Here at The Park Grill, we pride ourselves on being the unofficial restaurant of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as the closest restaurant to the park’s entrance. Whether you are looking to eat before heading into the park or after a fun hike, our Gatlinburg restaurant has you covered. Plus, you can even walk from The Park Grill to the Gatlinburg Trail, a convenient 3.8-mile hiking path right near our restaurant! Read on to learn more about it:
1. Trailhead is Less Than a Quarter-Mile from Our Restaurant
First, if you are coming for a meal at our restaurant, you will definitely want to know that the Gatlinburg Trail begins less than a half-mile from The Park Grill! This means that you can easily walk to the trailhead after dining with us, or pop in to see us when you finish hiking the trail. For anyone who doesn’t want to drive a long distance to find a hike at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Gatlinburg Trail by our restaurant is an excellent choice.
2. Contains Remnants of Historic Homesteads
Another of the things to know about the Gatlinburg Trail is that it contains several remnants of historic homesteads that used to be home to settlers in the Smokies. From pieces of old chimneys, to other parts of these structures, the Gatlinburg Trail presents plenty of opportunity to see remnants of a previous time. If you love history, you’ll definitely want to check this trail out!
3. One of Two Trails That Allows Dogs
Dog owners have limited chances to explore the national park with their furry friends, as most trails in the Smokies prohibit pets. However, the Gatlinburg Trail is one of just two at Great Smoky Mountains National Park that allows dogs! This trail is a great spot to enjoy a walk on a beautiful day with your dog, just make sure to have your pet on a leash at all times and to clean up after them!
4. Follows the Little Pigeon River
Yet another of the things to know about the Gatlinburg Trail is that it follows the Little Pigeon River, meaning you can enjoy pleasant river views throughout your hike on the trail. There is even a footbridge that crosses the river, making for a great photo op!
5. Terrain is Relatively Flat
Finally, if you are looking for a hike in the Smokies that is fairly easy and flat, the Gatlinburg Trail is a perfect choice. The terrain does not have much elevation gain throughout the hike, making it a good choice for families with younger children, older adults wanting to explore the area, and more. Just make sure to watch out for roots, as they can present a tripping hazard.
Now that you know more about the Gatlinburg Trail, you are all set to enjoy a great time hiking in the Smoky Mountains either before or after joining us for a meal here at The Park Grill. Our tasty dishes are sure to fuel you up for some time on the trails, or hit the spot when your hike is done! There are also lots of other great spots to go hiking in the Smokies near our restaurant. If you are looking for more places to explore in the area, you will definitely want to find out about these Gatlinburg hiking trails near our restaurant!
