1. Porter’s Creek
Porter’s Creek is a delightful 4-mile round trip hike that is perfect for families with little adventurers. This scenic trail showcases beautiful wildflowers, a bubbling creek, and the remains of an old homestead. Kids can easily explore the gentle terrain while enjoying nature’s beauty.
2. Kephart Prong
The Kephart Prong Trail is an inviting 3-mile hike that features lush forests and stunning creek views. This relatively flat trail is a great option for families, as it allows for plenty of opportunities to take breaks and enjoy snacks by the water. Kids will love spotting various wildlife along the way!
3. Clingman’s Dome Tower
For a quick family-friendly hike, the Clingman’s Dome Trail is a fantastic choice. This 1.2-mile paved path leads to the highest point in the Smokies and culminates in a stunning observation tower. Though the hike is steep so strollers and wheelchairs are a no-go, but there are plenty of benches to rest along the way, so it’s manageable for older kids and rewards everyone with breathtaking panoramic views.
4. Laurel Falls
As the name implies, the Laurel Falls trail features tons of mountain laurel shrubs plus a superb waterfall. The laurels start blooming in late spring and continue through most of the summer, lighting up the trail with vivid white and rose tones.
At just 2.4 miles total, the hike itself goes quickly, but the incredible waterfall at the end will prove to be worth the journey. At 80-feet-tall, Laurel Falls is a true sight to behold and creates a calming aesthetic with its rushing water sounds. The falls are at their best after a period of heavy rainfall has filled the creek above.
The trail is paved, but not well-maintained, leaving many broken sections that make stroller and wheelchair use difficult. Beyond that, this popular trail gets rather crowded as the sunshine makes it appearance. The wide, paved trail makes it easy for little ones to navigate, and the refreshing sound of the falls makes for a perfect picnic spot.
5. Abram’s Falls
The Abram’s Falls hike stretches 5 miles round trip and offers a moderate challenge for families. The Abrams Falls trail also features an awe-inspiring waterfall at the end, but the hike in is a bit challenging. The trail is 5.5 miles total with lots of rocks and roots on the path.
Steady footing is a must, especially through all the steep inclines. So, wear hiking boots and bring along a trekking pole if you need extra help staying steady.
At the end, your family’s reward is a view of the wondrous waterfall, which boasts a 25-foot drop. The water splashing into the pool below makes for a breathtaking sight. Plan to stick around for a while to take in the sights and sounds of the waterfall and rest up for the trip back. The reward at the end is a stunning waterfall that flows into a picturesque pool. This trail provides ample chances for kids to learn about flora and fauna while experiencing the thrill of reaching a waterfall!
6. Deep Creek Loop
The Deep Creek Loop is a leisurely 4-mile hike that is ideal for families. This trail features three waterfalls, offering plenty of spots for exploration and picnicking. The easy terrain and engaging scenery make it perfect for kids to learn about nature as they hike their way through!