5 Best Kid-Friendly Hikes in the Smoky Mountains

Planning a family vacation to the Smoky Mountains? Hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best outdoor activities for kids of all ages! Whether you're staying in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, or Sevierville, these family-friendly hikes offer beautiful views, easy terrain, and unforgettable memories in nature.

At Great Escape Shop, we help families find the perfect cabin retreat—and we know all the best hikes to enjoy with your little adventurers. Below are five of our favorite easy Smoky Mountain hikes for kids.

1. Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail

• Length: 0.5 miles (loop)

• Trailhead: Sugarlands Visitor Center, Gatlinburg, TN

• Stroller-Friendly: Yes

This easy paved trail in the Smoky Mountains is ideal for toddlers and grandparents alike. It winds through lush forest and along a gentle stream, with benches for rest stops. It's one of the most accessible trails in the park and perfect for a short nature walk.

2. Laurel Falls Trail

• Length: 2.6 miles (round trip)

• Trailhead: Little River Road

• Stroller-Friendly: Not recommended—use a baby carrier

Laurel Falls is one of the most popular waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains, and for good reason! The mostly paved trail leads to a stunning 80-foot waterfall. Kids will love the reward at the end, but keep an eye out on steep sections. Go early to beat the crowds!

3. Kephart Prong Trail

• Length: 4 miles (round trip)

• Trailhead: Newfound Gap Road

• Stroller-Friendly: No

Perfect for school-age kids, this fun forest hike features four log footbridges and remnants of historic buildings. It’s shaded and offers creek views and places to play in the water—bring water shoes! This is a great spot for young explorers.

4. Gatlinburg Trail

• Length: 3.8 miles (round trip)

• Trailhead: Sugarlands Visitor Center

• Stroller-Friendly: Yes

This wide, flat trail follows the Little Pigeon River and is one of the only dog-friendly hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a great choice for families with small children or pets. There are also plenty of photo ops and river access points.

5. Elkmont Nature Trail

• Length: 0.8 miles (loop)

• Trailhead: Elkmont Campground

• Stroller-Friendly: No

This quiet nature trail is perfect for a peaceful stroll through the woods. It features mossy logs, tall trees, and even the remains of the old Elkmont community. This is a great hike to introduce kids to Smoky Mountain history and nature.

Tips for Hiking with Kids in the Smokies:

• Pack plenty of snacks, water, sunscreen, and bug spray.

• Use a baby carrier for uneven or narrow trails.

• Let your kids lead and turn the hike into a nature scavenger hunt!

• Go early in the day to avoid crowds and afternoon heat.

🏡 Stay Close to the Trails at Great Escape Shop

After a fun day on the trail, unwind in one of our cozy, kid-approved cabins at Great Escape Shop. Soak in the hot tub at Honey Hive, enjoy peaceful creekside moments at Tucked Inn, or take in the panoramic mountain views from the wraparound deck at Breathless. All of our properties offer easy access to Smoky Mountain adventures and the comfort your family deserves.

👉 Browse our family cabins here

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