Trail 21: Little River
Overview
This hike is a great introduction to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by featuring a bit of many of the elements that make the Smokies special — a trail along a beautiful, clear river; a waterfall; abundant plant and aquatic wildlife; deep forest; and human history in the form of historic cabins. It’s close to many amenities, and the drive from Knoxville is doable in a day. The hike starts at the Little River trailhead, following the Little River along its namesake river. Turn around near the small waterfall or continue the loop back to the trailhead. Great for kids of all ages because there is not any one spot you must reach on the trail; hike as far as you like and then head back to the start to picnic or check out the historic cabins!
Key Characteristics
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Estimate | 3 hours - 5 hours |
| Trail Distance (Miles) | 5.5 |
| Elevation Change | Moderate |
| Pets | Not Allowed |
| Parking Pass/Entrance Fee | Required |
| Restroom(s) | No |
| Best Ages | Little kids, Big kids, and Pre-teens and older |
| Strollers and Wheelchairs | Not accessible |
Directions to the Trailhead
Trailhead Address: Elkmont Campground, MC58+3H Gatlinburg, Tennessee Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 35.65346, -83.58005
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 35.65346, -83.58005
The trailhead address includes a “Plus code” to park at the start of the Little River Trail — that parking area does not have a specific address. If you navigate to “Elkmont Campground,” then look for signs to the parking for the Little River Trail, where this hike begins. Park and look for the gate across the gravel road, where the Little River Trail begins.
A tree that “feels” like the Smokies - likes shaded groves. Characterized by its needles being arranged in a flat frond. Threatened by an invasive species, the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid. While many trees in the region are affected (look for a white dusty covering of needles), others are not. Look for it along this trail.
Trail Description
| Distance from Start | Description |
|---|---|
| 0.0 | Pass around the gate (it’s closed only to vehicles) to begin on the Little River Trail. |
| 0.1 | Pass the Spence Cabin, a histotic cabin that is available to rent (for the day — not for nights!). |
| 0.45 | Trail begins to ascend. |
| 2.1 | Huskey Branch Falls on the right side of the trail. |
| 2.4 | Reach the intersection of the Little River Trail and the Cucumber Gap Trail. Turn right onto the Cucumber Gap trail. Trail climbs up toward Cucumber Gap. |
| 3.4 | Cucumber Gap — the high point of this hike. Begin to descend. |
| 4.65 | Reach the intersection of Cucumber Gap Trail and Jakes Creek Trail. Turn right onto Jakes Creek Trail. |
| 5.3 | Reach Jakes Creek Road. Turn right to return to the trailhead. |
| 5.5 | Trailhead. |
Nearby
- Visiting historic cabins. The nearby historic cabins are a must-see. Kids love to duck into and out of many recently restored (and others in the process of being restored).
- Camping at Elkmont campground. The Elkmont Campground is scenic, large, and worth a visit, especially if you can reserve a spot beside the Little River.