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Hike to Baskins Creek Falls

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

5.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

3.28 miles

Elevation Gain

953 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Nathan Szwarc

An easy trail that leads to the beautiful, mossy Baskins Creek and then to the spectacular two-tiered 40' Baskins Creek Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The trail begins with a short climb, and after around a quarter of a mile, flattens out and you can get decent views to your west when the leaves are of the trees. At around one mile you will have descended to a small creek crossing. I would suggest getting your shoes a bit wet and just walking through since there are few stepping stones. However, if you are adamant about keeping your feet dry, go a bit to your left or right and you can easily skip across. About 0.1 miles later you will see a split that goes to the left towards Baskins Cemetery. Stay straight on the trail to go to Baskins Creek Falls. At around 1.3 miles, you will continue left at another unmarked split. The last bit is pretty straight down and then you are there. Make sure to walk around the falls and up on the small ledge that is right next to the falls. Going back is going to be relatively strenuous, so make sure to take a few minutes and really enjoy the falls.

As always leave the trail better than you found it and enjoy the surroundings.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Forest
Groups
Waterfall

Reviews

Hiked this trail with 3 year old son and wife. The way there is all down hill, which is bad news for the way back. Well worth the effort!

Hiked this on Earth Day and during National Parks Week and didn't see a single person. As of April 2017, the trail has sustained damage from last year's wildfire, so much of the trail is through a barren, burned forest. The falls were incredibly beautiful and surrounded by greenery. Trekking poles may be helpful to navigate the stream crossings. Also, I would say the hike down to the falls is easy, but the hike back up to the trailhead gains a lot of elevation and was pretty brutal.

Leave No Trace

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

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