Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park is world renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture. This is America’s most visited national park. The Appalachian Trail passes through the center of the park on its route from Maine to Georgia. The main park entrances are located along U.S. Highway 441 (Newfound Gap Road) at the towns of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Cherokee, North Carolina. For more running options, see our guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway, whose southern terminus is 2.5 miles away from the southeastern end of Great Smoky NP.
The Cades Cove Loop winds for 11 miles through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It offers runners a picturesque route filled with views of the mountain peaks, wildlife viewing opportunities and several 19th century homesteads. The loop is a one-lane paved road. Bike, cars and pedestrians usually share the road but every Saturday and Wednesday morning from early May until late September the loop road is closed to motor vehicles until 10:00 a.m. This is the best time to run!
If you start at Cades Cove Campground on the East side of the loop, you can make the route shorter with two possible shortcuts. For a 4 mile run, use Sparks Lane right before the John Oliver Cabin. Alternatively, use Hyatt Lane (located right after the Methodist Church) to create an 8 mile loop. The Cades Cove Loop is a must if you want to truly enjoy the beauty, wildlife and serenity of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Greenbrier Cove
8 mile out-and-back Start: Porters Creek Trailhead. Hilly. MAP
Greenbrier is one of the great off-the-beaten-path areas of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It is generally not very crowded, but boasts some of the best spring wildflower viewing and fall leaf peeping areas. It is located about 6 miles east of Gatlinburg on US 321 and features a 6 mile gravel road that’s great for running. This route follows Little Pigeon River and its tributaries into the upper Greenbrier area. Park at the Porters Creek trailhead and run along the quiet Greenbrier Rd. for as long as you desire. On your return, take Porters Creek Scenic Loop to mix up the scenery. Although the scenery is relaxing, note this is a hilly run.
The southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 469) is 2.5 miles away from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center at the southeastern end of Great Smoky National Park. See our running guide for the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park is world renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture. This is America’s most visited national park. The Appalachian Trail passes through the center of the park on its route from Maine to Georgia. The main park entrances are located along U.S. Highway 441 (Newfound Gap Road) at the towns of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Cherokee, North Carolina. For more running options, see our guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway, whose southern terminus is 2.5 miles away from the southeastern end of Great Smoky NP.
The Cades Cove Loop winds for 11 miles through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It offers runners a picturesque route filled with views of the mountain peaks, wildlife viewing opportunities and several 19th century homesteads. The loop is a one-lane paved road. Bike, cars and pedestrians usually share the road but every Saturday and Wednesday morning from early May until late September the loop road is closed to motor vehicles until 10:00 a.m. This is the best time to run!
If you start at Cades Cove Campground on the East side of the loop, you can make the route shorter with two possible shortcuts. For a 4 mile run, use Sparks Lane right before the John Oliver Cabin. Alternatively, use Hyatt Lane (located right after the Methodist Church) to create an 8 mile loop. The Cades Cove Loop is a must if you want to truly enjoy the beauty, wildlife and serenity of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Greenbrier Cove
8 mile out-and-back Start: Porters Creek Trailhead. Hilly. MAP
Greenbrier is one of the great off-the-beaten-path areas of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It is generally not very crowded, but boasts some of the best spring wildflower viewing and fall leaf peeping areas. It is located about 6 miles east of Gatlinburg on US 321 and features a 6 mile gravel road that’s great for running. This route follows Little Pigeon River and its tributaries into the upper Greenbrier area. Park at the Porters Creek trailhead and run along the quiet Greenbrier Rd. for as long as you desire. On your return, take Porters Creek Scenic Loop to mix up the scenery. Although the scenery is relaxing, note this is a hilly run.
The southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 469) is 2.5 miles away from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center at the southeastern end of Great Smoky National Park. See our running guide for the Blue Ridge Parkway.
This 1.7-mile self guided tour of downtown Asheville’s architecture, history, and art, covers some of the hippest streets in town, all on spacious sidewalks.
Spanning from French Broad River Park through Carrier Park and ending at Hominy Creek River Park, the French Broad River Greenway is a 2.7 mile asphalt multi-use path following Asheville’s most major river.
The Montford Historic District of northwest Asheville is a great choice for a tour of some of Asheville's prettiest streets and homes. Starting from the Asheville Visitors Center, an out and back is about 3 miles. Add or vary using side streets.
This beautiful chateau, with gardens and grounds designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, has over 22 miles of trails spread over 8,000 acres lining the French Broad River and surrounding forests. Note: Set hours and very steep admission fee required.
This top outdoor destination in Asheville has a variety of trails from easy to challenging, including a series of dirt Forest Service Roads. Start at the North Carolina Arboretum or Lake Powhatan Recreation Area. Part of the Pisgah National Forest.
The 5 mile out and back of Warren Wilson College’s River Trail covers pastoral meadows and farmland with lots of swimming opportunities. Add on with a jaunt around the pretty campus of this small liberal arts college.
A 1 mile jogging loop around shady Fletcher Community Park, can be combined with the Cane Creek Greenway for more mileage. There is also outdoor exercise equipment for strength training.
A great destination run 25 miles west of Asheville. This popular recreation retreat and conference center has a paved path that encircles the lake. There are loop options of 2.3 and 3.8 miles, with lovely lake and mountain views.
A challenging trail run in this area 30 miles south of Asheville. The 10 mile loop up Black Mountain features incredible views of Pisgah National Forest. Popular with mountain bikers, too.
The beautiful Snooks Nose Trail is part of Asheville’s tough 100 mile spring trail race. There are good, challenging 4 and 8 mile out and back routes that will challenge trail runners in their own right.
The closest point of the Parkway to Asheville is the Asheville Visitor Center, at Milepost 382, 6 miles away. See our guide to running on the Blue Ridge Parkway for the most runner-friendly sections and trails, as well as more challenging opportunities for trail runners.
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