Old Sugarlands is a wide trail and does not have any dangerous drop-offs to worry about. The surface is an old mountain road and still looks like a two-lane road through the woods. Signs along the trail point to the Sugarlands Cemetery, an abandoned schoolhouse, and other points of interest.
Gatlinburg Trail is one of only two trails in the entire Great Smoky Mountains National Park that allows dogs. In addition, Gatlinburg Trail is one of only four trails in the park where visitors may ride bikes. Begin in Gatlinburg or at the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
This trail has a flat, paved surface suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. The short distance makes it a quick hike of less than thirty minutes. Physically handicapped persons can enjoy the great outdoors on this trail if they cannot access trails that are more traditional.
The surface is a typical mountain trail of packed dirt with occasional roots and gravel. The trail is one mile long and nearly flat, so it is family friendly. Most people can complete the hike in 45 minutes or so. This is a great introductory trail for a hiking newbie. Look for it at the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
The wildflowers along Little River Trail in April and May are spectacular, some of the best in the park. If you happen to be hiking in the fall (October), the leaf colors are breathtaking. You will not find a more beautiful spot to see fall colors up close and personal in the Smoky Mountains.
Begin your hike on Little River Trail and arrive at Husky Branch Falls after walking 2.1 miles. The waterfall is 20’ tall and is a great place for photos. Walk another 0.3 mile and turn right onto Cucumber Gap Trail.
The historic Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse is just a short hike up Metcalf Bottoms Trail. Continue on via the Little Brier Gap Trail to visit the homestead of the last residents of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Walker Sisters.
The highlight of this trail is the water. Several beautiful waterfalls and cascades can be found all along the trail. While Abrams Falls Trail is by far the more popular trail, the waterfalls and water features of Middle Prong Trail are much better. If you want to see water, this is the trail you want to schedule.
The easiest way to get to the trailhead is to drive to Fontana Village Resort Marina and take the boat shuttle. You can top off your water supply and use the restroom before boarding for the short trip across Fontana Lake. I could live on a boat, so there is no other choice in my opinion.
This trail is a well used, one mile (round trip), out and back, beginning at the Cades Cove Loop Road. The surface is well maintained, consisting of compacted dirt and gravel. Since this trail is easy to walk, very short, located in Cades Cove, and has several buildings to see, it is crowded. You will never walk alone on this trail.
The National Park Service announced that the park will re-open in phases beginning May 9, 2020. AWESOME!
For details, please read our Front Page News post.