A hike through the heart of Tennessee’s beautiful wilderness does the soul well, but sometimes you don’t want to schlep your way over intense inclines and rocky ridges in the midst of the forest. No, every once in a while it’s good to simply go on a quiet, easy wander through nature. We’ve put together seven of the greatest mountain hiking trails in Tennessee for beginners, and there is bound to be a new adventure on tap for you and yours. Since the mountains of Tennessee are shared liberally with North Carolina, keep in mind that you may find few trails tend to meander over the state line. If you’re a new hiker or are simply looking to enjoy an easy hike through the heart of Tennessee, then read on!
- Twin Creeks Trail
Dongwon Shin - AllTrails Twin Creeks Trail is an out-and-back trail that covers 4.5 miles in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is popular for hiking and trail running, and due to its kid-friendly terrain and lack of intense elevation gain, it is well-trafficked throughout the year. Dogs are not allowed on the hike, unfortunately. Twin Creeks Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
- Oconaluftee River Trail
Julya Johnson - AllTrails The Oconaluftee River Trail begins at the Mountain Farm Museum in the Great Smoky Mountains, an open-air museum that allows folks to learn about the area before beginning their adventure. You will find that the trail is more of a walking path, and it is both wheelchair and stroller friendly. Popular with locals and tourists alike, this 3.1-mile out-and-back trail is perfect for all ages. Oconaluftee River Trail, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
- Roaring Fork Motor Trail
Mitchell Norton - AllTrails Roaring Fork Motor Trail takes a little bit longer to complete since it is almost seven miles in its entirety. The point-to-point route is popular for birding, and if you visit during the springtime you will be treated to scads of wildflowers. There is an elevation gain of 1,200 feet total but spread out over seven miles it is still an easy trail to complete. Plus, the views are stunning! Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
- Mouse Creek Falls
Justin P - AllTrails Mouse Creek Falls is located near Hartford, Tennessee, and it is popular for both hiking and camping. It’s even open to horseback riders! Be prepared for an out-and-back route that’s great for kids but make it a point to wear the right hiking shoes. There are rocky areas that may be challenging. The waterfall views are fantastic as well, so cameras are encouraged. Mouse Creek Falls, North Carolina 28785, USA
- Cataract Falls
Lisa Artz - AllTrails The hike to Cataract Falls is barely a mile long and located near the popular tourist town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It takes most folks less than half an hour to complete! The out-and-back route is safe and well-trafficked, welcoming to kids, strollers, and waterfall enthusiasts. It is best traversed from May to November. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, too! Cataract Falls, Cove Mountain Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
- Max Patch Loop
Tyler Nekton - AllTrails The Max Patch Loop is just over the Tennessee border in North Carolina, but since Tennessee is a neighborly state, you may just want to pop over the state line for a 1.5-mile hike. You will wander rolling hills along a treeless summit in Pisgah National Forest, and the views are great for folks of all ages. Dogs are welcome, and make sure your camera is in hand. The view from the summit is truly beautiful! Max Patch Road, Max Patch Rd, United States
- Gatlinburg Trail
Gregg Thauvette - AllTrails Gatlinburg Trail is just under four miles in its entirety and is located just outside of the main tourist strip. You will begin your hike at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and follow an out-and-back route that gains only 164 feet of elevation along its entirety. The route is partially paved and stroller-friendly, and dogs are welcome if they’re kept on a leash. Gatlinburg Trail, Gatlinburg, TN, USA
What a wonderful handful of easy hikes! How many have you taken? Will you be making a trek through the Tennessee wilderness sometime soon?
Dongwon Shin - AllTrails
Twin Creeks Trail is an out-and-back trail that covers 4.5 miles in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is popular for hiking and trail running, and due to its kid-friendly terrain and lack of intense elevation gain, it is well-trafficked throughout the year. Dogs are not allowed on the hike, unfortunately.
Twin Creeks Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Julya Johnson - AllTrails
The Oconaluftee River Trail begins at the Mountain Farm Museum in the Great Smoky Mountains, an open-air museum that allows folks to learn about the area before beginning their adventure. You will find that the trail is more of a walking path, and it is both wheelchair and stroller friendly. Popular with locals and tourists alike, this 3.1-mile out-and-back trail is perfect for all ages.
Oconaluftee River Trail, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
Mitchell Norton - AllTrails
Roaring Fork Motor Trail takes a little bit longer to complete since it is almost seven miles in its entirety. The point-to-point route is popular for birding, and if you visit during the springtime you will be treated to scads of wildflowers. There is an elevation gain of 1,200 feet total but spread out over seven miles it is still an easy trail to complete. Plus, the views are stunning!
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Justin P - AllTrails
Mouse Creek Falls is located near Hartford, Tennessee, and it is popular for both hiking and camping. It’s even open to horseback riders! Be prepared for an out-and-back route that’s great for kids but make it a point to wear the right hiking shoes. There are rocky areas that may be challenging. The waterfall views are fantastic as well, so cameras are encouraged.
Mouse Creek Falls, North Carolina 28785, USA
Lisa Artz - AllTrails
The hike to Cataract Falls is barely a mile long and located near the popular tourist town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It takes most folks less than half an hour to complete! The out-and-back route is safe and well-trafficked, welcoming to kids, strollers, and waterfall enthusiasts. It is best traversed from May to November. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, too!
Cataract Falls, Cove Mountain Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Tyler Nekton - AllTrails
The Max Patch Loop is just over the Tennessee border in North Carolina, but since Tennessee is a neighborly state, you may just want to pop over the state line for a 1.5-mile hike. You will wander rolling hills along a treeless summit in Pisgah National Forest, and the views are great for folks of all ages. Dogs are welcome, and make sure your camera is in hand. The view from the summit is truly beautiful!
Max Patch Road, Max Patch Rd, United States
Gregg Thauvette - AllTrails
Gatlinburg Trail is just under four miles in its entirety and is located just outside of the main tourist strip. You will begin your hike at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and follow an out-and-back route that gains only 164 feet of elevation along its entirety. The route is partially paved and stroller-friendly, and dogs are welcome if they’re kept on a leash.
Gatlinburg Trail, Gatlinburg, TN, USA
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