As you make your plans for your next trip to the TN Smokies, you are going to want to schedule some time to explore the great outdoors. The beautiful scenery of the Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee can be discovered only by hiking! If you are bringing young children, it can be hard to find short trails that are easy for them to complete. Thankfully, there are several hikes in the Smokies that are suitable for children and families. Here are the top rated and some of the best Smoky Mountain hiking trails for families:

1. Laurel Falls

This Smoky Mountain hike allows your family to see one of the most amazing waterfalls in the Smokies. It is also a relatively short hike, at only 2.3 miles roundtrip. The entire trail is paved, making it easy for young children to walk alongside their parents to the falls. Laurel Falls itself is an 80-foot-tall waterfall. The neatest thing about it is that it is separated into two sections by a foot bridge that crosses through the middle. The bridge is the perfect place for your family to pose for a photo to show to the others back home!

2. Gatlinburg Trail

If you are spending the day in Gatlinburg and want to find a short hike nearby, the Gatlinburg Trail is a Great choice. It is only 3.8 miles in length, and it begins right behind the Sugarland’s Visitor Center. The trail follows right along the west prong of the Little Pigeon River, which is a beautiful sight to see! There are also some remnants of old homesteads near the end of the hike. If you are staying in one of our pet friendly cabins in the Smokies, you will be thrilled to know that the Gatlinburg Trail is one of just two dog friendly trails in the national park!

3. Porters Creek Trail

Porters Creek Trail is another one of the Smoky Mountain hikes that are great for families. This trail covers right at 4 miles roundtrip, and only gains about 350 feet in elevation. The flat terrain and wide pathways makes it easy for children to conquer. Some of the things you will see along the journey include historic sites, wildflowers, and even a waterfall. Even though this is one of the shorter hikes in the mountains, it is filled with amazing wonders. To reach the trailhead, you will travel along highway 321 to the Greenbriar section of the national park. While this is a great hike during all times of the year, it is especially popular during the spring and summer months due to the blooming wildflowers along the pathway.

4. Kephart Prong Trail

If you want to learn about the history of the Smokies with your family, the Kephart Prong Trail is a great hiking option. It is only 4 miles roundtrip and is recommended for any children elementary age and up. Along the journey, you will come across all types of historical sites, including remnants of the Civilian Conservation Camps that were stationed in the Smokies from 1933 until 1942. You will also spot some evidence of a fish hatchery that was built in 1936. This trail is also a great opportunity for your children to see some of the wildlife that live in the Smoky Mountains, including salamanders hiding under the rocks near the stream.

The Smoky Mountains is the perfect destination for a group vacation. Between all the exciting attractions, shops, and restaurants, there is something for everyone.  As you plan your next group vacation, we have the best selection of large vacation rental cabins you can choose from. Not only does having everyone under one roof provide more excitement, but it can also save everyone in the group some cash:

1. Pay One Rental Price

While on the surface it appears that a large cabin may cost a significant amount of money, but it is much cheaper for your group in the long run.  Because there are going to be a larger number of guests, you can split the cost of the cabin between everyone, which turns out to be cheaper than every person having to rent their own cabin or room.  Plus, you will have much more fun having a shared space rather than staying in individual hotel rooms.  Your crew can spend the evenings relaxing in the hot tub, swimming in a pool, or playing in one of our amazing game room cabins!

2. Cook In Your Cabin

Our cabins come with the amazing amenity of a fully equipped kitchen.  With all the appliances you need to fix up an amazing meal, you can save money by not having to eat out for every meal while you are on vacation.  There are plenty of grocery stores around town where you can pick up all the ingredients you need to serve up a five-star meal for your family and friends.  Our Large Cabins also have a dining room big enough where everyone will have plenty of space to sit around the table together to spend some quality time with each other.   Check out our Large Cabins in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee today to start planning your next vacation trip.  We look forward to welcoming your large group of family and friends to the Smokies.