Take an adventure into the National Park and head onto Old Sugarlands Trail
Walk through thick forestry and over creek crossings on Old Sugarlands Trail. This was the original first paved road to Newfound Gap. Before the road was paved the trail was a wagon road through the center of the Sugarlands Community. A quarry near Old Sugarlands Trail was used to build the first paved roads over the mountains.
Old Sugarlands trailhead. Image by Jeaneane Payne
The Historic Bud Ogle Place along Old Sugarlands Trail. Image by Jeaneane Payne
The first 1.5 miles of Old Sugarlands Trail are narrow and flat. Also, if you look carefully, the signs of the past inhabitance can been seen from the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Between 1933 and 1942, over 4,000 CCC enrollees worked in the Smokies. They planted trees, built trails, and constructed buildings and roadways.
At 2 miles the trail begins a gradual climb. After the nice climb you have reached the second portion of the trail. Turn left heading down the Cherokee Orchard Road and you will see the trail head to the next trail “Twin Creeks Trail”. This trail follows the road for only a short distance then heads off into the thick trees. You will have a minor creek crossing. This trail takes you to the Ogle home.
Trail Access
Follow the road into Gatlinburg, have some lunch, then head west on 441 and you will see the last leg, Gatlinburg Trail. This 2.5 miles follows the river, is peaceful and flat.
To hike: from Sugarlands Visitor Center, walk through the breezeway past the front of the Ranger Station (a large white building), across the bridge then across the road (Hwy 441, Newfound Gap Road). Trail begins by seeing a bench mark and sign.
• Grapeyard Ridge Trail
• Bullhead Trail
• Chimney Tops Trail
• Fishing
• Gatlinburg Restaurants
