As a gateway to the most visited national park in the country, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer the perfect escape for those who love nature and adventure. One of the most popular activities in the region is exploring the stunning hiking trails, which boast magnificent mountain scenery and abundant wildlife.
Whether you're a beginner or a pro, there are some tips you should consider to make the most of your hiking experience. In this blog, we've put together helpful tips to ensure you have an unforgettable hiking day in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
At Stony Brook, we're all about making your vacation unforgettable. We offer an amazing selection of vacation cabins and chalets in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Cosby, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Smoky Mountains. For amazing local tips, dive into our destination blog. Whether you're looking to savor delicious local cuisine or indulge in some great shopping, we've got the scoop on all the top spots in the region.
Ready to hit the Smoky Mountains' trails?
1. Sustain Your Adventure with a Solid Breakfast
Before any outdoor adventure, including hiking, it is very important to have a balanced breakfast that includes a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. This will provide you with the energy you need to conquer the trails or, if you're feeling more adventurous, the breathtaking mountain tops of the region.
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer plenty of great breakfast spots. Here are some excellent suggestions to help you prepare for your hike and get the energy boost you need for a day of adventures:
Gatlinburg
Timber's Log Cabin Restaurant: This is a "hole in the wall" that blends a great breakfast with the charm of starting your day in a lovely log cabin. From biscuits and gravy to the French toast breakfast, all their options are stellar. Most dishes come with a side of house potatoes or cheesy grits for an extra boost of energy.
Crockett's Breakfast Camp: A historical breakfast spot that's been around since the late 1800s, featuring a genuine and delicious Appalachian-inspired menu. Great breakfast options include the famous Aretha Franklin pancakes, Big Tennessee French Toast, and their breakfast burritos.
Wild Bear Tavern: A country-style eatery serving breakfast classics such as pancakes, flapjacks, biscuits, and crêpes, along with customizable omelets. The German breakfast is a hit, featuring three eggs, smoked sausage, Leberkäse, Brätwurst, Swiss cheese, and a serving of molasses bread.
Pigeon Forge
Mama's Farmhouse: This beloved local gem serves all-you-can-eat traditional Southern food. Instead of a traditional buffet, you can expect an endless stream of favorite breakfast treats delivered right to your table—from eggs, bacon, waffles, and sausages to hash browns, biscuits and gravy, and much more.
Brick and Spoon: A go-to place for early birds, Brick and Spoon opens its doors at 7 AM, serving breakfast tacos, breakfast potatoes, apple-pecan French toast, and signature omelets.
Mel's Classic Diner: A family-owned diner serving classic American breakfast. Highlights include amazing pancakes and French toast, eggs cooked to order, delicious omelets, bacon, sausage, hash browns, grits, and biscuits with sausage gravy.
2. Hit the Trails Prepared: Essentials and Fun Extras for Your Hiking Journey.
No matter the difficulty level of your hike, there are essential items you need to pack to ensure your experience is safe and comfortable. Below, we've listed some must-pack items along with some extra fun things to include in your hiking checklist.
Essential Items
Backpack: Comfortable and spacious enough for your gear.
Water: Hydration system or water bottles to keep you hydrated.
Snacks: Energy bars, trail mix, or fruit for quick energy.
Map and Compass/GPS: Navigation tools to keep you on track.
First Aid Kit: Basic supplies for any minor injuries.
Sunscreen: Protect your skin from UV rays.
Sunglasses: Protect your eyes and add style to your hike.
Insect Repellent: Keep bugs at bay, especially in warmer months.
Appropriate Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or shoes for comfort and support.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Layers to adapt to changing temperatures (e.g., moisture-wicking base layers, insulated jackets, rain gear).
Headlamp or Flashlight: For visibility in low-light conditions.
Multi-tool or Knife: Useful for various tasks on the trail.
Emergency Whistle: For signaling in case of an emergency.
Trash Bags: For Leave No Trace principles—pack out what you pack in.
Extra Fun Items
Camera or Smartphone: Capture beautiful moments along the way.
Binoculars: Great for birdwatching and enjoying distant views.
Portable Speaker: Enjoy some music during breaks (but be mindful of others!).
Lightweight Blanket or Hammock: For relaxing at scenic spots.
Games or Cards: Fun to play during breaks at your destination.
Extra Snacks or Treats: Indulge with some favorite snacks for extra motivation (Snickers is always a good idea!)
Cooler or Insulated Bottle: Keep drinks cold for a refreshing treat.
3. Know your Trail and Plan in Advance
Before any hike, it's essential to plan ahead and familiarize yourself with the trail you're taking. Know the difficulty level, distance, elevation gain, and any hazards you may encounter along the way. If you're a beginner, choose a trail that matches your fitness level and experience.
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are a hiker's paradise. Gatlinburg, for example, is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which means you have many hiking options to choose from. So, do your research in advance and get ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Below, we've listed some of the most popular hiking options in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg Trail (Easy): A 1.9-mile trail that is mostly flat, offering scenic views of the river and the surrounding forest. It's great for families and beginners.
Alum Cave Trail (Moderate): This 5-mile round trip trail features stunning views, unique geological formations, and leads to Alum Cave Bluffs.
Laurel Falls Trail (Easy): This 2.6-mile round trip trail leads to the park's most popular waterfall, Laurel Falls, with a paved path suitable for families.
Trillium Gap Trail (Moderate): featuring beautiful wildflower displays in the spring, this is a 6.7-mile trail leading to Grotto Falls, where you can walk behind the waterfall.
Rainbow Falls Trail (Moderate): A 5.4-mile hike that takes you to Rainbow Falls, a stunning waterfall that cascades 80 feet. The trail can be steep in some parts.
Chimney Tops Trail (Strenuous): This 4-mile round trip trail is steep and challenging, leading to stunning views from the top of the Chimney Tops.
Pigeon Forge
Wear Farm City Park Loop (Easy): a scenic, 1-mile paved trail located in Pigeon Forge offering an easy walking path that is perfect for families and beginners, providing beautiful views of the park and access to various recreational facilities.
Pigeon Forge Riverwalk Trail (Easy): This 1.5-mile paved path runs alongside the Little Pigeon River and is suitable for all skill levels, offering lovely views of the river and the natural surroundings.
Wears Valley Nature Trail (Easy): This is a of-the-beaten-path trail offering spectacular views and access to picnic areas along the way. Great for families and beginners.
Middle Prong Trail (Moderate): A 5.5-mile trail that follows the Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon River, featuring beautiful scenery and several small waterfalls along the way.
Bears Creek Trail (Moderate): This 3.2-mile loop trail offers a peaceful hike through forested areas, showcasing wildlife and natural beauty.
4. Recharge Your Batteries with a Mid-Hike Break
Even if you're planning an easy hike, you'll need to recharge at some point. A midday break is essential when engaging in outdoor activities. Since we're talking about Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, this break will come naturally, as there are so many breathtaking vistas and beautiful natural surroundings for you to soak in.
Here's why taking a mid-hike break is so important:
Rest and Recovery: A break allows your muscles to relax and recover, reducing fatigue and the risk of injury.
Hydration: It's an opportunity to drink water and rehydrate, which is crucial for maintaining energy levels and overall health.
Energy Boost: Remember those essential snacks we mentioned earlier? This is the time to savor them. Eating a snack during your break can replenish your energy, helping you maintain your strength for the rest of the hike.
Mental Reset: Stepping away from the physical exertion gives you a chance to relax your mind, reduce stress, and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Social Interaction: If hiking with others, a break provides time to bond, share experiences, and make the hike more enjoyable.
Improved Performance: Regular breaks can enhance your overall performance, allowing you to hike longer distances more comfortably.
5. Take Time to Relax After Your Hiking Adventure
After an epic hike, all you need is to relax and enjoy the mountain charm that Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have to offer. There are countless ways to wrap up your hiking adventure in these Tennessee gems. For some ideas, check out our destination blog, where you'll find our picks for the best restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops in the area. If shopping therapy is your kind of relaxation, you'll also discover a list of the best shopping spots in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Wondering where to stay in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge?
Why not enhance your vacation with the stunning backdrop of the Smoky Mountains in a great rental property?
At Stony Brook, we offer an exceptional array of cabins and chalets in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Cosby, ranging from one to 16 bedrooms. As a family-owned service, we guarantee you'll have the best experience in the Smokies!