There are trails for every skill level and many interests. They meander through forests, wildflower meadows and old homesteads. They pass several creeks, waterfalls and wildlife lairs. Cars get you to the trailheads, but there are miles of mountain and forest that cars will never reach. Bicycles are permitted on park roads, but not the trails.
Some trails accommodate horses.
A trolley service from downtown Gatlinburg stops at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, Laurel Falls trailhead and Elkmont campground. Great Smoky Mountains receives a million-plus visitors each month from June through October, but the park really sparkles in autumn. The dark green firs on the higher slopes set them off perfectly. For the fall-leaf pilgrims, this is a serious destination. Days are cool and nights are cooler.