13. Little River Trail

Little River Trail: History, Streams, Flora, & Fauna

Nestled in the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Little River Trail in Elkmont offers an inviting escape for hikers of all skill levels. This out-and-back trail, primarily following an old railroad bed converted for pedestrian use, is classified as easy, making it perfect for families, beginners, or anyone seeking a leisurely stroll amid stunning natural beauty.

Spanning about 4.8 miles roundtrip for the historical section (2.4 miles each way), the trail parallels the sparkling Little River, providing opportunities to enjoy wildflowers, streams, historical remnants, waterfalls, cascades, and vibrant fall foliage. With a gravel surface that’s wide and well-maintained, it’s accessible for many, though always check current conditions for any updates.

I recommend this trail for those wanting a mix of history and nature without strenuous effort. The foot traffic is typically not crowded, allowing for a peaceful experience. Restrooms are available at the nearby Elkmont Campground, and back country regulations apply if you venture further.

Highlights include the chance to spot wildlife, dip your toes in the river on warm days, and explore the echoes of Elkmont’s past as a logging and resort community. Whether you’re visiting in spring for blooming wildflowers or autumn for colorful leaves, this trail delivers some of the Smokies’ best scenery up close.

The trail follows the scenic Little River toward its headwaters, offering picturesque boulders year-round and an inviting forest atmosphere. Plan for about 2 hours for the main hike, but allow more time to linger at viewpoints or the waterfall.

Getting to the Little River Trail Trailhead

• From the Sugarlands Visitor Center: Drive westward toward Elkmont on Fighting Creek Gap Road (also known as Little River Gorge Road). After several miles, turn left onto Elkmont Road and continue for about 1.5 miles. Then, turn left onto Little River Road, which winds through the historic Elkmont area. You’ll arrive at the Little River Trail trailhead after an additional 0.5 mile. The drive from Sugarlands typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and season.
• From Townsend, Tennessee: Enter the park and turn left on Laurel Creek Road at the “Y” which connects to Fighting Creek Gap Road. Drive 12.5 miles to Elkmont Road and turn right. Drive on Elkmont Road for 1.5 miles, then turn left onto Little River Road. After an additional 0.5 mile, you will see the parking lot on the left.

NOTE: Google Maps does not provide a trailhead marker, so the map below highlights the Jakes Creek Trailhead Parking. You may park here and walk back to the Little River Trailhead since you will drive past the Little River Trail parking area first. You can see the trail entrance just above Bearwallow Branch on the map.

Parking

The parking area is on the left of Little River Road. If you arrive at the Jakes Creek Trail Trailhead, you have gone too far. You may park in the parking area there and walk back, or circle around and park at the trailhead.

Plenty of parking spaces are available at the Little River Trail trailhead; please use them to avoid blocking roads or damaging vegetation. The lot is spacious, though it can fill up on peak weekends in spring and fall. Arrive early, before 9:00 AM, if visiting during high season to secure a spot. Overflow parking is often available nearby at the Elkmont Campground or historic district pullouts, but always park in designated areas to prevent fines or towing.

Parking Tags

Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge entrance fees, but a parking tag is required for vehicles parked longer than 15 minutes (available online or at visitor centers for a small fee).

Options for parking tags:

• Daily tags: $5.00
• Weekly tags: $15.00
• Annual tags: $40.00

Little River Trail Background

Elkmont started as a small farming area in the 1840s when Jacob Hauser brought his family to the mountains. They named the spot “Little River.” Others followed, and the small group of people grew into a little community.

In the 1880s, a Knoxville businessman began logging the area around Jakes Creek and transporting logs to a Knoxville area sawmill by floating them down the river. His operation ended in 1900.

In 1901, a Pennsylvania man by the name of Colonel Wilson B. Townsend purchased 86,000 acres of mountain land and founded the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company in Tuckaleechee Cove.

Preferring railroads to rivers for transporting logs, Townsend built an extensive railroad system throughout the Smoky Mountains. By 1908, Little River was a thriving logging camp known as Elkmont.

The logging ended and the railroad tracks removed in 1938. The buildings in Elkmont are what remain of the resort that sprang up during the later years of the logging efforts.

NOTE: Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum is located in Townsend, TN and is free to tour year round. This museum offers fascinating exhibits on the logging era, including artifacts, photos, and even a restored locomotive, it’s a great complement to your hike for deeper historical context.

The Elkmont Historic District preserves many of these structures, some restored for public viewing. The area transitioned from logging town to vacation cottages in the early 20th century, with the Wonderland Hotel once standing as a centerpiece (though it burned down in 2016). The NPS has worked to stabilize and interpret these sites, emphasizing their cultural significance.

As you hike, you’ll pass remnants like old foundations and chimneys, reminders of how human activity shaped the landscape before the park’s establishment in 1934.

Little River Trail Description

The trail begins on an old railroad bed converted for pedestrian use. It is wide and well maintained, with a surface of aggregate material and gravel, averaging 10.6 feet wide (minimum 3.3 feet). Little River Trail parallels the Little River for more than 6 miles, and terminates at Back country Campsite #30. However, the historical hike on the trail is much shorter, only 2.4 miles in each direction, making a 4.8-mile roundtrip.

If you choose to continue on Little River Trail past Cucumber Gap Trail, the trail surface gradually changes to a regular mountain trail, becoming narrower and more rugged. The historic buildings you see near the trailhead are from the era in the early 1900s when Elkmont was a hunting and fishing resort, take time to explore the preserved cottages for a glimpse into that lifestyle.

Huskey Branch Falls, located 2.1 miles from the trailhead, is 20 feet tall and is a great place for a photo. The waterfall cascades over rocks into a serene pool, ideal for a rest stop. Another 0.3 mile further up the trail is a junction with Cucumber Gap Trail.

The historical section of Little River Trail is complete at this point. You can turn around and trace your steps back, or you may continue on the trail for as long as you wish. Another option is to loop back using Cucumber Gap Trail and Jakes Creek Trail. The distance from the Little River Trail and Cucumber Gap Trail junction to the Jakes Creek Trailhead is 3.0 miles, creating a pleasant 5.4-mile loop overall. The loop is shady and enjoyable, with some streamside views, though it includes moderate elevation changes.

Grading & Trail Tips

The trail’s grade is typically gentle at 3.2% average (maximum 21.7% in short sections), with an elevation gain of about 160 feet in the first 0.9 miles. Cross slopes average 2%. Expect to cross small bridges over tributaries, and watch for wet rocks near the river. In summer, the shade from the forest canopy keeps it cool, but bring insect repellent for mosquitoes near the water.

Pack water, snacks, and sturdy shoes, though easy, the gravel can be uneven. If extending to Campsite #30, obtain a back country permit in advance.

Flora and Fauna

The wildflowers along Little River Trail in April and May are spectacular, some of the best in the park. If you happen to be hiking in the fall (October), the leaf colors are breathtaking. You will not find a more beautiful spot to see fall colors up close and personal in the Smoky Mountains. Rhododendron is abundant, lining the path with evergreen foliage and blooming pink-white flowers in late spring to early summer.

The first two miles provide excellent wildflower viewing from mid-March through April, extending the season for early bloomers. Common species include trillium (with its three-petaled white or pink flowers), violets in shades of purple and yellow, bloodroot with delicate white petals, and lady slippers, a rare orchid-like bloom. Hepatica and spring beauty add pops of color near the riverbanks, while ferns and mosses thrive in the moist environment. In summer, jewelweed and cardinal flower attract hummingbirds, and asters dot the trail in fall alongside goldenrods.

For fauna, the trail’s riverside habitat supports diverse wildlife. Black bears are common in the Smokies, maintain a 50-yard distance, store food properly, and report sightings to rangers. White-tailed deer often graze in clearings, while wild turkeys strut through the underbrush. Birdwatchers might spot warblers, woodpeckers, or owls in the canopy; bring binoculars for better views.

Along the river, look for otters playing in the water or trout flashing in the streams (fishing requires a permit). Salamanders, the park’s “salamander capital of the world,” hide under logs, including the colorful red-cheeked variety.

Helpfully, practice Leave No Trace principles: stay on the trail to protect delicate plants, pack out trash, and avoid picking flowers. If encountering wildlife, don’t approach or feed animals to keep them wild and safe. There are more than 1,500 flowering plants in the park overall.

For photographers, early morning light enhances the flora’s vibrancy. This section of the trail truly showcases why the Smokies are a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their natural richness.