Thousands of visitors flock to Pigeon Forge each and every year with the goal of hiking their way through some of the most breathtaking scenes in the country. Surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains, this lively little town makes it easy to trade the main strip for mountain air. With over 800 miles of trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park alone, hikers of all experience levels can find a trail that matches their pace, skill level, and sense of adventure.
Top 11 Hiking Trails Near Pigeon Forge
Here are a few of our favorite trails that have made the area so popular with anyone and everyone who loves the outdoors.
Easy Trails
If you want to stretch your legs without breaking too much of a sweat, these trails are a great place to start. Each offers stunning scenery, easy access, and all the charm of the Smokies— without needing to lace up your hiking boots.
Pigeon Forge Greenway System
Looking for a peaceful stroll without ever leaving town? The Pigeon Forge Greenway System has over six miles of easy trails and walkways that connect some of the town’s most notable landmarks and attractions.
Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail
Just a short drive from Pigeon Forge, the Sugarlands Valley Nature trail is a short, accessible trail that is the perfect place to take in the beauty of the Smokies without going too far. The trail is only half a mile long, but you’ll quickly find yourself surrounded by peaceful forests, babbling streams, and historic sites.
Elkmont Nature Trail
For a little taste of mountain scenery without much effort, check out the Elkmont Nature Trail. This easy 0.8-mile loop meanders through a quiet forest covered in native foliage and moss-covered rocks. It’s a peaceful spot to slow down, soak up some quiet, and learn about the area’s unique history.
Laurel Falls Trail
The Laurel Falls Trail is a must-do for first time visitors. The paved 2.6 mile round-trip trail leads to one of the park’s most photographed waterfalls, cascading down 80 feet of rocks.
Note: As of January 6, 2025 the Laurel Falls Trail is closed for rehabilitation work and is slated to reopen in Summer 2026. View this page to check its status before setting out.
Gatlinburg Trail
The Gatlinburg Trail is a great option if you’re looking for a longer hike that is still relatively easy in terms of trail difficulty. This path is four miles roundtrip and is one of the only bike- and dog-friendly trails in the park. Like the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail, the trailhead is located right outside of Gatlinburg, making it easy to access.
Moderate Trails
Ready to take it up a notch? These trails offer a little more distance, elevation, and adventure— but the payoff is always worth it!
Trillium Gap Trail
Chasing waterfalls? This one is a must. The 2.6-mile round trip hike on the Trillium Gap Trail takes you through a lush forest that winds behind (yes, behind) Grotto Falls— a 25-foot waterfall nestled in a cool mountain cove. Hiking boots are recommended for this trail, as it can get muddy.
Porters Creek Trail
The 4-mile round-trip Porters Creek Trail offers a little bit of everything: wildflowers in the spring, historic cabins and stone walls, and a gentle waterfall at the turnaround point. With stream crossings, roots, rocks, high footlog bridges, this moderately challenging trail truly captures the spirit of the Smokies.
Rainbow Falls Trail
Just a short drive from downtown Pigeon Forge, the 5.6-mile round-trip Rainbow Falls Trail leads to one of the tallest waterfalls in the Smokies. The trail climbs steadily through a shady forest before reaching the 80-foot Rainbow Falls, named for the colorful mist that often forms on sunny afternoons. The steep and rocky trail is a bit of a workout, but the view makes it all worthwhile.
Challenging Trails
If you’re up for a challenge, you don’t have to look far. There are several area trails known for their steep climbs, rugged paths, and panoramic payoffs.
Chimney Tops Trail
The 3.5-mile round-trip Chimney Tops Trail is short but steep, earning it a spot among the most rewarding hikes in the Smokies. The climb takes you through a lush forest filled with rhododendron, over creeks, and up stone stairs to a lookout with jaw-dropping views of Mount LeConte and the surrounding peaks. While the final quarter mile remains closed after a fire in 2016, the new observation area still offers incredible scenery.
Alum Cave Trail
If you’re up for a full-day adventure, the Alum Cave Trail is the way to go. The hike to the bluff (about 4.6 miles round trip) is a solid challenge on its own, but the ambitious often opt to continue all the way to the summit of Mount LeConte. If you go all the way, it’s an 11-mile round trip— but you’ll find some of the best vistas in the park.
Brushy Mountain Trail (via Trillium Gap)
Located near the same trailhead as Grotto Falls, this 6.8-mile round-trip hike offers a less-crowded alternative to Mount LeConte. The trail passes Grotto Falls, then climbs steadily through dense forest until you reach Brushy Mountain’s summit, where you’re rewarded with sweeping views of Mount LeConte and the rolling ridgelines beyond. It’s tough but quieter, and a great choice for hikers who want a challenge without the crowds.
Tips for Hiking Pigeon Forge
Keep these things in mind when planning your next hiking adventure.
1. Don’t forget your parking tag!
If you plan on parking at a trailhead within Smoky Mountain National Park, you’ll need a parking tag. Tags are available for purchase at certain area retailers, at kiosks in the park, or online. For more information on parking in the park, visit this website.
2. Start early in the day.
Mornings are cooler, quieter, and less crowded— especially on popular trails like Laurel Falls or Alum Cave. Getting an early start also means a less crowded parking situation at trailheads.
3. Check the weather forecast.
Rain can make some trials slick or cause flash flooding near waterfalls. Always double-check conditions before you go.
4. Don’t skimp on the essentials.
Even though most of these trails are in a National Park, you’re still out in the wilderness. Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes, and pack a few basics like snacks, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit— at a minimum. It’s always better to have it and not need it than the other way around.
Pigeon Forge Landing: Your Hiking Basecamp
Looking for the perfect place to come home to at the end of a long day on the trail? Pigeon Forge Landing offers the comfort and convenience that every hiker needs. Relax by the pool, enjoy riverfront views, or kick back around the fire with family and friends. With spacious RV sites, cozy cottages, and amenity-filled tent sites, Pigeon Forge Landing has something for every type of traveler.
