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Gatlinburg Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
 3.1 (7)
  1. Areas
  2. TN
  3. …Eastern TN
  4. Gatlinburg
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“A trail from Gatlinburg to Sugarlands Visitor Center that allows dogs and bikes. ”

David Hitchcock
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Map Key

2.8

Miles

4.4

KM

Out and Back

1,417' 432 m

High

1,333' 406 m

Low

102' 31 m

Up

102' 31 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

5%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek

Family Friendly This trail is flat, paved in most sections, and popular among locals for exercising. You can ride your bike and bring your dog on this trail.

Overview

The Gatlinburg Trail runs from River Road in Gatlinburg to the Sugarlands Visitor Center. It's really a 1.9-mile exercise path for the locals versus a trail in the mountains, although you can enjoy the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River and some history of the area. If you're looking to get away from everything going on in Gatlinburg, it's a good trail to take.

Description

The first part of the trail is between the river and Newfound Gap Road. Cross the footbridge over the river, enjoying the views of the river. You'll come across chimneys and foundations from old homesites, which you can explore. Throughout this area, you'll find various artifacts that speak to the history of the area. The park didn't always exist and people lived here before the national park was established.

You'll pass portions of the West Prong, offering great picture opportunities. The gravel path becomes paved as you reach the maintenance area for the park. Once you get past the maintenance area, you make your way past the Little River Ranger Station and the park headquarters, a large stone building. This is where park employees work on making sure the park can handle the 10 million plus people that visit the park each year. The trail winds its way to Sugarlands Visitor Center. It's a little confusing making your way through all these buildings and paths, but you eventually end at your destination.

If you are looking for solitude, this is not the trail for you. While it is primarily a hiking/running trail, this is one of the three trails in the park that you can ride your bike and one of two trails that you can bring your dog on.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Shared By:

David Hitchcock
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.1 from 7 votes

#1

in Gatlinburg

#4923

Overall
  3.1 from 7 votes
5 Star
14%
4 Star
14%
3 Star
43%
2 Star
29%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Gatlinburg

#87

in Tennessee

#4,923

Overall
26 Views Last Month
3,824 Since Sep 4, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
57%
14%
29%
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Photos

Entering the park.
Feb 2, 2016 near Gatlinburg, TN

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 14, 2024
Jacee Reihing
Jun 27, 2023
Tim Rowland
May 31, 2023
Megan Green
Apr 5, 2023
Jacqueline Gest
Dec 6, 2022
Lauren Dant
Pregnant with Murphee
Jul 26, 2022
Michael Mccarter
Hiked it, Biked it
Jun 9, 2022
Charly Jackson
Mar 20, 2022
Jacob Bobeck
Only trail experienced at GRSM. Flat and graveled trail. Too simple of a hike. (Pets and families) 2.8mi

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