Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country, sitting right next to Pigeon Forge, TN. With more than 800 miles of trails to explore, it’s easy to find a hike that matches your family’s pace. From a flat, creekside stroll with a toddler to a moderate climb to the highest grassy bald in the Smoky Mountains, each is accessible and has its own payoff: a photo-worthy waterfall, a lush wildflower-filled meadow, unmatched mountain views, and a piece of Appalachian history.
Start exploring the Smoky Mountains on these kid-friendly hiking trails to make the most of your Pigeon Forge family vacation.
Gatlinburg Trail
An Easy Hike For First-Timers and Younger Kids
The Gatlinburg Trail is the most accessible hike on this list and a strong choice for families with young children or anyone new to hiking. It starts at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, about 20 minutes from Pigeon Forge, and follows the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River for about 2 miles.
Why it works for kids: The grade is flat, the footing is manageable, and the trail passes a small waterfall and an old footbridge along the way. Pets on a leash and bikes are also permitted here, making it a well-rounded experience for families with dogs or older kids on bikes.
Trail Details
- Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center
- Roundtrip Length: 3.9 Miles
- Difficulty Rating: 4.37 (easy)
- GPS Coordinates: 35.68579 -83.53677
Porters Creek Trail
A Perfect Trail for History, Wildflowers & Creek Views
The Porters Creek Trail starts in Greenbrier Cove and follows the creek along an old gravel road before narrowing into the forest. The trail passes remnants of the Elbert Cantrell farmstead, the Ownby Cemetery, and the John Messer farm site, all still preserved.
Why it works for kids: The wide gravel road at the start makes the first mile easy for young hikers, while the creek crossings, old stone walls, and farm ruins capture kids’ attention. In late spring, the wildflower bloom along Porters Creek is one of the most impressive displays in the park, making it a must-visit spring hike for families.
Trail Details
- Location: Greenbrier
- Roundtrip Length: 4.0 Miles
- Difficulty Rating: 5.4 (moderate)
- GPS Coordinates: 35.69696 -83.38773
Laurel Falls
A Path to the Most Popular Smoky Mountain Waterfall
Laurel Falls Trail is the most popular waterfall hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The paved, relatively short 2.3-mile round-trip path ends at an 80-foot waterfall with a bridge, offering one of the best family photo spots in the Smokies. The trail is rated easy, but the paving is rocky and uneven in sections, with a few steep drop-offs near the falls. Wear appropriate shoes and keep small children close as you approach the water.
Note: Laurel Falls Trail is closed as of Jan. 6, 2025, for 18 months of rehabilitation work. Get more information and view alternate hikes.
Trail Details
- Location: Little River Road
- Roundtrip Length: 2.3 Miles
- Difficulty Rating: 2.93 (easy)
- GPS Coordinates: 35.67208 – 83.58068
Andrews Bald
A Smoky Mountain Hike Leading to Stunning Views
Andrews Bald is a 1.8-mile hike each way that starts with a descent down Forney Ridge from the Kuwohi parking lot and ends with an uphill trek into a high-elevation grassy meadow. At roughly 6,300 feet, this is the highest-elevation trail on this list, and the panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains from the open ridge are unlike anything else in the park.
Why it works for kids: Although moderately difficult, the trial is short, and the payoff is an open meadow with 360-degree views. The spacious, open meadow is a perfect spot to stop for a picnic before heading down. Make sure to pack extra layers as the temperatures at Kuwohi are noticeably lower than in Pigeon Forge (even in summer).
Trail Details
- Location: Kuwohi Area (formerly known as Clingmans Dome)
- Roundtrip Length: 3.5 Miles
- Difficulty Rating: 5.30 (moderate)
- GPS Coordinates: 35.55646 -83.49591
Exploring has never been so fun! Get those hiking shoes ready and check out one of these great Smoky Mountain hiking trails for kids on your next visit to Pigeon Forge.
Visit Pigeon Forge and get your adventure started!! We love seeing Pigeon Forge through your lens. Make sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. Don’t forget to tag your photos with #mypigeonforge for the chance to be featured on our website.
Ready to Explore the Trails?
These four trails cover the range of what families can experience in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, from a peaceful hike along the river to a meadow showcasing incredible views. Before you head out, check current trail conditions at nps.gov; the park updates closures and alerts regularly. And if you’re looking for more to do after the hike, explore more things to do with the kids on your family vacation in Pigeon Forge.
