Solid Spring Runs: Old Sugarlands Loop

Old Sugarlands/Twin Creeks/Gatlinburg Trails
Gatlinburg, GSMNP
~10mi


For most of us, the "after work run" is typically something we sneak in on the treadmill or around the neighborhood. This is usually the case for myself as well, but now that the days are once again stretching out to a reasonable length I find my after work runs are also stretching out.

Route Map

The Sugarlands Loop is about 3/4ths trail running with some road running mixed in and is one of my "go to" runs for Spring. As with all the runs I like, it has plenty of uphill too.

Elevation Profile

As a run this route is better attempted counter-clockwise, beginning at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. This trail is a rarity in the Smokies; it's wide, runnable, and has a minimal amount of roots.  

The first mile and a half of Old Sugarlands Trail are spent along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, after you pass through a former Civilian Conservation Corp camp you begin a two mile climb up to Cherokee Orchard. As you climb, you're offered a few excuses to stop and take photos.

Looking Toward Sugarland Mountain

3.9 miles from your start point, the Old Sugarlands Trail spits you out at Cherokee Orchard. The significant climbing is over and the descent towards Gatlinburg begins. Initially, there is a short half mile section of road running until you reach the Noah Bud Ogle place. From there you can pick up the Twin Creeks Trail just behind the homestead.

Noah Bud Ogle Place

Twin Creeks Trail parallels Cherokee Orchard road and will take you out of the park to Gatlinburg. At the end of Twin Creeks I typically  run straight through town to River Road. Hang a left at River Rd. and you'll pick up the Gatlinburg Trail in short order. There is a "cheat route" around town via Mynatt Park, but you gotta find that one on your own just like I did.

Gatlinburg Trail is a most patient and forgiving trail, I think it might really be downhill both ways. The final 1.9 miles are a wide and rolling section of trail that traces the river and takes you past several old homesites, look for reminders along side the trail.

What I like most about this run is seeing the contrasts between how we used to live and where we are now. I always enjoy wondering what some of the original locals would think about what Gatlinburg now looks like. The old homesteads could warrant hours of investigation, but for a guy out for a run after work I suppose just quietly striding past will suffice.