Five Easy Hikes Within 30 Minutes of Pigeon Forge

The Smokies have some of the best trails in the country, but not every cabin guest is up for an eight-mile slog with 3,000 feet of climbing. The good news: a handful of easy hikes within 30 minutes of Pigeon Forge are worth the trip on their own. Here are five that work for almost any group. ## What "easy" actually means For this list, easy means: - Under three miles round trip - Less than 500 feet of elevation gain - A defined trail you can follow without route-finding - Manageable for kids ages 6 and up and most adults These are not flat sidewalks. They are real trails with roots, rocks, and the occasional creek crossing. Wear real shoes. ## 1. Laurel Falls The most popular short hike in the park, and for good reason. About 2.6 miles round trip, paved most of the way, ending at an 80-foot waterfall. Roughly 25 minutes from the cabin. The catch: parking. The trailhead lot is small and fills by 8am on weekends. There is now a parking reservation system in place for many park lots, so check the latest rules before you go. Weekday mornings are still the easy answer. The reward is the waterfall, which is one of the most photographed in the park, and the paved surface, which makes it manageable for older kids and stroller-aged kids alike. ## 2. Gatlinburg Trail A flat, two-mile each way, paved trail that runs from the edge of Gatlinburg into the national park. About 30 minutes from the cabin. The Gatlinburg Trail is one of only two trails in the park that allows dogs. It is also good for bikes. The trail follows the Little Pigeon River the whole way. Plenty of pullouts, easy turnaround points, and a good option if you want a walk that does not require any climbing. ## 3. Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail Half a mile, paved, accessible. Starts from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. About 30 minutes from the cabin. If you want a hike that works for a stroller, a wheelchair, or anyone who wants to be in the trees without the climb, this is it. The trail loops through old homestead sites and along the river. Worth pairing with a stop at the visitor center. ## 4. Cataract Falls Just behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center. About a mile round trip on a gentle path that ends at a small waterfall. Easy enough for almost any group, and not as crowded as Laurel Falls. The trailhead is right at the visitor center, so parking is easy. The walk is mostly shaded. The waterfall is smaller than Laurel but it is a quieter visit. ## 5. Pigeon Forge Greenway Not technically a trail in the park, but a paved walking path that runs through town along the river. About 10 minutes from the cabin. The Greenway is the right answer for a slow afternoon walk, a kid on a scooter, or a morning when you do not want to drive into the park. Flat, paved, well-shaded for most of the route. ## What to pack for an easy hike The risk on easy hikes is underpacking. People treat a short hike like a walk to the mailbox and end up out longer than expected. A minimum pack: - One water bottle per person - A small snack - A rain shell if the day looks unsettled - Sunscreen - A phone with the trail map downloaded for offline use - A small first-aid kit You will rarely need all of this. The day you need any of it, you really need it. ## When to go Mornings are better than afternoons. Weekdays are better than weekends. Early in the season and late in the season are better than peak summer. A workable rhythm for cabin guests: - Up by 7am, on the trail by 8am - Done by 10:30am, back at the cabin by 11am - Late breakfast on the deck - Afternoon for rest, town, or a second short outing This rhythm beats the heat in summer, the crowds in any season, and leaves the bulk of the day for cabin time. ## Pair the hike with a meal A short morning hike pairs well with a late breakfast or an early lunch back at the cabin. The Old Mill area is also close to several of these trailheads and works well for a lunch stop. Avoid trying to do two hikes in one day. The cabin is more fun than a second trail. Save the second hike for the next morning. ## Build a hike into your stay If you are reading this and planning a cabin trip, build a hike into Day 2 or Day 3 of your stay. Not Day 1, which is for settling. Not the departure day, which is for packing and slow mornings. [Check our calendar](/availability) for open dates, [contact us](/contact) with any questions about cabin access or local trails. The [things to do page](/things-to-do) has more on hiking, parks, and outings near the cabin. The Smokies do not require an epic hike to be memorable. Five easy ones close to the cabin are often the right move.