Kid Friendly Hiking Trails: Smoky Mountains National Park
I’ve been visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park since I was a kid and much of that time was exploring what my parents considered kid friendly hiking trails. They were right and it is probably where my love of outdoor family vacations was born (except I will leave the camp-side baths from a bucket and wearing a garbage bag for a poncho back in the 80s). Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the park is famous for its misty mountain views, incredible wildlife, and deep-rooted American history. With more than 800 miles of trails, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re looking for a laid-back walk through the woods or a tough climb with epic summit views. Here are some of my favorite kid friendly hiking trails that I’ve enjoyed over the years:
1. Little Brier Gap Trail to Walker Sisters Cabin
Distance: 4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
History buffs will love this trail! This easy 2 miles out will take you to the Walker Sisters Cabin, where you can learn about the sisters who lived in the park until the 1960s. Plus, it’s close to Sevierville, so it’s an easy outing if you’re staying nearby.
2. Alum Cave Bluff
Distance: 4.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
This trail is a crowd favorite, and for good reason! You’ll start with an easy stroll through a gorgeous forest, following a creek and passing through Arch Rock. Once you reach Alum Cave Bluff, get ready for stunning views and a dramatic rock overhang. Perfect for photos!
3. Mount Le Conte via Alum Cave Bluff
Distance: 11 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
If you’re feeling adventurous, keep going past Alum Cave Bluff all the way to Mount Le Conte. The views from the top are absolutely worth the effort. Bonus: you can check out the rustic LeConte Lodge at the summit!
4. Ramsey Cascades
Distance: 8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Ramsey Cascades waterfall trail
Looking for a waterfall hike? Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in the park, and the journey there takes you through an old-growth forest with some seriously impressive trees. The final payoff is a stunning 100-foot waterfall.
5. Old Settlers Trail
Distance: 15 miles
Difficulty: Easy
This trail is a long so we usually do a mile or two out and back to make it manageable for the entire family but it is pretty flat. This historical trail between Cosby and the Greenbrier area of the national park features many ruins of chimneys, cemeteries, and other stone structures built by families of the area's original settlers.
6. Charlies Bunion
Distance: 8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Charlies Bunion is one of the best spots for sweeping mountain views. The trail, part of the Appalachian Trail, winds through lush forests and opens up to an incredible rocky outcrop. Don’t forget your camera!
7. Abrams Falls Trail out of Cades Cove
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Waterfalls are a core feature of SMNP
This trail is my favorite in the park and starts out of the most majestic place – Cades Cove. This hike is not too long and ends in a beautiful waterfall that makes for a great picnic spot. In the springtime, the trail is filled with blooming rhododendrons.
8. Husky Gap Trail
Distance: 4.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Wildflower lovers, this one’s for you! Especially beautiful in spring, Husky Gap Trail offers peaceful woodland scenery and leads to a junction with Little River Trail. Keep an eye out for birds, too.
9. Chimney Tops Trail
Distance: 4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Short and steep, Chimney Tops Trail is a challenge, but the views are some of the best in the park. The final stretch involves a bit of rock scrambling, so be ready for an adventure. The 360-degree views at the top? Totally worth it.
10. Trillium Gap Trail to Grotto Falls
Distance: 3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Here’s a fun one: Grotto Falls is a waterfall you can actually walk behind! The trail is family-friendly and takes you through a lush forest. Plus, you might spot a llama train delivering supplies to LeConte Lodge if you’re lucky.
Hiking Trails with Kids
Summary: Kid Friendly Hiking Trails in the Smokies
These trails highlight the best of what the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer. Whether you’re in the mood for waterfalls, wildflowers, or jaw-dropping mountain views, there’s something on this list for you. We hope you add one of these hikes to your itinerary on your next summer vacation. For more details about planning your visit, the national park site is a great resource. Remember, there are only 18 Summers with your kiddos. Happy hiking!
