About Old Sugarlands Trail
Old Sugarlands Trail links two of the best-known hiking areas near Gatlinburg. It runs about 3.9 miles from a trailhead near Sugarlands Visitor Center to the Rainbow Falls trailhead on Cherokee Orchard Road, passing the stone walls and chimneys that mark the old Sugarlands settlement. It gains about 1,100 feet in this direction.
The hike
The trail climbs through second-growth forest, with creek crossings and old homesite clearings. It ends at the same parking area as the Rainbow Falls and Bullhead trails, so a shuttle works well.
When to go
Spring wildflowers and fall color are best.
Getting there
The lower trailhead is on Newfound Gap Road just south of Sugarlands Visitor Center. Entry to the park is free, but a parking tag is required if you park more than 15 minutes: $5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year. America the Beautiful and other federal passes do not count, and the tag has to be displayed in the vehicle.
Know before you go
Pets are not allowed. Bring water. The first stretch of Cherokee Orchard Road, from the park boundary to the Ogle Homesite, is currently closed to pedestrians for bears; see the closures page.
Pair it with
Other hikes in the same part of the park:
- Gatlinburg Trail: an easy 4-mile round trip that allows dogs and bikes
- Grotto Falls: a 2.6-mile round trip to a waterfall you can walk behind
- Rainbow Falls: a 5.6-mile round trip to an 80-foot waterfall
Planning and safety
Give yourself more time than the mileage suggests. Rocks, roots, stream crossings and short climbs all slow the pace, and most people stop often. An early start gives you the quietest trail and the best chance at a parking space.
Weather in the Smokies changes fast, and it is noticeably cooler as you climb. Bring a rain layer even on a sunny morning, wear shoes with good traction, and carry more water than you expect to need. Black bears live throughout the park, so stay at least 50 yards away, never feed wildlife and store food properly. The park's hiking safety guidance is worth a read before any trip.
Good to know
- How long is Old Sugarlands Trail?
- Old Sugarlands Trail is 3.9 miles one way, with about 1,100 feet of climbing. It is rated moderate.
- Are dogs allowed on this trail?
- No. Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, dogs are allowed only on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.
- Do I need a parking tag to hike here?
- A Park It Forward parking tag ($5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year) is required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Entry is free, and federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace the tag.
