Hill Running In Pigeon Forge & Gaitlinburg Areas

As we’ve said, many of the principal roads  in the Pigeon Forge/Gaitlinburg area — including the Great Smoky NP parkway — aren’t suitable for running, because they’re busy and lack a shoulder/sidewalk. However, there are a few options to run on some quieter side streets in the hills off the Parkway — these are mainly roads that lead to some of the area’s motel/cabin accommodations. Once you get into the Park, it’s mainly trail running. Some recommendations:

Pigeon Forge. Just west of the Parkway, across the road from Patriot Park, there’s a network of quiet streets that lead to the area’s numerous cabin accommodations. Park at the Freedom Baptist Church and explore the winding, hilly roads.

Gaitlinburg. From the Gaitlinburg Welcome Center (good parking spot!) off the Parkway, there are some quiet, hilly side streets just west of the Parkway. Another option is just northeast of downtown Gaitlinburg, off Dudley Creek Rd. Run the quiet side streets just north of the Gaitlinburg Lodge. Winding, hilly, and some nice views!