Gatlinburg Trail Trailhead — Attraction in Gatlinburg

I have absolutely no idea why this gets so many glowing reviews. I suppose for people that have never been hiking or haven’t gone very much the easy trail and constant view of the mountain stream is good enough for them. I’ve done most of my hiking in the Rockies so maybe I’m spoiled, but this trailhead is not very good and honestly a little boring. There are too many trees and the elevation is too low to get any good drop off mountain views. It feels more like a forest trail than a mountain trail. Once you get past the trail head trail, all the real trails begin with waterfall trails and more. The reason I criticize this one so badly is you can literally drive past this boring trail and skip it completely and park right by the ending of it where all the real trails begin. Something no one told me when asking about it. Wasted good daylight on the boring trail. If you’re into super easy trails and just out for a nice walk, you’ll love this trail. But if you’re looking for actual Mountain views and scenic outlooks and drop offs, skip this entirely. Drive past it to the real trail heads to save the daylight time, or check out the trail heads off of the roaring fork motor Nature Trail for better more...

Great place first thing in the morning. Loaded my Boxer boy up and hit the trail before the heat of the day. Not many people around and parking was easy. I chose parking there by the entrance, which means the Park Pass was required. Only $5.00 for the day. I drove ahead to Sugarlands and used the kiosk located at both ends of the parking area. Peaks of sun in between the trees and plenty of places to stop off and view / visit the creek. We did this several times is why I said 1 to 2 hour hike. Please take a bag for your dog poo. Most did, but some didn't, and it really ruins it for everyone else. Newsflash, even little dogs tootsie rolls should be picked up, people!! Saw a few squirrels and birds. My boy loved it. I really wished the Smokey Mountains and Gatlinburg area offered more for our K9 family members. Not everyone comes for the tourist trap, and I don't like leaving my boy kenneled at the cabinevery day of a week long vacation. Overall, the trail rates a 9 out of 10. We ended up going most mornings of our visit. Evenings were a little too crowded...

It was disappointing to visit this amazing area and discover only 2 available dog-friendly trails. Do the research before your trip to be sure it fits your preferred outdoor activities. (We went on a whim)

This particular trail extends from a parking lot at the edge of town, where you're charged $20, and ends at the visitor center. Park at the visitor center to avoid this parking fee, assuming that's permitted.

The trail itself is ok, at best. There is one minor hill, but the stream by the trail is the highlight. Unfortunately, that's as good as it gets. The nearby traffic is ever present, and there are no trash cans to deposit your doggie bags. The trail is rather narrow when considering the higher numbers of dogs on the trail (since we have 2 to choose). I think this trail was an afterthought, on the city's part, to accommodate those of us with dogs. That's not a criticism, just indicative of the effort put into making it truly dog/ owner friendly, and allowing exposure to nature and the beauty that the area...