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Little River Trail to Backcountry Campsite #30

Sevier County, Tennessee

5.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

12.34 miles

Elevation Gain

412 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Adam Welch

Located in the Elkmont area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Little River trail is a beautifully reclaimed railway bed with a steady 412 feet elevation gain. The trail offers relaxing river scenery, wildflowers, first rate fly fishing, multiple backcountry campsites, as well as a healthy dose of history. In early June, when I made this hike, the trail also plays host to a breathtaking display of luminously synchronized fireflies.

The trailhead parking area is large but if no spaces are available additional parking can be had at the Jake's Creek trailhead at the top of the hill and to the right of the Little River trail parking lot. After parking, the trailhead itself will be to the left of the parking area.
Parking Lot Coordinates: 35.65365, -83.58018

From here the trail traces the Little River virtually to it's source. You will pass several dilapidated cottages and cabins that once were part of a group of vacation homes. Signs warn not to enter these houses due to safety hazards. A very unique feature of this hike is the so-called "Troll Bridge". Finding it is somewhat of a rite-of-passage. It is located very close to the beginning of the trail but that's all the help I'll give you :)

Just beyond the 2 mile point the trail passes Husky Branch Falls. This small falls flows beneath the trail and into the Little River. From here the trail gradually narrows as you approach the intersection of the Cucumber Gap trail intersection. Continuing on, you will cross the river using a converted railroad trestle and immediately see the Husky Gap trailhead. Backcountry campsite #21 is a short walk down this trail. From here the trail temporarily departs from the river and in about 2 miles passes through backcountry campsite #24. Soon after leaving this camping area you will come to the Rough Creek trail intersection. From here, it is a 1.8 mile final approach to the terminus of the Little River trail at backcountry campsite #30.

The remote campsite #30 is suitable for groups and offers spots for both tent and hammock campers. Lot's of water available for use with filtration as well as cable systems for safely securing food items. Keep in mind that to access campsite #30 you MUST cross the river.

Looking for a little refreshment after your hike? Be sure to check out the Artistic Bean Coffee Shop in Townsend. Literally some of the best coffee I have ever tasted. It's about 15 miles by car from the Little River trail parking area via the Little River road.

Check out for hikingthesmokys.com more on the history of the Elkmont area and also http://www.nps.gov/grsm for information on the Elkmont fireflies.

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Features

Camping
Fishing
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Easy Parking
Forest
Groups
River
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife
Swimming Hole

Reviews

I did this hike in late January and it was perfect! Despite it being winter, it's a very green, lush hike thanks to all of the rhodendron and moss along the river. It's almostly entirely flat and makes for an easy, fun stroll that would be great for families. There are several small creek crossings that can be bit tricky if it's rained a lot recently (like when I went).

No need for bear spray with Black bears if you know how to handle the situation.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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