The Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits about 13 miles from Sevierville — close enough for a half-day hike without eating into your whole vacation. Here are the easiest, most rewarding trails to start with.
Laurel Falls
The single most popular hike in the park, and for good reason — a 2.6-mile round trip on a paved (if occasionally steep) trail leading to an 80-foot cascading waterfall. Go early; the trailhead parking fills up fast.
Gatlinburg Trail
A flat, easy 1.9-mile trail running from the Sugarlands Visitor Center into downtown Gatlinburg — and one of only two trails in the entire national park where dogs are allowed on a leash. A great pick if you’re traveling with a dog and staying at one of our pet-friendly cabins.
Cataract Falls
A short, easy 0.7-mile round trip to a 40-foot waterfall, also starting from Sugarlands Visitor Center. A good option with younger kids or if you only have an hour to spare.
Clingmans Dome
Not a waterfall hike, but worth the drive — a steep half-mile paved path leads to the highest point in the park and, on a clear day, views into five different states.
Nearly 800 miles of maintained trail run through the national park, so these are just a starting point. Whichever you pick, you’ll be back at your cabin in Sevierville well before dinner.
