Are you planning a camping trip to the Smoky Mountains? If so, we can’t wait to welcome you to our incredible Pigeon Forge campground for your stay! Here at Camp RiversLanding, we work hard to make sure that everyone who comes to stay with us has an amazing time soaking in the beauty of the Smokies while enjoying convenient amenities and more right here at our campground. However, if you are looking to venture out to explore the surrounding area during your time with us, we have gone ahead and put together this helpful list of some of the top hikes in the Smoky Mountains that you may want to check out during your trip! Let’s get started:
1. Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail
First up on our list of hikes in the Smoky Mountains, we have the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail. This is a short and relatively easy loop that is located near Gatlinburg, and is an excellent choice for families with young children or older adults. The trail is 0.5 miles long and is fully paved, making it the most accessible trail at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Since the trail runs along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, you can also enjoy some great views along the way!
2. Gatlinburg Trail
Another easy option among hikes in the Smoky Mountains is the Gatlinburg Trail. Located right near downtown Gatlinburg, this trail is one of the only pet-friendly places at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it a perfect place to bring your furry friend along for some fresh air and exercise. Along the way, you will be able to see the remnants of several historic homesteads, as well as the river running alongside the trail!
3. Grotto Falls Trail
For those looking to see a waterfall in the Smoky Mountains, Grotto Falls Trail is a great choice. This 2.6-mile round trip hike takes visitors past old growth forest to Grotto Falls. When you reach Grotto Falls, you can actually walk along the path to see the back side of the waterfall, an experience that is not available anywhere else at Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
4. Rainbow Falls Trail
Yet another of the hikes in the Smoky Mountains that we think you may enjoy is Rainbow Falls Trail, which takes you to another of the incredible waterfalls here in the Smokies. The hike is a 5.4-mile round trip with a good amount of uphill climbing, but when you reach your destination, you will be able to take in the views of 80-foot-tall Rainbow Falls and the famous rainbow shimmer effect that is created as the afternoon light shines on the waterfall’s mist.
5. Alum Cave Trail
If you are looking for incredible views, Alum Cave Trail is one of the hikes in the Smoky Mountains you will want to check out. This trail is among the most challenging on this list, as it is a 5-mile round trip that has more than 500 feet of elevation gain along the way. However, you will be well-rewarded for your efforts, as Alum Cave Bluffs present an amazing opportunity to soak in the gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. We strongly recommend wearing closed-toed hiking shoes and bringing plenty of drinking water with you when you embark on this hike.
When you check out some of these excellent hikes in the Smoky Mountains, you will be able to explore the area’s natural beauty while getting some fresh air and exercise! If you are ready to go ahead and plan your getaway to the Smoky Mountains today, you can simply reserve your spot at our Pigeon Forge campground right here on our website. We can’t wait to welcome you!
