In addition to the hundreds of miles of hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll find a fantastic selection of scenic nature trails! These are short and fairly easy trails that have been developed by park rangers with the non-hiker in mind, making them an excellent option for families with small children! Although these trails are quite easy, they provide the same rewarding experience of longer hikes and offer highlights of the park’s natural beauty! Here are 5 nature trails in the Smoky Mountains that are perfect for families:
1. Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail
If you are starting your day at the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg, you’ll find the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail less than a half mile away! While the flat, concrete trail is just a half mile long, it packs tons of rewarding things to see in its short length. As you explore the trail, you’ll discover beautiful plants and flowers, remnants of old homesteads and maybe even some wildlife! The is the only trail in the National Park that is designated as an all-access trail, so it can even accommodate wheelchairs!
2. Noah “Bud” Ogle Nature Trail
Another one of the nature trails in the Smoky Mountains that are perfect for families is the Noah “Bud” Ogle Nature Trail, located just off of Cherokee Orchard Road. This short loop trail is just under a mile long and travels around the Ogle farmstead, including a log home built by Noah “Bud” Ogle in the late 1880s. The Ogles were some of the first homesteaders to settle in the White Oak Flats area, which is now known as Gatlinburg. If you happen to experience this trail during the spring months, you’ll be treated to some amazing wildflower displays!
3. Elkmont Nature Trail
The Elkmont Nature Trail is a short loop just under a mile long that is located in Elkmont about 2 miles from Little River Road on the left. The trail was designed to educate visitors on the forest landscape, and you’ll find 13 interpretive markers as you make your way around the loop. This is also a unique opportunity to observe the rich human and ecological history of the area, and you can pick up an educational brochure at the trailhead or the visitor center!
4. Cades Cove Nature Trail
The Cades Cove Loop Road is one of the most popular destinations in the National Park, as the 11 mile, one-way trail travels through a gorgeous valley with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities! When you’re ready to stretch your legs from driving around the loop, stop at the Cades Cove Nature Trail just about one mile from the Cades Cove Visitor Center! This lovely path travels for two miles, offering a chance to see the indigenous plant life in Cades Cove.
5. Cove Hardwood Nature Trail
When it comes to the nature trails in the Smoky Mountains that are perfect for families, don’t miss the Cove Hardwood Nature Trail! This trail starts in the Chimney Tops Picnic Area off of Newfound Gap Road. It is renowned for the wildflowers that bloom there during the spring, but it’s still a spectacular destination all year long! While exploring the trail, which is just under a mile long, you’ll travel through the shade of an old growth forest and cross several streams.
Check out all of the rooms at our hotel in Sevierville TN today to stay close to these wonderful nature trails in the Smoky Mountains! We look forward to welcoming your family to the Smokies!
