In short
- Drive the 11-mile Cades Cove loop for safe wildlife spotting.
- Hike the paved 2.6-mile Laurel Falls trail with older children.
- Picnic and wade in the shallow river at the Townsend Wye.
In this article
Visiting the most visited national park in the U.S. requires planning when traveling with children. You will find over 800 miles of trails, but only a few are easy for little legs. Families should prioritize scenic motor loops, short walks, and the visitor centers.
What are the best easy hikes for kids?
Laurel Falls is the most popular short hike for families.
The Laurel Falls trail is a 2.6-mile roundtrip hike to an 80-foot cascade. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The path is paved, but the surface is rough and uneven. Leave the stroller behind. Another option is the Gatlinburg Trail, which is one of only two walking paths where dogs are allowed.
Where is the best place to see wildlife with children?
Cades Cove offers the best chance to see black bears and white-tailed deer from your car.
Cades Cove Loop Road is an 11-mile, one-way scenic drive. Traffic moves slowly during summer and fall, making it easy for kids to spot animals from the windows. Expect to spend 2 to 4 hours here. Keep children inside the vehicle. Approaching within 50 yards of a bear or elk is strictly prohibited and carries strict fines.
Are there places to play in the water?
The Townsend Wye is a popular river fork where families can wade and picnic.
The Townsend Wye sits near the Townsend entrance. Families gather here to relax by the river. Parking fills up quickly in the summer heat, so plan to arrive early. Never swim at the base of waterfalls like Abrams Falls. Strong, hidden undercurrents make waterfall pools extremely dangerous.
What is there to do at the visitor centers?
Stop at Sugarlands Visitor Center to watch a film and talk to park rangers.
Sugarlands Visitor Center is the main hub near Gatlinburg. You can watch a 20-minute park film, view exhibits, and use the restrooms. Kids can ask rangers questions and work on the Junior Ranger program. It is also the best place to grab a free physical map, as cell service is highly limited in the park.
Do I need to buy tickets for my kids?
No, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free for all visitors.
There are no entrance gates or per-person fees. However, you must buy a parking tag if you park for more than 15 minutes. Tags cost $5 for a daily pass or $15 for a weekly pass. You must print the tag and display it visibly in your vehicle. Parking Tag Rules
What should we pack for a family day trip?
Pack physical maps, plenty of water, and layers for changing temperatures.
- Maps: GPS navigation is unreliable and often leads to dead ends.
- Clothing: Bring rain jackets. The park is a temperate rainforest, and temperatures drop at higher elevations.
- Food: Pack high-energy snacks. Store all coolers in a sealed vehicle or bear-resistant container. Do not feed wildlife.
Questions travellers ask
Are dogs allowed in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Dogs are highly restricted. You can only bring them to campgrounds, picnic areas, along roads, and on the Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee River trails.
How much does it cost to park?
A daily parking tag costs $5, and a weekly tag costs $15. You must display it if parking longer than 15 minutes.
Is it safe to drive to the highest peak with kids?
Yes, you can drive to Kuwohi. However, the half-mile walk to the observation tower is steep, and temperatures are 10 to 20 degrees cooler than the valley.
