Gatlinburg Trail (Hike) - Free
Description: This is one of only two trails in the entire park that allows dogs and bicycles. It's a 3.9-mile roundtrip, relatively flat trail that follows the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River from the Sugarlands Visitor Center right into Gatlinburg.
Address: 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (Trailhead at Sugarlands)
Website: LINK
Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail - Free
Description: A very easy, 0.5-mile accessible loop trail that's perfect for a quick warm-up. It's awesome because it's paved, flat, and features interesting interpretive signs about the area's history before it became a park.
Address: Sugarlands Valley Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (Just south of Sugarlands Visitor Center)
Website: LINK
Elkmont Nature Trail - Free
Description: A gentle 0.8-mile loop trail that takes you through a beautiful forest setting and past the remnants of old cabins. It's a peaceful, non-strenuous walk perfect for getting into the park groove.
Address: Elkmont Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Explore Patriot Park - Free
Description: A beautiful, flat park in Pigeon Forge with a half-mile walking trail that features flags from all 50 states and several memorials. It's a great spot for a leisurely but long walk along the river.
Address: 186 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Website: LINK
Walk The Island in Pigeon Forge - Free
Description: While "Everyone" can enjoy the fountains and shops, the "Active" group can make a workout of it by walking the full perimeter, browsing all the levels, and exploring every corner of this large, bustling complex.
Address: 131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Website: LINK
Gatlinburg Trail (Full Length) - Free
Description: If you didn't do it in the morning, this 3.9-mile roundtrip hike is a great afternoon option. It's a super awesome "Active" choice because it's a long, flat walk perfect for getting in steps without strenuous climbing.
Address: 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (Trailhead at Sugarlands)
Website: LINK
Alum Cave Trail (to Arch Rock) - Free
Description: This is one of the most popular hikes in the park. The full hike is strenuous, but the hike to Arch Rock is a perfect moderate 2.8-mile roundtrip. It's awesome because you hike along a beautiful creek and climb through a natural stone arch.
Address: Alum Cave Trailhead, Newfound Gap Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Laurel Falls Trail (Hike)- Free
Description: A 2.3-mile roundtrip hike on a paved trail to an 80-foot waterfall you can walk in front of. It's awesome for its big payoff, but be aware: though paved, it's steep and can be crowded. (Note: This is also an option for "Everyone" members who are steady on their feet but can't do uneven terrain).
Address: Laurel Falls Trailhead, Little River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Andrews Bald (Hike) - Free
Description: This 3.6-mile roundtrip trail starts from the Clingmans Dome parking lot (check road status, it closes in winter). It's awesome because it takes you through a high-elevation forest to a grassy "bald" with incredible panoramic views.
Address: Clingmans Dome Parking Area, Clingmans Dome Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713
Website: LINK
Kuwohi Tower - Formerly Clingmans Dome Tower (Walk) - Free
Description: (Check road status!) The parking lot offers amazing views, but for the "Active" group, the 0.5-mile steep paved walk to the 360-degree observation tower is a must-do. It's awesome because it's the highest point in the park and in Tennessee.
Address: Clingmans Dome Parking Area, Clingmans Dome Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713
Website: LINK
Mingus Creek Trail - Free
Description: Located near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, this trail follows a beautiful, rushing creek up a gentle incline. You can hike as far as you like, but the first 1.5 miles (3 miles roundtrip) are a wonderful, lush forest walk.
Address: Mingus Creek Trailhead, Newfound Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Website: LINK
Explore Downtown Gatlinburg Strip - Free
Description: A classic "urban hike." Park at one end (like the Aquarium) and walk the entire 1.5-mile strip and back. It's awesome for people-watching, seeing the holiday lights, and browsing the hundreds of unique shops and mini-attractions.
Address: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (Start anywhere on the Parkway)
Website: LINK
Riverwalk Trail (Pigeon Forge) - Free
Description: A peaceful, 4-mile (one-way) paved greenway that runs from The Island, past the Old Mill, and all the way to Patriot Park. It's awesome for a long, uninterrupted walk or jog away from the Parkway traffic, right along the river.
Address: Trail access at 131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 (or Patriot Park)
Website: LINK
Outdoor Gravity Park.com - Paid
Description: This is the only place in the U.S. where you can go "Zorbing"—rolling down a 1,000-foot hill in a giant, inflatable ball..
Address: 203 Sugar Hollow Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Website: LINK
Metcalf Bottoms Trail to Little Greenbrier School - Free
Description: A very easy 1.2-mile roundtrip walk to a historic schoolhouse and cemetery. It's awesome because it's a flat, simple walk that's packed with history. You can pair this with a picnic at the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area.
Address: Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, Little River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Anakeesta's Treetop Skywalk & AnaVista Tower - Paid
Description: While "Everyone" enjoys the village, the "Active" group can tackle the Treetop Skywalk (880 feet of bridges suspended 50-60 feet in the air) and climb the 100+ stairs of the AnaVista Tower for the highest 360-view in Gatlinburg.
Address: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail - Free
Description: Drive up to Newfound Gap and hike a 3-mile roundtrip section. You can go "north" toward Charlies Bunion or "south" toward Clingmans Dome. It's awesome just to say you've hiked a piece of the most famous trail in the world.
Address: Newfound Gap, US-441, Cherokee, NC 28719
Website: LINK
Porters Creek Trail - Free
Description: Located in the Greenbrier section of the park, this trail is a hidden gem. A 4-mile roundtrip hike takes you past historic farmsteads and a cemetery, and in spring, it's famous for wildflowers. In fall, it's quiet and beautiful.
Address: Greenbrier Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (Follow signs for Porters Creek)
Website: LINK
Abrams Falls Trail (Hike) - Free
Description: This 5-mile roundtrip hike (the trailhead is on the Cades Cove Loop) is a classic. It's a moderate trail that leads to a high-volume 20-foot waterfall. It's awesome for the powerful, rushing water, which is unlike the tall, thin falls elsewhere.
Address: Abrams Falls Trailhead, Cades Cove Loop Rd, Townsend, TN 37882
Website: LINK
Cades Cove Nature Trail - Free
Description: A very short, easy trail near the start of the loop that's a good leg-stretcher. It's a simple, quiet walk through the woods.
Address: Cades Cove Loop Rd, Townsend, TN 37882
Website: LINK
Hike to John Oliver Cabin - Free
Description: This is the first historic structure on the Cades Cove Loop. Instead of just looking from the road, the "Active" group can park and walk the 0.5-mile roundtrip path to explore the cabin up close, testing your legs for the Abrams Falls hike later.
Address: Cades Cove Loop Rd, Townsend, TN 37882
Website: LINK
Grotto Falls Trail (Hike) - Free
Description: This 2.6-mile roundtrip hike (trailhead is on the Roaring Fork loop) is a fan favorite. It's super awesome because it's the only waterfall in the Smokies that you can actually walk behind. It's a magical experience.
Address: Grotto Falls Trailhead, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Trillium Gap Trail (to Grotto Falls) - Free
Description: This is the same trail as Grotto Falls, but it's famous for another reason: it's the path the llama trains use to supply LeConte Lodge. It's awesome to hike a trail knowing you might encounter a train of llamas on their way up the mountain.
Address: Grotto Falls Trailhead, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Explore the Noah "Bud" Ogle Place - Free
Description: Right at the start of the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, this historic homestead has a cabin and a fantastic, working "flume" system that channels water. It's a great 0.5-mile self-guided walking tour.
Address: Cherokee Orchard Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Thanksgiving Day Hike - Free
Description: Pick a favorite trail! The trails are open 365 days a year. A Thanksgiving morning hike to Grotto Falls or Laurel Falls is an awesome way to build up an appetite and enjoy the peacefulness of the park on a holiday.
Address: Any trailhead in GSMNP
Website: LINK
Gatlinburg Trail - Free
Description: This is a perfect Thanksgiving hike. It's flat, easy, and right on the edge of town. An awesome, 3.9-mile roundtrip walk to get the blood pumping before the big meal.
Address: 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (Trailhead at Sugarlands)
Website: LINK
Alum Cave Trail (to Arch Rock) - Free
Description: A 2.8-mile roundtrip hike that's just challenging enough. It's an awesome choice for Thanksgiving because it's one of the park's most scenic, and the trailhead is right on the main, open road (US-441).
Address: Alum Cave Trailhead, Newfound Gap Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Ober Mountain (Snow Tubing) - Paid
Description: (Typically open). If there's snow (or they're making it), the 90-minute snow tubing session is a blast. It's awesome fun, requires no skill, and is a great way to be active.
Address: 1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Gatlinburg Winter Magic (Holiday Lights) - Free
Description: After dark, the whole city lights up for Winterfest. It's awesome to take a long walk (2-3 miles roundtrip) from one end of the Parkway to the other, purely to see the millions of twinkling lights.
Address: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Post-Dinner Park Overlook - Free
Description: Take a drive up the Gatlinburg Bypass to the main overlook. It's awesome to see the city lights twinkling in the valley below after your Thanksgiving meal. A peaceful, 10-minute activity.
Address: Gatlinburg Bypass, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Deep Creek Waterfall Loop (Hike) - Free
Description: A bit of a drive (near Bryson City, NC), but worth it. This is a 2.4-mile loop that takes you to three different, beautiful waterfalls: Tom Branch, Indian Creek, and Juney Whank. It's awesome for its "3-in-1" reward.
Address: Deep Creek Trailhead, Bryson City, NC 28713
Website: LINK
The Sinks (Waterfall) & Meigs Creek Trail - Free
Description: "The Sinks" is a powerful, dramatic waterfall visible from a parking lot on Little River Road. The "Active" group can cross the road and hike the Meigs Creek Trail, a 3.4-mile roundtrip walk through a beautiful forest.
Address: Little River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Townsend Historical Trail - Free
Description: A flat, 9-mile (one-way) paved trail that runs the length of Townsend. It's awesome for a long-distance walk or jog, away from traffic, with beautiful river and mountain views.
Address: 7906 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882
Website: LINK
Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster - Paid
Description: A thrilling downhill ride where you control the speed. It's awesome because it's a mix of an active thrill and a scenic ride, taking you on a high-speed adventure through the woods.
Address: 386 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Rainbow Falls Trail (Hike) - Free
Description: A more strenuous 5.4-mile roundtrip hike to an 80-foot waterfall. It's awesome for the "Active" group looking for a true, rocky, challenging hike that's a classic in the park.
Address: Rainbow Falls Trailhead, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Hike to Cataract Falls - Free
Description: A hidden gem right behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center. This is a very easy 1.1-mile roundtrip walk to a lovely, multi-tiered waterfall. It's awesome for a quick, rewarding hike that many people miss.
Address: 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (Behind Sugarlands)
Website: LINK
Grotto Falls Trail (Hike) - Free
Description: If you haven't done it yet, make this your last hike. The 2.6-mile roundtrip walk behind a waterfall is an awesome and unforgettable way to say goodbye to the Smokies.
Address: Grotto Falls Trailhead, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Laurel Falls Trail (Hike) - Free
Description: A 2.3-mile roundtrip paved trail that's a perfect "last hike." It's awesome for its accessibility (if steep) and the beautiful 80-foot waterfall.
Address: Laurel Falls Trailhead, Little River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Gatlinburg Trail - Free
Description: A final, 3.9-mile roundtrip flat walk along the river. It's an awesome, peaceful way to reflect on the week and enjoy the park's nature one last time without a strenuous climb.
Address: 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (Trailhead at Sugarlands)
Website: LINK
Walk the Riverwalk Trail (Pigeon Forge) - Free
Description: A final long, flat walk. Starting from The Island or Patriot Park, you can go as far as you like on this paved trail. It's awesome for a last bit of exercise before getting in the car.
Address: Trail access at 131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Website: LINK
Final Walk on the Gatlinburg Strip - Free
Description: Soak in the last bit of the mountain-town atmosphere. It's awesome for grabbing a last-minute t-shirt or fudge and seeing all the sights you may have missed.
Address: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Explore Patriot Park - Free
Description: A simple, flat loop in a beautiful setting. It's awesome for a quiet, reflective final walk with the family.
Address: 186 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Website: LINK