can be from 12 to 15 miles if you choose to hike up to the radio towers first - there and back.  When we hiked, we only went one way and had someone pick us up at Laurel Run and bring us back to Bays.  We hiked up to the fire tower, which is the hardest part because the rest is practically down hill from there.  We kept to the upper trails (looking at a map) and had no problems navigating it.  We probably hiked close to 7 miles one way.  If you want to hike there and back, I would recommend starting at Laurel Run, so that you can get the uphill in first - then hike to the fire tower or radio towers and then turn around.  

Dolan Branch Falls

    I did not even realize there were falls at Bays when I started hiking - and while it isn't a true waterfall - because it is dam controlled, which means if there hasn't been rain, there is no falls.  But, it's still pretty when there has been and it's a neat area to explore.  It's only about 3/4 mile roundtrip and you have to walk across the road at the park to access it, so just be aware of that. The trail is just across from the dam.   

Cliffside Trail

    This trail is on the steeper side and goes along the edge of the mountain.  It's short at only 1 mile roundtrip and ends at a lookout tower that you can climb up and have a picnic or just enjoy the view.  You can continue up to the radio towers for another 1.5 miles or just return back down.  

Orchid Trail

    This trail is a short 3/4 mile trail between Lake Road and Bays Ridge.  Even though it is short, it's challenging because it is on the steeper side.  

Moonshiners Delight

    This is primarily a mountain bike trail, but it's a great one for trail runners and for hiking.  It's not overly strenuous, however, you're looking at at least 7 miles.  When I hiked it, it was 8 - that's accessing it from Big Oak and hiking to River Mountain Road.  There was .30 at the beginning that I missed and I cut out the last .5 mile because I actually thought it ended at River Mountain.  It's a great trail and easy to navigate.  There are several options if you wanted to only hike half, hike the entire trail or just most of the middle.