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Hiking Trails not in the Smoky Mountains


Hiking is a popular activity for visitors to Gatlinburg. Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a bevy of excellent trails but there's more to the area than the iconic range. Eastern Tennessee houses plenty of idyllic hiking trails near Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. Come explore the natural beauty of both the Cherokee National Forest and beyond with our guide to hiking trails near Gatlinburg.
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Trailhead: The Island Drive on the east side of West Prong Little Pigeon River
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Out and Back
Length: 2.7 miles

While many of the trails on this list take you through the mountains, Pigeon Forge Riverwalk is a simple one in the heart of town.

The riverwalk runs adjacent to West Prong Little Pigeon River before heading off into a residential area along Butler Street.

It ends at Patriot Park. There is parking available at the start on The Island Drive. This trail is ideal for leisurely hikes.
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Trailhead: Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park, 3757 Thomas Lane, Sevierville
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Out and Back
Length: 1 mile

Foxfire Mountain Trail is one of many paths you can take at Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park. The routes are easy and perfect for the entire family.

The scenery is pristine as it includes forests, creeks, lakes, and hanging bridges. There is a fee to enter the park so be sure to check ahead before visiting.
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Hall Top Lookout via Stone Mountain Trail

Trailhead: Just off Hartford Road on the banks of the Pigeon River in the Cherokee National Forest
Difficulty: Hard
Type: Out and Back
Length: 9.9 miles

This is a challenging hike but the reward is great. Many hikers who embark on this trail comment on how steep it is initially. Since the majority of the hike is uphill, hikers can expect to see great views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The trail ends at the top of Stone Mountain, which stands at 3,606 feet in elevation.
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Trailhead: Just off Hartford Road on the banks of the Pigeon River in the Cherokee National Forest
Difficulty: Hard
Type: Out and Back
Length: 3 miles

This trail follows the same route as the previous one but ends much sooner.

Hikers can finish up on Buzzard Roost, which doesn't reach as high as Stone Mountain as it measures 1,404 feet in elevation.

Hikers can continue down the path to reach the top of Stone Mountain if they desire.
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Trailhead: At the end of Mill Creek Road in the Cherokee National Forest
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Out and Back
Length: 7.9 miles

If you're looking for an easier trail to enjoy the Cherokee National Forest then take this path.

This route takes hikers through the woods and meets up with the Stone Mountain Trail near Rich Top.

Hikers will see an elevation gain of 1,210 feet but enjoy some great views and scenery.
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Trailhead: Western Edge of Douglas Lake near Sevierville, Tennessee
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Point to point
Length: 1.2 miles

Douglas Lake sits just outside of Sevierville and offers several trails for guests to enjoy. Malachi's Cove runs along the shore of the reservoir. Hikers can access the trail just off of Providence Road.

When hiking this trail, please remember to pack out any garbage you may have so others can enjoy the trail.
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Trailhead: Near Douglas Dam Powerhouse off Boat Launch Road
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Loop
Length: 0.9 miles

Trotter Bluff Loop is another easy and short hike near Douglas Lake. This is a great hiking trail to try if you don't have a lot of time or have children who can't handle longer hikes.

The elevation gain is minimal and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy wildlife and natural scenery just off the shore of the reservoir.