Some of these paths–such as the Appalachian Trail–are so long that they cross the park and keep on going. All designated trails offer something different. Because there's no charge to go hiking in the park, your sense of freedom on the trail takes on new meaning. The best trails near Gatlinburg are inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Mount LeConte summit in the Smoky Mountains | Photo Copyright: Colin J. You can follow in the footsteps of early Cherokee hunters who blazed one of the first walking paths in The Smokies: Indian Gap Trail. Surrounded by forested inclines and spring-fed streams and rivers, visitors come to Gatlinburg to hike in nature. Hikers near Gatlinburg benefit from close encounters of the best kind with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in its backyard.
