Your complete guide to the best Smoky Mountain Hikes for families.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina is a great destination for families. There is so much to do in the park and in the surrounding area, so there is truly something for everyone to love.
The park offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy, paved walks to strenuous backcountry routes.
We have been to the Smoky Mountains twice – once before kids and once with our first son when he was 4 months old. While those 2 vacations were very different, we were still able to enjoy some great hikes and have a good time during both trips.
In this post, you will find a complete list of the best Smoky Mountain hikes for families. Each hike will include a description, difficulty rating, and location within the park.
I have included a park map and a graphic with all of the best Smoky Mountain hikes for families numbered and marked to help you decide which hikes you want to do based on the area of the park that you are visiting.
Looking at the location of the hikes on the map will hopefully help you maximize your time and make planning your vacation easier.
Best Smoky Mountain Hikes for Families
- Gatlinburg Trail + Cataract Falls
- Grotto Falls
- Baskins Creek Trail
- Ogle Place
- Laurel Falls
- Elmont + Little River Trail
- Chimney Tops
- Alum Cave
- Porters Creek Trail
- Hen Wallow Falls
- Spruce Flats Falls
- Cades Cove
- Clingmans Dome
- Andrew’s Bald
- Tom Branch Falls + Indian Creek Falls
- Juney Whank Falls
- Oconaluftee River Trail
Best Smoky Mountain Hikes for Families: Tennesee
1. Gatlinburg Trail + Cataract Falls
Location: Sugarland Visitor Center, Gatlinburg, TN
Distance & Difficulty: 3.8 miles roundtrip (out-and-back), easy
Highlights: Forest & river views, pets & bicycles permitted, historic homestead, waterfall
Gatlinburg trail is 1.9 miles, making it a total of 3.8 miles roundtrip if you choose to hike the whole thing. You can turn around at any point if you are looking for a shorter outing.
The trail begins at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and takes you through a forest alongside the Little Pigeon River to the outskirts of Gatlinburg. You can start the trail from either end – the Visitor Center end or the Gatlinburg end.
The trail is relatively flat and wide, and is a mixture of well-maintained gravel and pavement, making it stroller-friendly. This makes it one of the best Smoky Mountain hikes for families.
The trail takes you by the remnants of an old homestead and offers great views of the river. There is river access along much of the route, and at one point you get to cross over the river on a beautiful pedestrian foot-bridge.
Something that may be a downfall – you can see the trail from US 441 (the road from Gatlinburg into the park), so it is likely that you will hear some road noise on your hike.
The Gatlinburg Trail is one of only two trails in GSMNP that you can walk dogs and ride bikes on (Oconaluftee Trail in North Carolina is the other bike and pet-friendly trail).
Cataract Falls
If you want to see a nice waterfall without much extra effort, you can hop onto a short half-mile side trail near the Sugarlands Visitor Center that leads to Cataract Falls, a 25-foot waterfall. We took our stroller on the path to Cataract Falls.
You can link up the short trail to Cataract Falls with the Gatlinburg Trail to extend your family adventure.
2. Grotto Falls
Location: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN (closed Dec-Mar)
Distance & Difficulty: 2.6 miles roundtrip (out-and-back), easy/moderate – some elevation, slippery near the falls, stream crossings, can be muddy
Highlights: Waterfall you can walk behind, wildflowers, wildlife
This 2.6-mile out-and-back hike follows Trillium Gap Trail through an old-growth forest to 25-foot Grotto Falls, the only waterfall in the park that you can walk behind.
The hike to the waterfall is easy to moderate in difficulty. It is a gradual uphill on the way to the falls. There are some rocky/rooty parts of the trail, and it can get muddy after a lot of rain. The area around the falls can be wet and slick, so it is important to wear shoes with good traction. But if you are well-prepared, I think this is one of the best Smoky Mountain hikes for families.
The waterfall area is cool and shady, making it a welcome refuge during the hot summers. The moist environment makes an ideal habitat for salamanders, so you are likely to encounter some during your hike.
There is occasional bear activity along the trail. When we hiked the trail our first time, there were people ahead of us who spotted a bear from a distance, but we never saw one.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is closed from December to mid-March. You can still hike to Grotto Falls in the winter by starting at Rainbow Falls Trailhead off of Cherokee Orchard Loop Road, but this adds 3.4 miles, making it a 6-mile round-trip hike.
Something to note: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a one-way, 6-mile-long loop road, so you have to be ready for your turnoff otherwise you have to drive the whole loop again. The parking lot for Trillium Gap Trailhead is not very big, and Grotto Falls is a very popular attraction, especially in the summer.
3. Baskins Creek Falls
Location: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN (closed Dec-Mar)
Distance & Difficulty: 3 miles roundtrip (out-and-back), moderate (uphill on the way back, creek crossing)
Highlight:40 foot waterfall, cemetery
You will access this hike from the same road as the Grotto Falls hike (see map below).
The hike to Baskins Creek Falls beings with a short, easy uphill section before flattening out for a while. At 0.9 miles, you will encounter a water crossing. It may be difficult to cross without getting your feet wet if you are hiking after heavy rainfall.
After crossing Falls Branch, you will begin a rapid descent. At 1.1 miles into the hike, you can take a side trail to your left to see Baskins Cemetery or continue to the right toward the falls. You will come to another (much smaller and easier) creek crossing before arriving at a trail junction at 1.3 miles.
Turn left and descend the final quarter mile down to the falls. This final descent is steep and can be muddy and slippery. Hiking poles and shoes with good traction are helpful.
Enjoy the view of Baskins Creek Falls, a 40-foot, two-tiered waterfall, before heading back (uphill) the way you came.
4. Ogle Place
Location: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN (closed Dec-Mar)
Distance & Difficulty: 0.8-mile roundtrip (loop trail), easy
Highlight: Historic farmstead
Ogle Place is also along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail route, however, it is on the two-way section of the road (Cherokee Orchard Road).
This is hardly a hike, but more of a walk around a historic farmstead that dates back to the 1880s. This is one of the best Smoky Mountain hikes for families who enjoy history and want to learn about some of the original homesteaders in the area.
The short, counterclockwise loop trail will take you through the forest, over a couple of tumbling brooks, and past Ogle Cabin, Ogle Mill, and Ogle barn.
5. Laurel Falls
Location: Little River Gorge Road, Sevierville, TN
Distance & Difficulty: 2.6 miles (round-trip), easy, but be cautious
Highlight: 80-foot waterfall, mountain laurel bloom (in May)
This 2.6-mile out-and-back hike takes you to a beautiful 80-foot waterfall. The waterfall has an upper and a lower section, divided by a walkway bridge that is perfect for viewing the falls.
Laurel Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the park, especially during the middle of the day. I would recommend arriving early in the morning or going later in the afternoon because parking fills up quickly, and the viewing area around the falls is not very big. The lighting is also best at these times, so it’s a win-win.
Although the trail is paved at the beginning, the pavement is uneven and does not extend the full length of the trail. We took our stroller on the trail and had to set it aside and use our baby carrier once we got closer to the falls because the trail got a lot more uneven and narrower. The National Park Service states that the trail is not suitable for strollers due to the steep grade and roughness of the pavement.
This hike is family-friendly as long as children are closely supervised at all times. The hike is short in distance, and we definitely didn’t feel like it was dangerous at any point, but it is important to be prepared for the sections with uneven terrain, a handful of short, steep sections (which can be slippery when wet), and portions of the trail that pass by steep drop-offs.
Although this trail is traveled by hundreds (even thousands) of people per day, black bears are often active in the area, so be aware of your surroundings and remember to keep your distance.
6. Elkmont Nature Trail/Little River Trail
Location: Elkmont Campground, Gatlinburg, TN
Distance & Difficulty: 0.5-7.6 miles depending on how far you want to go, easy
Highlight:
Elkmont is an abandoned town that was first settled in the 1840s. It was once a popular resort community but is now often referred to as a “ghost town” because over time the buildings became abandoned and began to deteriorate.
The National Park Service is working to restore the old buildings and preserve the history of the community. The Elkmont nature trail takes you through Elkmont ghost town. We really enjoyed walking through the Elkmont – it definitely felt like stepping back in time.
We visited in 2021 and were able to walk into some of the restored buildings. Others were still in the process of being restored. The NPS has a goal of restoring and preserving 19 of the original Elkmont buildings by 2025.
Next to Elkmont ghost town is Elkmont Campground, the largest campground in the Smokies.
After wandering through Elkmont, you can continue your walk along Little River Trail. Little River Trail follows an old logging road along Little River through the forest. The full trail is 7.6 miles roundtrip, but you can turn around at any point, making the hike as short or long as you’d like.
The trail is flat and wide, making it perfect for families. You could definitely use a stroller with good tires for the first couple of miles of the trail, but we opted for a baby carrier.
7. Chimney Tops
Location: Newfound Gap Road, Gatlinburg, TN
Distance & Difficulty: 3.3 miles roundtrip (out-and-back), moderate to hard (steep elevation gain)
Highlight: Panoramic Views
We first hiked this trail in April 2018. Prior to November 2016, you could hike to the Chimney Tops Summit. On November 23, 2016, a wildfire was started near the Chimney Tops summit and tragically spread rapidly. The area around the summit was completely destroyed and is still closed and considered unsafe to hike to.
The Chimney Tops trail now ends at an observation deck about a quarter mile from the former summit. You will be treated to sweeping views of Mt. Leconte and the Chimney Tops pinnacles.
This trail is more strenuous that others on this list, with A LOT of steps and almost 1,000 feet of elevation gain in the last mile. However, if you are up for a challenge, Chimney Tops Trail is one of the most rewarding hikes in the park.
8. Alum Cave Trail
Location: Newfound Gap Road, Gatlinburg, TN
Distance & Difficulty: 4.4 miles roundtrip (out-and-back), moderate
Highlights: Arch Rock, panoramic mountain views, Alum Cave
We visited Alum Cave for the first time along a longer hike to Mt. Leconte. That was an 11-mile hike, and we did it before having kids. When we went back to the Smoky Mountains a few years later with our 4-month-old, we hiked to Alum Cave again but made that our final destination before heading back the way we came. That was more than enough of a challenge for us as first-time parents hiking with a baby.
The hike to Alum Cave is more challenging than most others on the list because of its distance and 1,125-foot elevation gain. Despite this, I still think it is one of the best Smoky Mountain hikes for families (it’s worth the effort) because it has many fun and unique features along the way.
About 1.3 miles into the hike, you will walk across a neat little bridge to reach arch rock. You will take a set of stairs that lead you under arch rock.
Continue on the trail. At roughly 2 miles, you will reach Inspiration Point, which lives up to its name.
Continue for about a quarter of a mile to the Alum Cave Bluffs, which will tower over you. Despite the name, Alum Cave is not actually a cave, but rather a massive concave overhang.
Find a spot in the shade and enjoy the views before heading back down the way you came.
9. Porters Creek Trail
Location: Greenbrier Road, Gatlinburg, TN – unfortunately, this hike is currently closed due to damage from flooding that occurred in July 2022, but hopefully it will reopen soon!
Distance & Difficulty: 4 miles round trip (out-and-back), moderate
Highlights: Bridges, waterfall, wildflowers, history
We loved Porters Creek Trail because it had a lot of interesting features along the way to the main attraction – the beautiful 60-foot waterfall and it was MUCH less busy than all of the other trails that we hiked, which is a big plus for us. We enjoy hikes so much more when we aren’t fighting crowds and surrounded by people.
The first mile of the Porters Creek trail is on an old gravel road that follows Porters Creek through the woods. If you are able to hike this trail during the spring, you will be treated to beautiful wildflowers near the trailhead and along the trail.
About 0.7 miles into the hike, you will see the remnants of an old farmstead and a historic cemetery.
After continuing on for another 0.3 miles, you will reach a fork in the trail. If you veer to the right, you can take a short detour to a barn built in 1875 and the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club’s cabin that was built in the 1930s.
Follow the fork in the path to the left to continue on to Fern Branch Falls. You will follow the trail and will gradually ascend for about 1 mile before reaching the falls. You will cross Porter’s Creek over an epic (and narrow) bridge along the way.
Fern Branch Falls will be on your left side after about 2 miles of hiking. We almost passed right by it the first time we hiked this trail haha – don’t do that! The cascading falls are beautiful and are surrounded by lush greenery.
10. Hen Wallow Falls
Location: Cosby Campground, Cosby, TN
Distance & Difficulty: 4.4 miles roundtrip (out-and-back), moderate
Highlight: 90-foot waterfall
The hike to Hen Wallow Falls is a pleasant trek through a lush green forest. The trail can be a bit uneven at times so watch your step.
The trail climbs steadily uphill until you reach a short, steep set of switchbacks around 2.1 miles into the hike that descends rapidly down to the falls.
You are able to get very close to the falls (close enough to touch without being in danger of slipping or falling), and there are some nice big boulders around the falls that provide a nice spot to sit and relax before heading back up the steep switchbacks (the rest of the way back is mostly downhill!) to return the way you came.
Keep an eye out for salamanders around the falls!
11. Spruce Flats Falls
Location: Great Smoky Mountain Institute at Tremont, Townsend, TN
Distance & Difficulty: 1.4 miles, easy to moderate (terrain can be a bit tricky)
Highlight: 30-foot tall, 4-tier waterfall
The trail to Spruce Flat Falls isn’t an officially marked National Park trail, but the path is well-worn and easy to follow. This hike is likely to be much less crowded than many of the other more well-known hikes in the park, so it is a good option if you’re looking for a bit of solitude.
The trailhead is located behind the Great Smoky Mountain Institute Tremont dormitory building. Follow the gravel service road from the parking area.
While this hike is short, the trail is rugged and rocky in some sections. You will have to climb over some rocks and roots, but I think that makes it more fun! Take your time and rest as needed.
There are some steep dropoffs along the trail, so make sure to keep a close eye on your little ones.
You will realize that traversing the challenging terrain is worth it once you catch a glimpse of the falls! Find a spot to sit and enjoy the gorgeous 4-tier falls. You can cool off or splash around in the pool at the base of the falls if you’d like to before heading back the way you came.
12. Cades Cove Loop Road
Location: Cades Cove Area, Townsend, TN
Distance & Difficulty: Varies
Highlight: Wildlife, history, mountain views
Cades Cove Loop Road is a paved 11-mile loop. It is one of the best scenic drives in Smoky Mountain National Park. While most people drive the one-way loop road, I included it on this list because it is a great family-friendly activity in the park, and there are many opportunities to get out of the car to walk around and explore.
Cades Cove is a broad valley surrounded by mountains, and it offers some of the best opportunities to see wildlife in the park. There are also a wide variety of historic buildings in Cades Cove, including 3 churches, a working gristmill, log houses, barns, and more.
If you’re looking for a major workout, you can walk or bike the whole 11-mile loop. If you want to walk part of the loop, there are two roads, Sparks Lane and Hyatt Lane (both are two-way roads) that cut through the main loop providing an opportunity to shorten the route. It would be about 4 miles if you do the Sparks Lane loop and about 8 miles for the Hyatt Lane loop.
There are also multiple hiking trails that can be accessed from Cade’s Cove Loop Road including:
- Cooper Road Trail (10.9 miles round trip)
- Rich Mountain Loop (8.5 miles)
- Abrams Falls (5 miles round trip)
- Rocky Top/Thunderhead Mountain (13.9 miles)
- Cades Cove Nature Trail – short and sweet
You can walk along Cades Cove Loop Road any time the road is open, but if you want to walk the loop on a vehicle-free day, the road is open to cyclists and pedestrians only on Wednesdays from May through September.
Best Smoky Mountain Hikes for Families: North Carolina
13. Clingman’s Dome
Location: Clingman’s Dome Parking Area (Closed Dec. 1-Mar. 31), Bryson City, NC
Distance & Difficulty: 1 mile roundtrip (out-and-back), easy
Highlight: 360° panoramic mountain views, the highest point in GSMNP
This hike takes you to an observation tower at the highest point in the Smoky Mountains. The views from the top are spectacular. On a clear day, the visibility is 100 miles in every direction.
While it is only half a mile to the Clingman’s Dome observation tower, the steep incline and high elevation make it a bit more challenging. The hike is very popular, so plan to arrive early if you can. The wide, paved trail to the summit is stroller-friendly, but it is steep, so keep that in mind.
Clingman’s Dome Road (a 7-mile-long road with numerous scenic pullouts) leads to a large parking lot, a visitor’s center, and the hike trailhead. The road is closed from December 1-March 31 and any other time that conditions are dangerous due to ice or snow. There are alternative ways to reach Clingman’s Dome, but you would have to hike 16+ miles to get there (not exactly kid-friendly!).
Be prepared for cooler temperatures and high winds at Clingman’s Dome due to its elevation. We didn’t stay at the summit for long because it was unpleasantly cold and windy, but still worth it for the views!
14. Andrews Bald
Location: Clingman’s Dome Parking Area (Closed Dec. 1-Mar. 31), Bryson City, NC
Distance & Difficulty: 3.6 miles roundtrip, moderate (uphill and rocky)
Highlight: Mountain views & a bald
Andrews Bald has an elevation of 5,920 feet, making it the highest “bald” in the National Park. A bald is a mountain summit covered primarily by dense native grass or shrubs. They get their name from the absence of forest that would be expected at the top of a mountain in a warmer climate.
The hike follows the Forney Ridge hiking trail and begins at the Clingmans Dome parking area. The trail has about 1,000 feet of elevation gain over 1.8 miles and has many rocky sections (hiking shoes are a good idea).
The beginning of the hike is a long, gradual downhill (yes, you will have to hike back up on the way back), followed by a mix of up and down on the second half of the trail. Once you reach the bald, spend some time exploring and walking along the offshoot trails to additional overlooks.
This hike is one of the best Smoky Mountain hikes for families who are up for a bit of a challenge and want to be rewarded with some epic views.
15. Indian Creek/Tom’s Branch Falls
Location: Deep Creek Campground area – Bryson City, NC
Distance & Difficulty: 1.6 miles roundtrip, easy
Highlight: 2 waterfalls – Tom Branch Falls (60′) & Indian Creek Falls (25′)
Two waterfalls and nice river views await you on this short and sweet hike. If you visit in the spring, you will likely see wildflowers along the trail.
You will begin this hike at the Deep Creek Trail trailhead. Begin by walking Deep Creek Trail. You will be treated to the 60-foot Tom Branch Falls after just three-tenths of a mile. There are a few benches and easy water access, making it a good spot to hang out or play for a while.
Continue for .4 miles to the junction with Indian Creek Trail. Turn right and continue just .1 miles until you see a small spur trail on your left that leads down to Indian Creek Falls. After you are done admiring the waterfall, turn around and head back the way you came.
This is a popular area for tubing, so depending on the time of year that you visit, you may be sharing the trail with tubers.
16. Juney Whank Falls
Location: Deep Creek Campground area – Bryson City, NC
Distance & Difficulty: 0.7 miles roundtrip, easy
Highlight: 90′ Waterfall
The trek to Juney Whank Falls is uphill most of the way, but it is short. Even young children would be able to walk most of this trail.
The trail leads to a 90-foot waterfall with a footbridge that crosses over the falls and gives you a close-up view.
The hike starts at the Deep Creek Falls Parking Lot. This is the same parking lot used to access Indian Creek Falls and Tom’s Branch Falls. You can either take the trail to the waterfall and head back the same way or complete a loop back to the parking lot. The loop is slightly longer, but not much.
If you want to see two more waterfalls, you can hop on the Deep Creek Trail and continue your hike to Indian Creek Falls and Tom Branch Falls.
17. Oconaluftee River Trail
Location: Ocunaluftee Visitor Center – Cherokee, NC
Distance & Difficulty: 1.5 miles one way, easy
Highlights: Pleasant walk through the woods along the river, wildflowers (best in late April), wildlife
This 3-mile round-trip trail follows the Oconaluftee River. The trail is relatively flat and easy, and while it is not paved (small, loose gravel), it is still stroller-friendly if you have decent wheels on your stroller.
The Oconaluftee River trail is one of only two trails in the park on which leashed pets and bicycles are permitted (Gatlinburg Trail is the other one).
The trail begins at the Oconalutfee Visitor Center. You will pass by the open-air Mountain Farm Museum and can walk through the historic log structures before hopping back on the trail. You can turn around at any time, but if you decide to walk the entire trail, you will make it 1.5 miles to the National Park boundary in Cherokee before turning around and coming back the same way.
Bonus: Mingo Falls (Just Outside the Park)
Location: Mingo Falls Campground, Cherokee, NC
Distance & Difficulty: 0.4 miles, moderate (lots of stairs)
Highlight: 120′ Waterfall, wildflowers
Mingo Falls is one of the tallest and most spectacular waterfalls in the region, with a drop of about 120 feet. The falls are located on the Cherokee Indian Reservation and are accessible via Pigeon Creek Trail.
The trail begins with an invigorating climb up 160 stairs. After you make it up the steps, it’s a quick walk to the wooden bridge at the base of the falls.
After enjoying the falls, you’ll head back the way you came, back down those 160 stairs!
Important Park Information
Park Admission
There is no admission fee to enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, parking tags are required (as of March 1, 2023).
Three types of tags will be available for purchase for any vehicle:
- Daily – $5
- Weekly – $15
- Annual – $40
The America the Beautiful National Parks pass cannot be used instead of the parking tag. Parking tags are not replaceable, refundable, transferable, or upgradeable.
Parking tags can be purchased online or onsite and must be displayed in your vehicle any time you are parked in the National Park.
Park Conditions
Check the Great Smoky Mountain National Park website for park hours, safety information, current conditions, and trail closures.
Click here for the most updated road and facility closures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some stroller-friendly hiking trails in the Smokies?
Here are the best Smoky Mountain hikes for families who want to use a stroller on the trail:
- Gatlinburg Trail (unpaved, but level)
- Cataract Falls (ADA Route is paved)
- Elkmont & Little River Trail (unpaved, but level)
- Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail (paved, 1/2 mile loop trail)
- Clingman’s Dome Trail (paved, but steep)
- Oconaluftee River Trail (unpaved, but level)
- Cades Cove Loop Road (paved)
When is the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains?
I know this is a generic answer, but the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains depends on your personal preferences and what you hope to experience during your trip.
I’ll give you the biggest pros and cons of visiting during each season.
Spring
Pros: The best time of year to see wildflowers in bloom. Mild weather. Roaring waterfalls.
Cons: Most likely season to be cloudy (poor visibility) and rainy. Unpredictable/fluctuating weather.
Summer
Pros: Everything is open. Best for water activities and swimming. Pleasant weather most evenings and at higher elevations.
Cons: Most crowded time of year. Traffic and parking can be difficult. Higher rates for lodging. Can get very hot and humid.
Fall
Pros: Incredible fall foliage (peaks in October). Mild temperatures. Active wildlife. Driest season with only occasional rain showers.
Cons: Crowding and higher lodging rates. Waterfall flow may be minimal. Potential for wildfires.
Winter
Pros: Much less crowded. Less traffic. More Solitude. Potential to see snow-covered mountains. Lower lodging rates. Frozen waterfalls.
Con: Some roads and facilities are closed in the winter, making it difficult to access certain areas of the park; temperatures may be below freezing at times (this might be a pro for people who enjoy the cold!)
Here is more information on the best time of year to visit the park.
How can I keep my family safe when visiting GSMNP?
Safety Information
A few tips for keeping your family safe when visiting GSMNP:
- Check the forecast before heading out and wear appropriate clothing.
- Stay on marked trails and roads.
- Use sun protection.
- Bring plenty of food and water.
- Wear sturdy shoes with good traction, especially for waterfall hikes or hikes with stream crossings.
- Be extremely cautious near fast-moving water and waterfalls.
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife. Consider bringing binoculars if you want a closer look. If an animal comes within 50 yards of you, slowly back away. Do not try to get closer to get photos. It is a federal violation within GSMNP to willfully approach a bear within 50 yards.
- Clean up after yourself. Dispose of trash in bear-proof trash cans. Be respectful of the natural area and remember that you are a visitor.
- Talk to a ranger at one of the visitor centers to learn more about the park and wildlife.
What should I do if I see a bear?
There are nearly 2,000 black bears that are estimated to live in GSMNP. This is a population density of about 2 bears per square mile.
Seeing a bear in its natural habitat is incredible! As long as you know what to do to protect both yourself and the bears.
The National Park Service has a lot of great information on black bear habitats and behaviors and what to do if you see a bear.
What should I bring on my family hike?
- Plenty of water & snacks
- Day Hike Backpack
- Sun Protection – hat, sunglasses, SPF chapstick, sunscreen
- Park Map (can get this at the visitor centers or entrance stations in the park)
- Trail Maps
- Mini First Aid Kit
- Rain Jacket and layers (the park can have varying temps at different elevations)
- Trekking Poles (these save my knees when going down steep declines!)
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Hiking carrier or baby carrier
I hope you enjoyed this list of the best Smoky Mountain hikes for families! Happy travels!
