Thinking about introducing your baby to nature on a hike in the Smoky Mountains? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has hiking trails of different difficulty and length, so taking your little one along and finding things-to-do in the area isn’t as challenging as you might think. To help find trails that can easily accommodate parents with baby carriers and newly walking toddlers, Stony Brook has compiled a list of easy and short hiking trails.
Gatlinburg Trail
At 1.9 miles, no one will wear out before the end of the Gatlinburg Trail. Families with toddlers will enjoy this piece of the Smoky Mountains hiking trails because they won’t tire out before the end. Visitors to this trail will also enjoy watching a short history of the National Park in the Sugarlands Visitor Center before seeing it come to life on the trail.
Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail
This trail is only a 0.5 mile loop, so visitors who want level ground and a short walk will enjoy this trail. This trail is the only one in the National Park that is easy for those in wheelchairs, so anyone can join in to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Families with strollers or newly walking toddlers can stroll at a slower pace, and this trail is filled with beautiful spots for photos.
Laurel Falls
Less than three miles of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is paved, and this trail is the longest stretch. As one of the top baby-friendly Smoky Mountains hiking trails, it is perfect for families who would rather explore with a stroller. At 2.6 miles, Laurel Falls is a moderately difficult trail, but the end result is a view of the 80-foot waterfall.
Little Brier Gap Trail
At only 1.4 miles, no other hiking trail in the Smokies packs as much history into such a short distance. On this trail, families will pass the Little Greenbrier School and the Walker Sisters’ farm and cabin. Built in the mid-1800’s, the cabin, springhouse and corn crib are still on site and an enjoyable history lesson for visiting hikers. This trail is ideal for families who would like to see a historical homestead while on a short and easy hike.
Stony Brook’s cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge look onto the National Park and are comfortable for a cozy stay. If you’re family is ready to take on one of the toddler and baby-friendly Smoky Mountains Hiking Trails, call our reservation staff today at 1-800-633-5652. They’ll be happy to answer your questions and help your family find a Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge cabin that is the perfect fit for your family’s needs.