Recommended Hiking Trails For Seniors: From City Paths To Mountain Paths

   Hiking is a favorite activity of many people across the world. Young people often see hiking as a kind of thrilling adventure. They go on hiking during holidays. But love for hiking is not limited to young adults only. Many seniors also want to go for hiking despite their age.

They may have the will but they are unable to go, mainly due to safety concerns. But here are some hiking trails where seniors can go and reminiscent their youthful days. We are going to discuss about some of those senior friendly hiking trails in this article. Let us begin the discussion.

The Sugarlands Nature Trail

The Sugarlands Nature Trail is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This national park is located in the Southeast region of United States of America or USA. This park is divided between North Carolina and Tennessee. The Sugarlands trail is the most accessible hiking trail of this natural park. It is also safe for seniors.

Another feature of this trail is that it is paved. This feature makes this trail safe for not only seniors, but also for little kids. The loop trail goes through the small forest. There is also a small bubbling stream in that area. It also has several benches where seniors can rest if they feel tired. The Sugarlands Nature Trail is perfect for a hiking trip with family, including the seniors.

The Gatlinburg trail

The Gatlinburg trail is also safe for the seniors. They can enjoy hiking in this region without having fear of accidents and injuries. It is also one of the trails where pets like dogs are allowed. Seniors can take their loyal four legged companion on a hiking trip in this region.

This trail is also quite wide and has also been graded in a proper manner.  There is a small hill with a gentle slope and a river in this region. Seniors can climb that hill with the help of a younger member of their family.

After reaching the top of the hill, they will be able to witness the remnants of the past. If they do not want to climb the hill, they can sit quietly by the river and listen to its sounds.  

There is a large, wide bridge over the river. Seniors can cross this bridge and go to the other side of the river if they want.

They can have a dip in the refreshing waters of the river. They also have the opportunity to take some rest on the benches. The total length of this whole trail is approximately 2 miles. 

Cataract falls

Another hiking trail which is safe for seniors is the Cataract falls. This hiking trail is located just behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center. It is also well-graded. Seniors can stroll on this path and enjoy the surroundings and fresh air.

After walking for sometime, they will come across a small stream. Seniors can learn about the trees and plants of this area from the small informational symbols in front of each tree. This trail is very much appropriate for taking the whole family including the seniors on a self-guided nature tour.

The Quiet Walkways

The next trail about which we are going to discuss is The Quiet Walkways.  There are 14 quiet walkways in this region. All of them are easily accessible from the parking area. Seniors will only have to remain careful and look for signs along the roadside throughout the park.

However, you should remember that these trails are not designated trails as you will not find mention about them in any maps. Seniors can simply walk through these trails and go as far as they want before returning to the parking area.

The length of these small, gentle trails are usually between a quarter and three quarters of a mile long.  These trails are great hiking trails for the seniors.

Fighting Creek Nature Trail

Fighting Creek Nature Trail is a hiking trail which is located near Gatlinburg. The length of this loop is approximately 1.4 miles and it takes an average of 32 minutes to complete. This trail is flat, and leads the visitors around a short loop.

From this place, visitors can see the famous wooded forests of the smoky mountains. At the end of this trail, they will find a restored cabin where they can learn about the History of that region. Seniors can enjoy this trail without worrying about injuries.

However they should remain cautious as this trail is being frequently visited by black bears. It is best to walk in this area in big groups which will ensure safety of the vulnerable members of the group, especially the seniors and elder children. 

Little River Trail

Little River Trail is located in the Elkmont section of the smokies. It is a wide and well graded old road that makes walking easier for people of all ages, especially seniors. The total length of these trails is approximately 6 miles.

Seniors can walk as far as they want and return back to their vehicle after the completion of their hiking trip. There is a little river flowing alongside this trail. In fact, this trail got its name from this river only. Seniors can walk alongside this river and enjoy a dip in its cool waters during the hot summer days.

Laurel Falls Trail  

Laurel Falls Trail is also located in The Great Smoky Mountains Natural Park. It is the most popular hiking trails of this natural park. It is also the longest of all the paved hiking trails of this national park.

This trail passes through the racing course of the laurel branch and reaches the ending point in the form of 80 foot Laurel Falls. This waterfall is one of the iconic landmarks of this national park. Both seniors and young adults can enjoy blooms of Mountain Laurel during the month of May. 

Hiking is very good for the health of all people, especially seniors. But seniors need to be careful as they are at greater risk of getting injured. They should search for those hiking trails which are comparatively safe for them.