Jakes Creek Trail – A Hidden Gem with Some Surprises!

Jakes Creek Trail is short, sweet, and full of surprises! We recently hiked it on a warm, summer day, and really enjoyed what it had to offer. We think you will, too!

Published August 25, 2025

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So, Where is Jakes Creek Trail?

You’ll find the trailhead to the Jakes Creek Trail in the north-central section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Drive west on Fighting Creek Gap Road/Little River Gorge Road (they are the same road) to the turnoff for Elkmont Campground. Turn left and follow Elkmont Road until it deadends into a paved parking lot. This is where you’ll find the trailhead, as well as your first surprise.

(Click anywhere on the map above to link to the full-sized map on Google.)

Surprise #1 – Daisy Town

Welcome to Daisy Town! When you park, you’ll see a short road with houses on either side. (I thought we had taken a wrong turn!)

Daisy Town began in the early 1900s as a retreat for wealthy vacationers, most of whom were from Knoxville, TN. The National Park Service calls Daisy Town the Birthplace of Tourism in the Smoky Mountains. The area grew to as many as 80 homes at one time, and some continued to be used up until the 1990s.

Friendly, knowledgeable park volunteers are usually present to answer your questions and share interesting facts with you. The cabins are open for guests to explore. Daisy Town was not only unexpected for us, but it was also fascinating.

At the end of the short road is the Appalachian Clubhouse, where the members of the Appalachian Club would gather following a day of hunting and fishing.

You’ll find restrooms next to the Appalachian Club.

Pro Tip

For info about Daisy Town, check out this article from the National Park Service – https://www.nps.gov/places/daisy-town-the-birth-of-tourism-in-the-smokies.htm

Surprise #2 – Historic Ruins

As you begin your hike on Jakes Trail, you may be surprised at the number of historic cabin ruins you pass. These are the remains of the early homesteads. At one time, Elkmont was home to 1,500 settlers.

You’ll walk through the remains for the first 0.4 miles of the hike. Several fireplaces, chimneys, stone walls, and other reminders of the first settlers are easily visible from the trail.

Surprise #3 – Jakes Creek

The entire Jakes Creek Trail is 3.7 miles one way from the parking lot to Jakes Gap. We opted instead to hike to Avent Cabin and back, a total of about 2.5 miles. This section of the trail is rated “Easy” by AllTrails. There is an elevation gain of 476′, but it is gradual and not very difficult.

The trail itself is fairly worn from much use. The start is level, but it begins to slope upward a little way in. As mentioned above, you’ll pass the ruins of old homes for the first 0.4 miles of the hike.

Jakes Creek is just delightful. It’s one small cascade after another. It’s noisy and”gurgly”, and will keep you company for much of your hike.

At 0.8 miles into the hike, you’ll come to a fork in the trail. Turn left to continue on Jakes Creek Trail. Take the right fork to continue following the creek itself.

Pro Tip

Take the right fork for a short distance, then come back to the fork to return to Jakes Creek Trail. Why? Because the right fork will take you along a gorgeous section of creek, and I don’t want you to miss it!

From here, the Avent Cabin is just a bit less than 0.5 miles…at least we think it is…

We were using the AllTrails app to lead us to the Avent Cabin. However, the turn off to the cabin is apparently small and hard to spot. In fact, we missed it altogether. We’ll try to do better next time…

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is the “Jake” in Jakes Creek?
  • That’s a bit of a mystery. At the risk of sounding obvious, it was most likely named after one of the settlers in the area, whose name was “Jake”.
• Is this hike worth the time and effort?
  • Definitely! It’s short, shady, and just beautiful. The historic ruins are also fascinating.
• Are dogs allowed on Jake’s Creek Trail? 
  • They are not. Dogs are only allowed on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• How do I get back on the main road when I leave?
  • Though it may seem counterintuitive, the way out is down the road between the houses in Daisy Town. Drive slowly and carefully – there will likely be several visitors in the area.
• Is this trail kid-friendly?
  • It is! Your kids will have no problems on this trail.
• Any other trails nearby?
  • Yes! You’ll pass the parking area for Little River Trail on your way to Jakes Creek Trail. It’s a fantastic hike that shouldn’t be missed!

That’s a Wrap – Jakes Creek Trail

Even though we missed Avent Cabin, we plan to try again. But even if we never find the cabin, Jakes Creek Trail is worth it. It’s not too long, nor is it too difficult. There’s a lot to see and enjoy during the hike. We highly recommend it, especially if you’re camping at the Elkmont Campground.

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