Bike the Gatlinburg Trail

Destinations Southeast Tennessee Gatlinburg

Bike the Gatlinburg Trail

The Gatlinburg Trail offers a remarkable opportunity for biking enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this trail stands out for its stunning scenery and relatively easy terrain, making it accessible for riders of all skill levels. Its proximity to the charming town of Gatlinburg enhances its appeal, drawing visitors eager to experience both outdoor adventure and local culture.

Adventure Guide To Bike the Gatlinburg Trail

Gatlinburg Trailhead
Starting at the Gatlinburg Trailhead, this 1.9-mile trail winds along the banks of the Little Pigeon River. What makes it special is its scenic views of both the river and the surrounding wilderness. The trail is paved and features gentle slopes, making it a family-friendly route.
Sugarlands Visitor Center
The trail begins just beyond the Sugarlands Visitor Center, an ideal stop for bikers. Here, you can learn about the area's rich biodiversity and history through informative exhibits. Facilities include restrooms, picnic areas, and a gift shop, enhancing your biking experience with added conveniences.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
While biking, don't be surprised to encounter diverse wildlife, including deer, black bears, and various bird species. The trail is known for its vibrant natural surroundings, which change with the seasons, offering a unique experience year-round.

Local Insights

The Gatlinburg Trail is significant not just for recreation but also for its historical context. It was part of the early road network used by local settlers and later developed to allow access for visitors. Riding this trail offers a unique lens into the region’s history, celebrating its transformation from a bustling community to a prime tourist destination.

Visitor Tips

Best Times to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon during spring and fall for less crowded conditions.
What to Bring: Water, sunscreen, and comfortable biking gear. A camera to capture the scenic beauty is also recommended.
Driving Directions: From the Smoky Mountains, take US-441 North for approximately 10 minutes to reach Gatlinburg Trailhead.

Adventure Map

Gatlinburg Info

No GPX info

Reviews

joe mallozzia month ago

Nice easy walling trail, good for the family, kids, dogs and maybe an off road stroller. Nice Cataract Falls about 1/2 mile into the hike. Not much to see except for trees after the Falls

Louis and Elaine4 months ago

This is the beginning of the great Gatlinburg Trail. The trail normally runs for miles but currently ends about two miles up while the park service repairs fire damage. The area is almost fully shaded and fairly level. It follows a beautiful river with rapids and lots of natural scenery.

Steve Antonaccia month ago

We liked this little 2 miles mostly flat trail walk along the Little Pigeon River, plenty of nice picture opportunities and beautiful fall foliage , also some old fireplaces left over from long gone cabins. Really wasn’t too crowded since we went towards the end of the day . There was a small lot but paid parking close by .

Emily3 weeks ago

My partner and I were vacationing in the area, so we decided to get some fresh air here. It was wonderful! It was scenic with a lovely river streaming through the trail. The trail itself wasn't too challenging to walk either. My only issue was parking since the trail was a little busy and it seemed that normally is an issue. However, we still enjoyed our time here. People were friendly, the air was refreshing, and overall a relaxing environment.

Rustan Porter4 months ago

Easy to walk and extremely peaceful walk. I enjoy the atmosphere every time. Great for pictures taking and dog walking. The water is cold, but you can most definitely walk in and get in the river on certain areas. I have been coming here for a very long time. The best during fall but every time is a good time. Can be very busy parking is limited for 2 hrs if you gotta pay it's 20$ for lot outside of the trail.