Creative Commons: Brent Moore

The Gatlinburg Trail is an easy, scenic running option for those staying in Gatlinburg, and also making for a good introduction to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s an easy, wooded trail that runs for 1.3 miles from the end of River Rd. to a trailhead near the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The trail passes the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Sign.

At the southern end of the trail, there’s access to additional trails for running: The Fighting Creek Nature Trail and the Old Sugarlands Trail. These are more trail running trails.

Add-Ons: Can access from downtown Gatlinburg. It’s 0.6 miles along River Rd. — not very scenic, but there’s a decent sidewalk. Also, for those who like hills, there are some quiet roads off the Parkway.

Essentials
  • 3.3 miles (5.2 km) out and back. River Rd. access adds 0.5 miles
  • 139 feet (42m)
  • Gatlinburg trailhead at end of River Rd. Southern trailhead is near the Sugarlands Visitor Ctr. Can also start downtown
  • Trailheads off River Rd. in Gatlinburg or near the Sugarlands Visitor Ctr.

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Essentials
  • 3.3 miles (5.2 km) out and back. River Rd. access adds 0.5 miles
  • 139 feet (42m)
  • Gatlinburg trailhead at end of River Rd. Southern trailhead is near the Sugarlands Visitor Ctr. Can also start downtown
  • Trailheads off River Rd. in Gatlinburg or near the Sugarlands Visitor Ctr.