Since I live just 20 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I am often asked what the best hikes are in the park. And more often than not, those asking are looking for easy trails in the Smokies. They want beautiful views with minimal effort so they can enjoy a leisure hike with their friends, families, kids, etc.
In this guide, I will reveal the best easy trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. All of these hikes on this list are considered easy, and I believe almost everybody can complete each of them!
I have hiked all of these trails (and just about all of the easy trails in the Smokies!), so you can read this knowing you’re getting the best, first-hand recommendations from a local. These easy hikes in the Smokies feature waterfalls, creeks, swimming holes, observation towers, and more!
For each of these easy trails in the Smokies, I’ll reveal the trail stats, including length, type of trail, difficulty (spoiler; they’re all easy), elevation gain, trailhead location, and whether or not they’re dog-friendly.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on the links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks so much for your support!
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK AT A GLANCE
Before diving in, here are a few highlights for planning a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Getting There: The closest airport to Great Smoky Mountains is McGhee Tyson, which is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Find affordable flights here.
- Entrance Fee: No entrance fee but you do have to purchase and display a parking pass.
- Where to Stay: Camp in the park or stay right outside the park in the town of Gatlinburg or Cherokee. Read my Where to Stay guide here!
- How to Get Around: You’ll need to rent a personal vehicle to get around the Smokies.
- Best Time to Visit: March – October
- How Long to Visit: 3-5 days
8 Best Easy Trails in the Smokies
1. Big Creek Trail to Mouse Creek Falls
- Length: 4 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 541 feet
- Pet-Friendly: No
- Trailhead Location: Google Maps link
The Mouse Creek Falls via Big Creek Trail is located on the North Carolina side of the Smokies. This trail features waterfalls, swimming holes, and a raging creek.
To get to the trailhead, you’ll park at the Big Creek parking lot. You pass the trailhead on the way to the parking area, so make your way back there to hop on the Big Creek Trail. The trailhead is located almost directly across the Group Campground access road – this is different than the regular campground road, which is on the other side of the parking lot.
The Big Creek Trail follows the creek for 6 miles, but for the easy portion, I’d recommend hiking to Mouse Creek Falls, which is 2 miles from the trailhead.
The trail slowly climbs beside Big Creek, which tumbles ferociously to your left. This is an incredibly scenic hike!
Before reaching Midnight Hole, you’ll come to your first waypoint. Just past the two wooden bridges, about 1.4 miles into your hike, you’ll come across a narrow path to your left. This leads to Midnight Hole Falls. This is not Midnight Hole swimming hole…that’s next!
Right after Midnight Hole Falls, back on the Big Creek Trail, you’ll turn left down another narrow path to reach a swimming hole and waterfall. This is Midnight Hole!
This is a popular spot to swim and sunbathe in the summer, but you can enjoy the views any time of year! Read all about Midnight Hole here.
Back on the Big Creek Trail, you just have 0.5 miles until you reach Mouse Creek Falls. You’ll probably hear it before you see it, and you might miss it if you’re not looking!
When you hear the waterfall, take the path on the left to get down to some large boulders. (The boulders are just past the wooden horse fence). It’s here that you have the best view of Mouse Creek Falls!
Head back the way you came.
To read more about the swimming hole, make sure to read my full Midnight Hole guide.
To read more about the hike to Mouse Creek Falls, check out my Big Creek to Mouse Creek Falls trail guide.
2. Deep Creek Waterfall Loop
- Length: 2.4 miles
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 426 feet
- Pet-Friendly: No
- Trailhead Location: Google Maps link
The Deep Creek Waterfall Loop is located on the North Carolina side of the Smokies. It features three spectacular waterfalls.
The Deek Creek Trail extends further, but for an easy hike, I’d recommend the waterfall loop.
To access the trailhead, you’ll park at the Deep Creek Falls and Trail parking lot. This parking lot gets super busy in the summer, not only because it’s an easy trail to pretty waterfalls, but because this is a popular spot to launch tubes on Deep Creek.
You can take the trail in either direction, but for the sake of this guide, I’ll take you counterclockwise.
From the Deep Creek trailhead, you’ll only have to hike about 0.2 miles before you see the first waterfall, Tom Branch Falls. If you go in the summer, you’ll probably see many tubers milling around it.
Continue past the falls. You’ll soon cross a bridge (this is one of the spots where tubers go in) and in less than a half-mile, you’ll reach a junction.
Turn right on the Indian Creek Trail to get to Indian Creek Falls. You won’t have to hike far – the falls will be down a set of wooden stairs to the left of the trail in about 200 feet.
Once you’re ready to continue on the loop, take the Indian Creek Trail back down to the junction and turn right to get back on the Deep Creek waterfall loop.
Soon, you’ll come to another junction. Follow the signs for the Deep Creek Horse Trail (to the left). This next 0.5-mile section is the most difficult section of the trail – you’ll climb almost 400 feet.
About a half-mile past the “difficult” stretch, the Deep Creek Horse Trail will come to a T at the Juney Whank Falls loop. Turn right and then immediately veer left. Follow the signs for Juney Whank Falls.
Juney Whank Falls will soon come into view! The falls are directly beside the wooden bridge. Then you’ll continue past the falls and complete the waterfall loop. In about 0.3 miles, the trail will dead-end at the parking lot.
READ NEXT: Deep Creek Waterfall Loop: 3 Waterfalls in 2 Miles!
3. Look Rock Tower Trail
- Length: 0.8 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 164 feet
- Pet-Friendly: No
- Trailhead Location: Google Maps link
The Look Rock Tower Trail is located on the Tennessee side of the Smokies on the Foothills Parkway. It features an observation deck with 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains.
Park at the Look Rock parking area on the Foothills Parkway. There is a brick lookout adjacent to the parking area; this is not where the trail is! But this is still a pretty view.
If you want even better views – panoramic views – you’ll want to take the trail to the top of the tower! To get to the trailhead, you’ll head toward the east side of the parking lot. You’ll see a sign for the Look Rock Tower Trail and a sign pointing across the road. You’ll cross the road and head up the path!
Note that this is a short but semi-steep path. In roughly 0.3 miles, you’ll pass some electrical equipment. Ignore that and continue straight on the paved path.
The observation tower will come into view shortly! You can walk to the level directly below the spiral stairwell, but you cannot access anything above this.
The views from the tower are amazing! Off to the north is the town of Maryville and off to the south is the Smoky Mountains. Take your time circling the tower and taking in the view from all angles.
Once you’re done, you’ll head back down the way you came.
Since you’re already on the Foothills Parkway, I’d encourage you to drive the entire Parkway. The Foothills Parkway West – which this trail is on – is 33 miles. There is also another 5-mile section called the Foothills Parkway East, which you should drive to. I’ve got an entire guide on this parkway; you can read that here.
READ NEXT: Complete Foothills Parkway Travel Guide
4. Rich Mountain Trail to Crooked Arm Cascades
- Length: 1.4 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 223 feet
- Pet-Friendly: No
- Trailhead Location: Google Maps link
The Rich Mountain Trail is located on the Tennessee side of the Smokies. It features a waterfall!
Note that the “easy” portion of this trail is from the Rich Mountain trailhead at the Cades Cove entrance to the Crooked Arm Cascades. The Rich Mountain Trail extends further.
You’ll start at the Rich Mountain Trailhead right past the entrance to Cades Cove. Park in the lot right before the one-way loop begins and walk to the trailhead. Note that if parking is not available here, you’ll have to park at the picnic area or riding stables and walk a bit further.
The trailhead is located on the right side of the road about 400 feet from the Cades Cove Information Kiosk.
Once you reach the trailhead, you’ll be walking away from the Cades Cove Loop. Around the 0.4-mile mark, you’ll reach a creek crossing. Depending on the time of year and recent rainfall, it could be quite flooded. Prepare to get wet!
Around the half-mile mark, just past the creek crossing, you’ll reach a junction. You’ll want to turn right onto the Crooked Arm Trail; if you continue straight, you’ll be continuing on the Rich Mountain Trail.
Past the junction marks my favorite part of the hike!
You’ll be walking around 0.2 miles along the Crooked Arm Branch. You’ll hear the rushing cascades of the river before you see it. There are tons of little waterfalls and cascades tumbling down the river; it’s incredibly scenic!
Crooked Arm Cascades is quite a ways from the trail. It might be difficult to see when the trees are in bloom, so I’d recommend this as a winter or early spring hike so that you can see it in full view!
The trail continues to Crooked Arm and backcountry campsites, but you can turn around and head back to your car after the falls if you’d like.
Since you’ll already be at Cades Cove, I’d encourage you to drive the loop!
READ NEXT: How to Get to Crooked Arm Cascades (The Easy Way)
5. Jake’s Creek Trail to Avent Cabin
- Length: 2.7 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 482 feet
- Pet-Friendly: No
- Trailhead Location: Google Maps link
Jake’s Creek Trail is located on the Tennessee side of the Smokies. It features a creek and a treasure hunt for a historic cabin.
This trail begins just before the famous Daisy Town. If you have time, I’d recommend perusing the cabins before or after your hike!
The entire Jake’s Creek Trail is about 7.2 miles out & back and features some backcountry campsites, but the “easy” piece of the trail is from the Jake’s Creek trailhead to the Avent Cabin.
Take the Jake’s Creek Trail about 0.7 miles. You’ll reach a couple of junctions – Cucumber Gap then Meigs Mountain. Continue on the Jake’s Creek Trail.
Around the 1.2-mile mark, you’ll reach a spur trail that’ll take you to the cabin. This cabin was once used as a studio for famous artist Mayna Treanor Avent back in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s.
Retrace your steps to get back to the Jake’s Creek trailhead.
This trail is also home to the famous synchronous fireflies event that happens every May/June! You can read more about that fantastic event here.
6. Oconaluftee River Trail
- Length: 3.1 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 52 feet
- Pet-Friendly: Yes
- Trailhead Location: Google Maps link
The Oconaluftee River Trail is located on the North Carolina side of the Smokies. It features a river and historic log buildings.
The Oconaluftee River Trail is one of only two dog-friendly trails in the entire park! The other one is the Gatlinburg Trail, which is also on this list.
This trail begins at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. The first thing you’ll notice is the Mountain Farm Museum, which is filled with 1800s log buildings and demos. You can wander around the field and the buildings, but you can’t take your dog in there with you.
The trail will then take you on a journey parallel to the Oconaluftee River. Around the 0.7-mile mark, you’ll cross the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is the southern terminus of this spectacular scenic roadway.
The trail continues to follow the Oconaluftee River for another 0.7 miles before coming to a dead-end in the town of Cherokee. If you’ve worked up an appetite on your hike, you can grab some nearby food or ice cream!
Retrace your steps to get back to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
READ NEXT: 5 Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
7. Laurel Falls Trail
- Length: 2.4 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 403 feet
- Pet-Friendly: No
- Trailhead Location: Google Maps link
IMPORTANT: The Laurel Falls Trail is CLOSED until 2027!
The Laurel Falls Trail is located on the Tennessee side of the Smokies. It features a two-tiered waterfall!
Laurel Falls is one of the most popular hikes in the Smokies. The reason for this is its short distance, stunning waterfall, and convenient location. So this parking lot fills up quickly, especially in the summer and fall.
The Laurel Falls Trail starts at a small parking lot off Little River Gorge Road. There is parking on both sides of the street; no parking is allowed on the grass or shoulders. Only park in designated parking spots. If you fail to do so, you will be ticketed and/or towed. Trust me, I’ve seen this happen so many times!
The trail climbs steadily the entire way to the falls. You’re treated to spectacular views of the mountains on the way there.
1.2 miles from the parking area, you’ll arrive at the falls!
At the falls, there is a boardwalk and a few boulders to sit on. For the more adventurous, take the steep descent to the lower falls (beneath the boardwalk). You can learn more about how to get to that waterfall in my full Laurel Falls Trail guide.
Once you’re done exploring the falls, you can turn around and head back to your car.
But if you’re up for a challenge, the Laurel Falls Trail continues for another 3 miles, roughly! If you wish to extend your trip, continue past the falls. In about 3 miles, you’ll reach the Cove Mountain Trail junction; turn left, and in 0.1 miles, you’ll reach the Cove Mountain Fire Tower!
READ NEXT: Laurel Falls Trail Guide
8. Gatlinburg Trail
- Length: 3.8 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 164 feet
- Pet-Friendly: Yes
- Trailhead Location: Google Maps link
The Gatlinburg Trail is located on the Tennessee side of the Smokies. It features a river and easy access to Gatlinburg!
The Gatlinburg Trail is one of only two dog-friendly trails in the entire park! The other one is the Oconaluftee River Trail, which is also on this list.
The Gatlinburg Trail starts about 0.6 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. If you can get a spot, park next to the Park Headquarters. If you can’t get a spot there, you can park a little further from the trailhead at the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
From the Sugarlands Visitor Center, walk between the visitor center and the restroom building. You’ll come to a junction. The path to the left is the Fighting Creek Nature Trail – no dogs are allowed. The path to the right is where you’ll head to get to the Gatlinburg Trail.
Continue past Park Headquarters and cross the Park Headquarters Road. Don’t worry; this is not a busy road. You’ll walk on the side of the Park Headquarters Road for about 0.4 miles – we wondered if we were on the right path at times. We were!
After walking on the side of the road for 0.4 miles, you’ll finally reach the Gatlinburg Trail trailhead!
First, you’ll pass a maintenance yard and ranger buildings, but once you are about 0.3 miles onto the Gatlinburg Trail, you will finally be on a quiet riverside path! And this is when the trail gets pretty.
You’ll be walking parallel to the Little Pigeon River for the remainder of the trail. It is beautiful! There are many spots where you can access the river. We chose to hang out by the water and have a picnic; we even saw many people dipping their toes into it. There are also some great spots to swim in the summer.
The trail deadends at the town of Gatlinburg. It’s here that you can explore the town of Gatlinburg or turn around and head back to your car (Sugarlands Visitor Center or Park Headquarters).
Want to go camping in the Smokies but don’t know which campground to stay at? Read my GSMNP campground guide here!
Finish Planning Your Trip to the Smokies
No matter which season you’re visiting, I’ve got a guide for you!
- Smoky Mountains in the Summer: What to Expect
- Smoky Mountains in the Fall: What to Expect
- Smoky Mountains in the Winter: What to Expect
- Smoky Mountains in the Spring: What to Expect
READ MY ULTIMATE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS ITINERARY HERE!
Discover Your Next Adventure
Where to next? I’ve got some suggestions!
- Fall Creek Falls State Park
- Paddle to Burgess Falls
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Cummins Falls State Park
- Rock Island State Park
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The Look Rock Tower Trail will definitely be added to my list when I visit the Smokies! I live in Indiana, and I still can’t believe I haven’t been to the Smokies yet! Hopefully soon!
Awesome!! I hope you get to go soon! It’s such a special place!