If you want to explore some of the beautiful trails within Great Smoky Mountains National Park and are traveling with children in strollers, you’ll be happy to know that there are several excellent options! This is a fabulous opportunity to get outside among mother nature and discover some of the magnificent sights that make the park so famous! Here are 4 of the best Smoky Mountain trails for families with strollers:
1. Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail
The Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is situated just a bit south of the Sugarlands Visitor Center and offers a half-mile loop that is paved and very well maintained. While this quiet nature trail may be short, it packs plenty of unique sights along the way including beautiful river views and fascinating historical remnants such as chimneys and stone walls! Keep your eyes open as you may even spot some wildlife gently roaming through the forest! The Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail features its own designated parking lot, making it especially easy to access the trailhead.
2. Gatlinburg Trail
Another one of the best Smoky Mountain trails for families with strollers is the Gatlinburg Trail, which runs for 1.9 miles one-way from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of Gatlinburg TN. This pleasant trail is relatively flat and runs through the forest along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, which at one point is crossed with a pedestrian footbridge. In addition to the impressive river views, you’ll pass by the foundations and chimneys of several old homesites along the trail.
3. Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail
The Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail may require a little extra effort when pushing a stroller up the half-mile paved trail, but the views are well worth it once you reach the top! After all, this is the highest point in Tennessee and the third-highest mountain east of the Mississippi! The observation tower offers stunning panoramic views of the Smokies and you can see as far as 100 miles in the distance on a clear day! Keep in mind that the temperatures here can be much cooler than in the surrounding lowlands, so bring a jacket even in summer!
4. Laurel Falls Trail
When it comes to the best Smoky Mountain trails for families with strollers, you won’t want to miss the Laurel Falls Trail! This 2.6-mile round-trip trail is one of the most popular destinations in the park, and you’ll see why once you reach the breathtaking sight of the incredible 80-foot-tall waterfall! A footbridge separates the top half from the bottom half of the falls, making it a fantastic place to take some family photos!
We hope that you enjoy these wonderful Smoky Mountain trails that are suitable for strollers! However, if your family prefers to visit the Smokies without taking any hikes at all, you can still have a wonderful time in the National Park – just check out our top 4 things to do in the Smoky Mountains without hiking the trails!
