A Walk in the Woods
Gatlinburg's award-winning naturalist guide service since 1998. Expert-guided waterfall hikes, wildlife tours, fly fishing adventures, and family-friendly excursions. Their 4-hour introduction to the Smokies includes a gentle waterfall, local history, and wildlife.
Insider tip: Water and snacks are provided. The 'Thundering Streams and Falls' guided tour is particularly well-reviewed. Book well in advance — they fill up quickly in peak season.
Gatlinburg
GUIDED EXCURSIONS
Old Settlers Trail
One of the most historically rich and least-crowded trails in the park. Wander past stone walls, chimneys, old homesites, and a cemetery from early Appalachian settlers. The trail is wide, low-elevation, and gentle — one of the easiest long-distance trails in GSMNP. Hike as far as you like and turn around.
Trailhead is on Greenbrier Rd just past the Ramsey Cascades fork.
Greenbrier Road
OLD SETTLERS TRAILHEAD
Porters Creek Trail
Porters Creek Trail 4 miles RT | ~600 ft gain | ~2 hrs. The single closest and most beloved hike to Pittman Center. The first mile follows a wide gravel road along the creek — genuinely flat and easy. You'll pass stone walls from an 1800s farmstead, Ownby Cemetery, and an 1875 barn before reaching Fern Branch Falls. Wildflowers in spring are unmatched in the entire park.
Arrive before 8am on weekends — small lot.
For a more challenging hike: continue to Fern Branch Falls for a 4-mile round trip with ~700 ft gain and 2.5–3 hours. The second half narrows into genuine backcountry trail with roots, a nerve-testing log footbridge over the creek, and beautiful old-growth forest.
Greenbrier Road
PORTERS CREEK TRAILHEAD
The Peddler Steakhouse
Year after year, families return to The Peddler Steakhouse to enjoy an incredible dining experience in downtown Gatlinburg. From a fresh salad bar and custom cut steaks to views of the Little Pigeon River, Peddler has something for everyone.
Gatlinburg
820 RIVER ROAD, GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE, 37738, UNITED STATES
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Trails · Wildlife · Waterfalls
The most visited national park in America — and for extraordinary reason. More than 800 miles of trails, diverse wildlife, ancient forests, stunning waterfalls, and the most biodiverse landscape in North America. Free to enter.
Insider tip: Drive Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail at dusk for the best wildlife spotting. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is an excellent first stop for maps, rangers, and trail conditions.
The Smokies
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK