Baskins Creek Falls

Baskins Creek Falls doesn’t get a lot of visitors.

Most folks have never heard of it. The waterfall doesn’t get a lot of attention.

And it’s easy to miss the trailhead. Many people drive past it and never notice it, even though it’s right on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

But that’s good for us! You could have the trail and the waterfall all to yourself – we did. It was quiet and peaceful.

So read on to get the scoop on Baskins Creek Falls…

What's Inside This Post...

Where is the Trailhead to Baskins Creek Falls?

This waterfall trail is on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, just 16 minutes from the Parkway in Gatlinburg. Turn off Parkway at traffic light #8 onto Historic Nature Trail-Airport Rd. This becomes Cherokee Orchard Road just a bit up the road.

In about 2.5 miles you will pass the Noah “Bud” Ogle Nature Trail on your right.

Follow the signs and stay on Cherokee Orchard Road for about 3.5 miles. You will pass the first Rainbow Falls parking area. (There’s a restroom here in case you need to stop.) Drive on a short distance to the second Rainbow Falls parking area. When you get to the second Rainbow Falls parking area, pull in and park.

Map from Gatlinburg to Baskins Creek Trail trailhead

PRO TIP – There is one parking space directly in front of the Baskins Creek Falls trailhead. Let me repeat that…ONE parking space. It’s 0.2 miles past the parking lot. If you’re feeling really lucky, you can go for it. But…

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a one-way, 5.5-mile loop. If the spot is already taken, you’ll be forced to drive all the way around the loop back to the Rainbow Falls parking lot. Given how much traffic there is on the Motor Nature Trail, that could take a while.

After you park, walk out of the far end of the parking lot onto the road and you’ll see a sign directing you to turn right onto Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Walk up the road 0.2 miles and the trailhead will be on your left.

The Hike to the Falls is a Bit of an Adventure!

This hike is 3.7 miles roundtrip. AllTrail ranks it as a “Moderate” hike. Interestingly, you hike down to the waterfall, not up. I believe Baskins Creeks Falls is the only waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park where that is true. The trail took us about 2 hours and 45 minutes out and back, including stopping for photos and playing at the falls.

The trail begins with a 0.7-mile uphill climb, then it’s downhill all the way to the falls. It’s a beautiful walk, especially in the summer when the wildflowers and native plants are blooming. We saw ferns, mountain laurels, native azaleas, galax. The trees along the path included pines, poplars, umbrella magnolias, and maples.

Watch Your Step!

A bit further on, the trail becomes a narrow gully for a stretch. It was dry, but the gully was covered with pebbles, making it slippery. We didn’t love this section.

After the gully, you will arrive at Falls Branch. The creek crossing is shallow and doesn’t present a challenge. However, this is where things begin to get more interesting.

After the creek crossing you will soon encounter a section of trail that is wet from the Falls Branch runoff. This section is surprisingly slippery. Mary Ellen (my wife) and I both fell here. Then we both fell a second time!

PRO TIP – We recommend hiking boots and hiking poles on this hike. Even though we both slipped down, it would have been worse in sneakers or sandals.

We soon arrived at a trail sign for Baskins Creek Trail, where things went from interesting to interesting-er. We became confused and thought we were supposed to hike straight ahead. Don’t make the same mistake.

Trail sign leading to Baskins Creek Trail

Instead, take the side trail off to the left. This is the way.

This trail meanders along Falls Branch. Runoff from the creek makes the trail boggy in places and necessitates some creek crossings, but it isn’t difficult.

The final obstacle before you arrive at the falls is a section of boulders that require some scrambling. It isn’t difficult – in fact, it’s a lot of fun. Once past the boulders, you’ll see the falls.

There are a couple of fun facts about Baskins Creek Falls. In their excellent book “Waterfalls of the Smokies“, authors Hal Hubbs, Charles Maynard, and David Morris recount how the creek and waterfall came to be called “Baskins” Creek…

“Baskins Creek gets its name from a man named Bearskin Joe who lived nearby and was noted for his prowess as a hunter, especially of bear. The creek was called “Bearskin Joe’s Creek” which later became “Bearskin Creek”. This name was eventually misunderstood and shortened to “Baskins Creek”.

Baskins Creek is a pretty waterfall. It has two levels – the water plunges 20′ from the top of the falls to a narrow ledge below. (You can climb up on this ledge and stand next to the falls, but there is no space to walk behind them. I know – I tried.)

Then the water spills out to drop another 15′ to the bottom. Unlike many of the waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there is no pool at the base of the falls – the water simply continues to flow down the incline to continue Falls Branch.

Which brings me to Fun Fact #2 – Baskins Creek Falls is not created by Baskins Creek. It is created by Falls Branch, a branch of Baskins Creek. Baskins Creek, a bit east of Falls Branch, flows all the way down to Gatlinburg, where it connects to the Little Pigeon River.

Jeff and Mary Ellen selfie in front of Baskins Creek Falls

There is a very large boulder at the base of the falls. We found that climbing up to the top of the boulder provides a perfect perch from which to take photos of the falls.

Questions?

Can I Take My Dog on this Hike? Sorry, no. This is for your safety and the safety of your dog. You may take your dog hiking either of two trails in Smoky Mountains National Park – the Gatlinburg Trail or the Oconaluftee River Trail.
What Should I Bring on the Hike? Hiking boots; Hiking poles; water; snack; camera
Will I See a Bear? You might! We followed a black bear down the trail for about 200 yards.

A young black bear hiding behind a small pine tree

When is the Best Time to Hike to Baskins Creek Falls? The earlier in the day the better. This will avoid the traffic on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and make parking easier. It’s also cooler in the mornings, and it’s the time you’re most likely to spot wildlife.
What is the Best Time of Year to Hike to Baskins Creek Falls? Any time of year is great EXCEPT FOR WINTER. ROARING FORK MOTOR NATURE TRAIL IS CLOSED DURING THE WINTER MONTHS DUE TO HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS.

The Verdict – Baskins Creek Falls

Baskins Creek Falls is a bit of a toss-up for me. I like the waterfall – it’s pretty, it’s interesting, and it’s secluded. And I like that there is little traffic on the trail, making it quiet and peaceful.

However, the trail is tricky. Multiple slippery spots caused us to fall a couple of times, and the last section of the trail is muddy from the Falls Branch runoff.

So my verdict is…if you have plenty of time in the park, give this hike a go. If not, there are other hikes that I think you will enjoy more.

Happy Hiking!

Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Rocky Mountains poking their heads above the clouds, and Indian Flats waterfalls flowing into its base pool

Baskins Creek Falls – A Quiet Spot in the Smoky Mountains

Where is the Trailhead to Baskins Creek Falls?

The Hike to the Falls is a Bit of an Adventure!

Watch Your Step!