Gatlinburg, TN - Good Trail Running?

Triathlon Forum
1

Any one have any insight or possible suggestions for great places to get some trail running in or around the Gatlinburg area?

Additionally, any great open water spots?

I’ll be there for the rest of the week/weekend and was hoping to do a lot of both.

2

Smokey MOuntains NP has lots of trails. You can certainly run on them.

3

Douglas Lake is the closest lake. Check with the local bike shops for trail maps.

4

It’s not trail but if you can drive the 15 or so miles to Cades Cove it is an awesome place to run. The 11 mile loop is closed to cars on Wednesdays and Saturdays until 10 am.

5

If you drive up to the Elkmont campground (10 miles or so from Gatlinburg), there’s a 6 mile loop you can take up into the hills. I did’t get a chance to run it this past week, as I didn’t download the GPS track beforehand. Most of it looks to be on good paths/trails. Here’s the route:

http://www.mapmyride.com/us/gatlinburg-tn/elkmont-trails-route-652918

Take a look at the Roaring Fork (something like that) motor trail - it’s pretty close to Gatlinburg. Then there’s the road up to Laurel Falls from the Smokey Mountain visitor center. That’s a good climb. I’ve seen people trail running the Chimney Tops and Alum Caves trails. I’ve seen cyclists on the road from Newfound Gap to Clingman’s dome. Heck - if you’re up there, run the Appalachian Trail for a bit. Visitor center to the Chimney Tops picnic area is about 5 miles - you could get a head start and have you family meet you there for lunch.

There are plenty of places to run. Look at strava.com or mapmyrun.com for ideas.

Have fun!

6

I was just down there. I didnt run these trails, just hiked them and when I could, would go on the AT to extend the mileage.

http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/charliesbunion.htm

http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/lecontealum.htm
Take the rainbow falls trailhead to start

http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/thunderhead.htm
This one was pretty brutal

If you’re up for a drive, take the dragons tail to Fontana lake. Also watch for rattle snakes, saw 2 on the right on the trails.

Have fun

7

It’s not trail but if you can drive the 15 or so miles to Cades Cove it is an awesome place to run.

We were there (unintentionally) last week - missed the turn from Townsend to Gatlinburg and got stuck out there with all the moto-tourists. It wouldn’t have been so bad, except that we were pulling the camper and had been travelling all day. I’d like to go back some time and ride the loop on my bike. It’s really nice.

Here’s the Strava page:
http://app.strava.com/segments/663730

8

Snakes & black bears! Get maps. Every year someone gets lost up there.

9

I take you’ll be there in mid-July. If you come across some guy named Sue, don’t mess with him.

10

I’m guessing there’s a lot of trails to run since its in the Smokeys…but f*** that place. Seriously. I will never go back to that awful town again.

edit: I apologize for my lack of insightful information. But I would just like to reiterate how much I dislike Gatlinburg. Anyone else share this sentiment?