Gatlinburg guidebook

Albert
Gatlinburg guidebook

Sightseeing

Experience a scenic ride from Downtown Gatlinburg to the summit of Anakeesta on the Chondola’s open-air 4-person chair, enclosed 6-person gondola cabin, or Ridge Rambler military vehicles. From there, guests can enjoy the Treetop Skywalk, soar through the trees on our dual-racing zip lines with rappel drops, or ride the Rail Runner, the first one of its kind in the United States! Climb through Treehouse Village Adventure then discover treasures while mining for gems. Stroll through the Memorial Forest Walk then explore Anakeesta’s beautifully landscaped Vista Garden. Enjoy a craft beer or specialty drink with friends at the Cliff Top Grill & Bar then order dinner, sit back, relax, and watch the sunset while waiting for the lights of Downtown Gatlinburg to come alive. Or, taste the best southern BBQ at the Anakeesta Smokehouse. Save room for dessert at Pearl’s Pie in the Sky! Wrist bands provide all day access to Anakeesta. Join us at Anakeesta and discover the magic in the mountains!
453 locals raden deze aan
Anakeesta
576 Parkway
453 locals raden deze aan
Experience a scenic ride from Downtown Gatlinburg to the summit of Anakeesta on the Chondola’s open-air 4-person chair, enclosed 6-person gondola cabin, or Ridge Rambler military vehicles. From there, guests can enjoy the Treetop Skywalk, soar through the trees on our dual-racing zip lines with rappel drops, or ride the Rail Runner, the first one of its kind in the United States! Climb through Treehouse Village Adventure then discover treasures while mining for gems. Stroll through the Memorial Forest Walk then explore Anakeesta’s beautifully landscaped Vista Garden. Enjoy a craft beer or specialty drink with friends at the Cliff Top Grill & Bar then order dinner, sit back, relax, and watch the sunset while waiting for the lights of Downtown Gatlinburg to come alive. Or, taste the best southern BBQ at the Anakeesta Smokehouse. Save room for dessert at Pearl’s Pie in the Sky! Wrist bands provide all day access to Anakeesta. Join us at Anakeesta and discover the magic in the mountains!
Home of North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge: Gatlinburg SkyBridge. At the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, guests will experience the best views of the beautiful Smoky Mountains and the town of Gatlinburg. Come relax and enjoy the views!
190 locals raden deze aan
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
765 Parkway
190 locals raden deze aan
Home of North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge: Gatlinburg SkyBridge. At the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, guests will experience the best views of the beautiful Smoky Mountains and the town of Gatlinburg. Come relax and enjoy the views!
From downtown Gatlinburg, hop on to the 120 passenger aerial tramway for a ride to this ski area with a 600-foot vertical drop, nine beautiful trails and an amusement park complete with indoor ice skating, wildlife encounter, Alpine Slide, water rides and more.
500 locals raden deze aan
Ober Gatlinburg
1339 Ski Mountain Rd
500 locals raden deze aan
From downtown Gatlinburg, hop on to the 120 passenger aerial tramway for a ride to this ski area with a 600-foot vertical drop, nine beautiful trails and an amusement park complete with indoor ice skating, wildlife encounter, Alpine Slide, water rides and more.
Rowdy Bear is home to two amazing rides! The Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster is a gravity propelled coaster that allows you to zip and zoom through the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains all while operating your very own coaster cart! You control your speeds up to 35mph. The Mountain Glider is the FIRST IN THE WORLD! It is a suspended single railed, dual racing coaster that combines free falling and hang gliding into one fun, safe, & exhilarating experience. This coaster can reach speeds of up to 25mph and offers amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountains while you swing through the treetops! We are open 365 days a year and operate in rain, snow, and sunshine. Free parking. Online ticket purchase available by visiting our website. Visit our Sister Park- Rowdy Bear Ridge @2155 Parkway, Pigeon Forge Home to Tennessee’s First Year Round Outdoor Tubing Hill! 500’ Lanes with a 70’ drop. Ride single or attach up to 3 tubes! Also home to the Worlds First Laser Gun Coaster Ride! Stay Rowdy My Friend
48 locals raden deze aan
Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster
386 Parkway
48 locals raden deze aan
Rowdy Bear is home to two amazing rides! The Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster is a gravity propelled coaster that allows you to zip and zoom through the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains all while operating your very own coaster cart! You control your speeds up to 35mph. The Mountain Glider is the FIRST IN THE WORLD! It is a suspended single railed, dual racing coaster that combines free falling and hang gliding into one fun, safe, & exhilarating experience. This coaster can reach speeds of up to 25mph and offers amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountains while you swing through the treetops! We are open 365 days a year and operate in rain, snow, and sunshine. Free parking. Online ticket purchase available by visiting our website. Visit our Sister Park- Rowdy Bear Ridge @2155 Parkway, Pigeon Forge Home to Tennessee’s First Year Round Outdoor Tubing Hill! 500’ Lanes with a 70’ drop. Ride single or attach up to 3 tubes! Also home to the Worlds First Laser Gun Coaster Ride! Stay Rowdy My Friend
The Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster is a unique, family-friendly thrill ride that puts you in the driver's seat. Race through the Smoky Mountains on our unique, wide track with a brake system that puts you in control. And best of all, our tubular rails guarantee a smooth, comfortable ride every time!
50 locals raden deze aan
Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster
306 Parkway
50 locals raden deze aan
The Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster is a unique, family-friendly thrill ride that puts you in the driver's seat. Race through the Smoky Mountains on our unique, wide track with a brake system that puts you in control. And best of all, our tubular rails guarantee a smooth, comfortable ride every time!
An adrenaline rush like no other! For an interactive game like you’ve never experienced before, gather your courage and check out the 7D Dark Ride Adventure! Check out our online ticket sales!
7D Dark Ride Adventure
903 Parkway
An adrenaline rush like no other! For an interactive game like you’ve never experienced before, gather your courage and check out the 7D Dark Ride Adventure! Check out our online ticket sales!

Our favorite breakfast place. Expect long lines :)

Crockett’s Breakfast Camp serves as the legacy of David C. “Crockett” Maples, an original frontiersman, honored soldier, and devoted family man with an inspiring will to overcome any obstacle in his path. His amazing story is one of intrigue, tragedy, survival, and triumph. Stirred by Crockett’s incredible life and devotion to serving others, Crockett’s Breakfast Camp pledges to deliver quality food and service to everyone who visits.
153 locals raden deze aan
Crockett's Breakfast Camp
1103 Parkway
153 locals raden deze aan
Crockett’s Breakfast Camp serves as the legacy of David C. “Crockett” Maples, an original frontiersman, honored soldier, and devoted family man with an inspiring will to overcome any obstacle in his path. His amazing story is one of intrigue, tragedy, survival, and triumph. Stirred by Crockett’s incredible life and devotion to serving others, Crockett’s Breakfast Camp pledges to deliver quality food and service to everyone who visits.

Our favorite dinner place with live country music.

MISBEHAVE A LITTLE, GATLINBURG STYLE. Whether Ole Red is at the top of your country music bucket list or you just wandered in itchin’ for a little fun in the heart of Gatlinburg, we’re glad you made it. Country fans already know this place gets its name from superstar Blake Shelton’s breakout hit, “Ol’ Red.” Being here is a lot like hanging out with the guy himself: laid-back and genuine, up for anything, a bit irreverent (but always fun)—and set to great music. Ole Red has a little something for everyone in the heart of the Smokies!
96 locals raden deze aan
Ole Red
511 Parkway
96 locals raden deze aan
MISBEHAVE A LITTLE, GATLINBURG STYLE. Whether Ole Red is at the top of your country music bucket list or you just wandered in itchin’ for a little fun in the heart of Gatlinburg, we’re glad you made it. Country fans already know this place gets its name from superstar Blake Shelton’s breakout hit, “Ol’ Red.” Being here is a lot like hanging out with the guy himself: laid-back and genuine, up for anything, a bit irreverent (but always fun)—and set to great music. Ole Red has a little something for everyone in the heart of the Smokies!

Food scene

Cafe, American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options.#1 of 105 Restaurants in Gatlinburg.
39 locals raden deze aan
Tennessee Cider Company
611 Parkway
39 locals raden deze aan
Cafe, American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options.#1 of 105 Restaurants in Gatlinburg.
Chesapeake’s derives much of its authentic Eastern Shore qualities from décor that features genuine nautical antiques and artifacts. Pairing this cozy, seaside ambiance with welcoming service and fresh ingredients has made it the perfect spot for creating memorable moments with the people in your life.
63 locals raden deze aan
Chesapeake's Seafood and Raw Bar
437 Parkway
63 locals raden deze aan
Chesapeake’s derives much of its authentic Eastern Shore qualities from décor that features genuine nautical antiques and artifacts. Pairing this cozy, seaside ambiance with welcoming service and fresh ingredients has made it the perfect spot for creating memorable moments with the people in your life.
Taste of Italy offers you, your friends, and family one of the best Italian and pizza dining experiences in the Gatlinburg and Smoky Mountain area, all in a warm and nicely decorated Italian themed decor. We are also a Gatlinburg vegetarian friendly restaurant with plenty of vegetarian and some gluten-free offerings to choose from. But don’t worry, meat lovers; we have you covered, too. Our extensive menu offerings include: vegetarian and meat Italian dishes, special and traditional pasta dishes, calzones and stromboli, gourmet style pizzas, seafood dishes, signature Italian entrees, hot and cold subs, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, appetizers, a variety of fresh salads, desserts, and a kids menu. Authentic Italian dishes and fresh homemade pizza at our Gatlinburg, family friendly Italian restaurant is yours today at Taste of Italy.
28 locals raden deze aan
Taste of Italy
1235 East Pkwy
28 locals raden deze aan
Taste of Italy offers you, your friends, and family one of the best Italian and pizza dining experiences in the Gatlinburg and Smoky Mountain area, all in a warm and nicely decorated Italian themed decor. We are also a Gatlinburg vegetarian friendly restaurant with plenty of vegetarian and some gluten-free offerings to choose from. But don’t worry, meat lovers; we have you covered, too. Our extensive menu offerings include: vegetarian and meat Italian dishes, special and traditional pasta dishes, calzones and stromboli, gourmet style pizzas, seafood dishes, signature Italian entrees, hot and cold subs, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, appetizers, a variety of fresh salads, desserts, and a kids menu. Authentic Italian dishes and fresh homemade pizza at our Gatlinburg, family friendly Italian restaurant is yours today at Taste of Italy.
SMB is the oldest craft brewery in East Tennessee. Our Gatlinburg location opened in 1996 when the idea of local microbrews served fresh was, well, unpopular. People would order a Miller Lite or a Budweiser. When we would tell them we only served beer brewed in house, they would get upset.
136 locals raden deze aan
Smoky Mountain Dreams
1004 Parkway
136 locals raden deze aan
SMB is the oldest craft brewery in East Tennessee. Our Gatlinburg location opened in 1996 when the idea of local microbrews served fresh was, well, unpopular. People would order a Miller Lite or a Budweiser. When we would tell them we only served beer brewed in house, they would get upset.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. - Fresh Seafood, Family and Fun.
22 locals raden deze aan
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
900 Parkway
22 locals raden deze aan
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. - Fresh Seafood, Family and Fun.
Looking for great food and a relaxing atmosphere? El Soñador is a Mexican restaurant you have to visit while exploring the Great Smoky Mountains. Located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee they have delicious authentic Mexican food, live musical entertainment and a scenic outdoor patio that you can relax on, while you enjoy your meal. At El Soñador Mexican Restaurant, we bring Mexico to you. Our traditional Mexican food is made with quality ingredients to bring you a delicious dish you won’t forget! With lunch and dinner specials everyday, El Soñador has fresh food at affordable prices. Stop in, sit down, relax, and let us take care of you. We are the best of the Mexican restaurants in Gatlinburg!
8 locals raden deze aan
El Soñador Mexican Restaurant
458 Parkway
8 locals raden deze aan
Looking for great food and a relaxing atmosphere? El Soñador is a Mexican restaurant you have to visit while exploring the Great Smoky Mountains. Located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee they have delicious authentic Mexican food, live musical entertainment and a scenic outdoor patio that you can relax on, while you enjoy your meal. At El Soñador Mexican Restaurant, we bring Mexico to you. Our traditional Mexican food is made with quality ingredients to bring you a delicious dish you won’t forget! With lunch and dinner specials everyday, El Soñador has fresh food at affordable prices. Stop in, sit down, relax, and let us take care of you. We are the best of the Mexican restaurants in Gatlinburg!
The Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, "The Holler", is America’s most visited distillery and produces all of our signature flavors.
195 locals raden deze aan
Ole Smoky Moonshine
903 Parkway
195 locals raden deze aan
The Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, "The Holler", is America’s most visited distillery and produces all of our signature flavors.
Sugarlands Distilling Co. is a proud, locally owned, community–minded, “give-back” brand that produces quality, craft spirits. Sugarlands opened its downtown Gatlinburg, Tenn., distillery in March 2014 to perform the age-old craft of distilling fine Sugarlands Spirits. The distillery is a popular attraction where guests are invited to taste samples of our award-winning spirits, take behind the-scenes tours of the production, and purchase their favorite spirits, mountain merchandise, and apparel. Its authentic spirits, barn-house location, and first-class entertainment offer visitors the complete Tennessee distilling experience.
132 locals raden deze aan
Sugarlands Distilling Company
805 Parkway
132 locals raden deze aan
Sugarlands Distilling Co. is a proud, locally owned, community–minded, “give-back” brand that produces quality, craft spirits. Sugarlands opened its downtown Gatlinburg, Tenn., distillery in March 2014 to perform the age-old craft of distilling fine Sugarlands Spirits. The distillery is a popular attraction where guests are invited to taste samples of our award-winning spirits, take behind the-scenes tours of the production, and purchase their favorite spirits, mountain merchandise, and apparel. Its authentic spirits, barn-house location, and first-class entertainment offer visitors the complete Tennessee distilling experience.
Doc Collier Moonshine was established in 2014 and celebrates the history of the local Collier family. Named after grandpappy, William “Doc” Collier, who was a local moonshiner, the distillery sits on the main strip of Gatlinburg. The distillery uses the very same recipes that Doc did during Prohibition including some fresh English Mountain Spring water straight from the source! With moonshine distilleries being prevalent in Gatlinburg, Doc’s aims to set itself apart through high quality products and genuine interactions with our customers. We are Gatlinburg’s best kept secret and plan to remain that way.
19 locals raden deze aan
Doc Collier Moonshine
519 Parkway
19 locals raden deze aan
Doc Collier Moonshine was established in 2014 and celebrates the history of the local Collier family. Named after grandpappy, William “Doc” Collier, who was a local moonshiner, the distillery sits on the main strip of Gatlinburg. The distillery uses the very same recipes that Doc did during Prohibition including some fresh English Mountain Spring water straight from the source! With moonshine distilleries being prevalent in Gatlinburg, Doc’s aims to set itself apart through high quality products and genuine interactions with our customers. We are Gatlinburg’s best kept secret and plan to remain that way.

Best Hiking Trails

Rainbow Falls Trail: Tallest Single-Drop Waterfall in the Smoky Mountains This 5.4-mile (R/T) trail off the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail accesses the tallest single-drop waterfall in the national park. At 80 feet, Rainbow Falls is quite the payoff for a fairly demanding hike covering some 1,500 feet of elevation gain and requiring for most people three to four hours in total. The rough, occasionally rocky trail shadows LeConte Creek, which flows off the northwestern shoulders of Mount LeConte—the third-highest peak in the Great Smokies—and takes that awesome freefall along the way. Rainbow Falls gets its name from the rainbows commonly appearing in its shimmering mist in the afternoon, especially in summertime. If you’re hiking boots are still itchy after soaking up the splendor of Rainbow Falls, you can continue along the trail another four miles or so to the crown of Mount LeConte.
59 locals raden deze aan
Rainbow Falls Trail
Rainbow Falls Trail
59 locals raden deze aan
Rainbow Falls Trail: Tallest Single-Drop Waterfall in the Smoky Mountains This 5.4-mile (R/T) trail off the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail accesses the tallest single-drop waterfall in the national park. At 80 feet, Rainbow Falls is quite the payoff for a fairly demanding hike covering some 1,500 feet of elevation gain and requiring for most people three to four hours in total. The rough, occasionally rocky trail shadows LeConte Creek, which flows off the northwestern shoulders of Mount LeConte—the third-highest peak in the Great Smokies—and takes that awesome freefall along the way. Rainbow Falls gets its name from the rainbows commonly appearing in its shimmering mist in the afternoon, especially in summertime. If you’re hiking boots are still itchy after soaking up the splendor of Rainbow Falls, you can continue along the trail another four miles or so to the crown of Mount LeConte.
Mount LeConte Offers Breathtaking Views by Way of Alum Cave Trail The Alum Cave Trail reaches Mount LeConte from the other side of this mighty summit, and offers up some of the most intriguing geology and stirring scenery in Great Smoky Mountains National Park as it does. About 11 miles round-trip and incorporating 2,700 feet of elevation gain, this is an all-day sort of trail, but you’ve got many natural rest stops along the way and the kind of sights that’ll keep the old hiking muscles firing. An early attraction on the Alum Cave Trail is Arch Rock, a slate portal you’ll pass through via rock stairs. At about the two-mile point, Inspiration Point is indeed inspiring with its long mountainscape vistas. A bit before the halfway mark, you’ll reach Alum Cave Bluff: a gigantic alcove on the flanks of Peregrine Peak that offers a shady stopover. The trail steepens beyond Alum Cave Bluff and the views continue to broaden as you hoof it to the 6,593-foot summit of one of the grandest peaks in the Great Smokies.
56 locals raden deze aan
Alum Cave Trail
Alum Cave Trail
56 locals raden deze aan
Mount LeConte Offers Breathtaking Views by Way of Alum Cave Trail The Alum Cave Trail reaches Mount LeConte from the other side of this mighty summit, and offers up some of the most intriguing geology and stirring scenery in Great Smoky Mountains National Park as it does. About 11 miles round-trip and incorporating 2,700 feet of elevation gain, this is an all-day sort of trail, but you’ve got many natural rest stops along the way and the kind of sights that’ll keep the old hiking muscles firing. An early attraction on the Alum Cave Trail is Arch Rock, a slate portal you’ll pass through via rock stairs. At about the two-mile point, Inspiration Point is indeed inspiring with its long mountainscape vistas. A bit before the halfway mark, you’ll reach Alum Cave Bluff: a gigantic alcove on the flanks of Peregrine Peak that offers a shady stopover. The trail steepens beyond Alum Cave Bluff and the views continue to broaden as you hoof it to the 6,593-foot summit of one of the grandest peaks in the Great Smokies.
Laurel Falls Trail: Beautiful Scenery & 80-Foot Waterfall The 80-foot, double-decker drop of Laurel Falls is one of the most popular attractions in the Great Smokies, and the trail reaching it is, at 2.6 miles, the longest fully paved path in the national park. You’ll gain about 314 feet on the moderately difficult there-and-back hike along the Laurel Branch, which usually takes about two hours unless you decide to bask awhile in the beauty of the falls—not a bad idea. The trail culminates in a walkway between the upper and lower falls, which needless to say translates to some awesome photo ops.
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Laurel Falls Trail
Laurel Falls Trail
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Laurel Falls Trail: Beautiful Scenery & 80-Foot Waterfall The 80-foot, double-decker drop of Laurel Falls is one of the most popular attractions in the Great Smokies, and the trail reaching it is, at 2.6 miles, the longest fully paved path in the national park. You’ll gain about 314 feet on the moderately difficult there-and-back hike along the Laurel Branch, which usually takes about two hours unless you decide to bask awhile in the beauty of the falls—not a bad idea. The trail culminates in a walkway between the upper and lower falls, which needless to say translates to some awesome photo ops.
Chimney Tops Hiking Trail The raw slate spires of the Chimney Tops create some of the most dramatic topography in the Great Smokies, and also serve up some of the most dazzling scenery. No surprise, then, that the 3.8-mile (R/T) Chimney Tops Trail is one of the most popular in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s certainly not among the easiest: There’s close to 1,500 feet of elevation gain, though the hard grade’s eased a bit by stairs in places. The observation platform at the end of the trail—opened in 2017 after a wildfire made the original turnaround point at the Chimney Tops too unsafe—provides awesome views not only of the slate crags themselves but also the magnificent loom of nearby Mount LeConte. Insider Tips: -Despite the steep, strenuous trail, the Chimney Tops trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park during spring, summer and fall. Be prepared for plenty of company on the trail. The trailhead lots fill up quickly throughout the year, so plan to arrive early (before 9am) or try your luck late in the afternoon. -If you hike to the top for sunset, plan to descend from the rock scramble before twilight fades. Bring a headlamp for a safer descent. -There are few hikers in winter when the snow and ice can make it too dangerous to summit the rock scramble. Directions: From downtown Gatlinburg, drive towards the National Park. The Chimney Tops parking area is located off Newfound Gap Road, approximately 6.8 miles south of the Sugarland Visitor Center. The Chimney Picnic Area is located 2.4 miles north of the trailhead.
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Chimney Tops Trail Trailhead
Chimney Tops Trail
51 locals raden deze aan
Chimney Tops Hiking Trail The raw slate spires of the Chimney Tops create some of the most dramatic topography in the Great Smokies, and also serve up some of the most dazzling scenery. No surprise, then, that the 3.8-mile (R/T) Chimney Tops Trail is one of the most popular in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s certainly not among the easiest: There’s close to 1,500 feet of elevation gain, though the hard grade’s eased a bit by stairs in places. The observation platform at the end of the trail—opened in 2017 after a wildfire made the original turnaround point at the Chimney Tops too unsafe—provides awesome views not only of the slate crags themselves but also the magnificent loom of nearby Mount LeConte. Insider Tips: -Despite the steep, strenuous trail, the Chimney Tops trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park during spring, summer and fall. Be prepared for plenty of company on the trail. The trailhead lots fill up quickly throughout the year, so plan to arrive early (before 9am) or try your luck late in the afternoon. -If you hike to the top for sunset, plan to descend from the rock scramble before twilight fades. Bring a headlamp for a safer descent. -There are few hikers in winter when the snow and ice can make it too dangerous to summit the rock scramble. Directions: From downtown Gatlinburg, drive towards the National Park. The Chimney Tops parking area is located off Newfound Gap Road, approximately 6.8 miles south of the Sugarland Visitor Center. The Chimney Picnic Area is located 2.4 miles north of the trailhead.
Trillium Gap Trail to Mount LeConte: Waterfalls, Wildflowers, & Mountain Views! A number of different paths access the third-highest peak in the Great Smokies, and one of the all-around best is the Trillium Gap Trail. Close to 14 miles round-trip, this route spreads out the 3,401 feet of elevation gain for a gentler ascent than, say, the Rainbow Falls Trail, and along the way it passes behind the remarkable 25-foot liquid curtain of Grotto Falls. You’ll have access to multiple world-class vantages on Mount LeConte, most notably Myrtle Point, and you might be lucky enough to run into one of the llama pack strings that haul supplies along the Trillium Gap Trail to LeConte Lodge. Insider Tips: -Though Trillium Gap Trail is beautiful, keep in mind that this is a relatively strenuous hike. Allow adequate time to ascend and return, and bring plenty of water and snacks for the trip. -With many native wildflowers along the Trillium Gap Trail, this hike makes the perfect spring hike! Trailhead and Parking Traffic lights in Gatlinburg are numbered, so if you are visiting the trail from the city, begin at traffic light number 8. Turn onto Historic Natural Trail and follow it several miles until you reach Cherokee Orchard Loop Road inside Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Follow the loop nearly a mile before turning right onto Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Like the loop, this is a one-way road. The Trillium Gap Trail parking area will be on your left approximately a mile and a half down the road. We recommend arriving early for a parking space, as they fill up quickly. Don’t fret if you find a full lot, though; additional parking is available further up the road — you’ll just need to do a little walking to reach the trailhead. Trail Features Trail Difficulty Extreme Round Trip Hours 8 Hrs Round Trip Miles 13.9 Mi Elevation Gain 3,401 Ft Trailhead Driving Directions Nearby National Park Hikes Brushy Mountain Trail (via Trillium Gap) #28 of 54 National Park Hikes 4.5 | 78 Feet Away Grotto Falls Trail #7 of 54 National Park Hikes 4.0 | 425 Feet Away Baskins Creek Falls #21 of 54 National Park Hikes 4.0 | 0.9 Miles Away Mount LeConte via The Bullhead Trail #34 of 54 National Park Hikes 4.0 | 1.3 Miles Away Popular National Park Hikes Old Sugarlands Trail #1 of 54 National Park Hikes 3.5 Twin Creeks Trail #2 of 54 National Park Hikes 3.0 Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte #3 of 54 National Park Hikes 4.5 Clingmans Dome Hike #4 of 54 National Park Hikes 4.5 Browse Nearby National Park Hikes National Park Things To Do National Park Inspirations Smoky Mountain Cabins
Trillium Gap Trail Trailhead
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Trillium Gap Trail to Mount LeConte: Waterfalls, Wildflowers, & Mountain Views! A number of different paths access the third-highest peak in the Great Smokies, and one of the all-around best is the Trillium Gap Trail. Close to 14 miles round-trip, this route spreads out the 3,401 feet of elevation gain for a gentler ascent than, say, the Rainbow Falls Trail, and along the way it passes behind the remarkable 25-foot liquid curtain of Grotto Falls. You’ll have access to multiple world-class vantages on Mount LeConte, most notably Myrtle Point, and you might be lucky enough to run into one of the llama pack strings that haul supplies along the Trillium Gap Trail to LeConte Lodge. Insider Tips: -Though Trillium Gap Trail is beautiful, keep in mind that this is a relatively strenuous hike. Allow adequate time to ascend and return, and bring plenty of water and snacks for the trip. -With many native wildflowers along the Trillium Gap Trail, this hike makes the perfect spring hike! Trailhead and Parking Traffic lights in Gatlinburg are numbered, so if you are visiting the trail from the city, begin at traffic light number 8. Turn onto Historic Natural Trail and follow it several miles until you reach Cherokee Orchard Loop Road inside Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Follow the loop nearly a mile before turning right onto Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Like the loop, this is a one-way road. The Trillium Gap Trail parking area will be on your left approximately a mile and a half down the road. We recommend arriving early for a parking space, as they fill up quickly. Don’t fret if you find a full lot, though; additional parking is available further up the road — you’ll just need to do a little walking to reach the trailhead. Trail Features Trail Difficulty Extreme Round Trip Hours 8 Hrs Round Trip Miles 13.9 Mi Elevation Gain 3,401 Ft Trailhead Driving Directions Nearby National Park Hikes Brushy Mountain Trail (via Trillium Gap) #28 of 54 National Park Hikes 4.5 | 78 Feet Away Grotto Falls Trail #7 of 54 National Park Hikes 4.0 | 425 Feet Away Baskins Creek Falls #21 of 54 National Park Hikes 4.0 | 0.9 Miles Away Mount LeConte via The Bullhead Trail #34 of 54 National Park Hikes 4.0 | 1.3 Miles Away Popular National Park Hikes Old Sugarlands Trail #1 of 54 National Park Hikes 3.5 Twin Creeks Trail #2 of 54 National Park Hikes 3.0 Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte #3 of 54 National Park Hikes 4.5 Clingmans Dome Hike #4 of 54 National Park Hikes 4.5 Browse Nearby National Park Hikes National Park Things To Do National Park Inspirations Smoky Mountain Cabins