The Little River Trail - Smoky Mountains: A Sweet Surprise!

Huskey Branch Falls spilling into a small base pool

The Little River Trail in the Smoky Mountains is surprisingly fun! It became one of our favorite trails the first time we hiked it. It has a lot in common with one of our other favorites, the Kephart Prong Trail. (If you’ve read our post on the Kephart Prong Trail, you’ll notice the two posts have a lot of similarities.)

The biggest difference between the two trails is that Little River Trail includes a waterfall – Huskey Branch Falls.

Here’s the scoop…

Published November 18, 2024

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What's Inside This Post...

The Trail

Hiking the Little River Trail is a delightful experience! It is 4.3 miles out and back and is rated “Moderate” by AllTrails, although we would say it’s on the “easy side of moderate”. The trail only climbs 347′, so you will barely notice the incline.

The trail is wide and well-maintained. It parallels the Little River and is surrounded by wildflowers. Rhododendron is especially plentiful. Spring is a wonderful time to visit if you enjoy blooming flowers…and who doesn’t!

The Little River

The Little River will be your companion as you hike this trail. It’s a noisy, friendly, happy river that will keep you company along the way.

The river is home to a couple of interesting creatures. Biologists successfully reintroduced river otters to the river in the late 1980s. Keep your eyes open, and you may be fortunate enough to spot one.

The Eastern Hellbender, a large salamander, also lives in the river. When I say large, I mean LARGE – over 2′ long!

The Little River cascading over boulders

The History of Little River Trail

The Elkmont area was heavily logged from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. A railroad spur was created to facilitate the transport of the timber. When the area became a part of the national park, the railroad tracks were taken up, and the Little River Trail was created.

Just after the trailhead is the remains of several old cottages built and used by the wealthy for summer homes. The homes are in disrepair now, though the park has plans to eventually restore all of them. (There are 18 cabins total.) However, the old Appalachian Clubhouse has been restored and is available as a rental facility.

Tall chimney made of smooth, rounded river rocks

Stone remains of an old historic structure

Huskey Branch Falls

At 2.15 miles into your hike, you will reach a wide bridge. The bridge crosses over Huskey Branch, a small creek that flows downhill into the Little River. Turn to your right and you will see Huskey Branch Falls.

Huskey Branch Falls is a cute little 20-foot waterfall that follows multiple levels and paths before flowing under the bridge. It is possible to scramble up to the top level of the falls, but please note that it is a wet, slippery climb. Please be careful.

The National Park Service has thoughtfully placed a bench just before the bridge, next to the waterfall. This is a perfect spot to sit down, rest, eat a snack, and enjoy the scenery.

Huskey Branch flowing under a wooden foot bridge

Huskey Branch Waterfall falling down in multiple streams

Many people stop at this spot, enjoy the waterfall, and then return to the back to the parking lot. (We did.) However, the Little River Trail continues on. At 2.5 miles, you reach the junction of Cucumber Gap Trail. Taking this trail will lead back to the parking lot.

Frequently Asked Questions…

Is the Little River Trail, Smoky Mountains, worth the time and effort? Absolutely! It’s a beautiful trail next to a beautiful river that leads to a beautiful little waterfall. Beautiful!
Is the Little River Trail family-friendly? Absolutely! The trail is not too long, flat, smooth, and has very little elevation gain. Children will love the river and the waterfall.
When is the best time of year to hike the Little River Trail in the Smoky Mountains? My opinion…
- First, Fall – It’s cooler, and the fall colors are amazing.
- Second, Spring – It’s cooler, and the flowers are beginning to bloom
- Third, Winter – It’s the least crowded season. The trail is quieter, and parking is much easier.
- Fourth, Summer – This is the hottest and most crowded season in the park
Are there any other nearby trails? The Elkmont Nature Trail is 0.3 miles before you reach the Little River Trailhead. Jakes Creek Trailhead is only 0.2 miles past the Little River Trailhead. And, as mentioned before, the Little River Trail connects with the Cucumber Gap Trail.
Where is Little River Trail? The trailhead is on Elkmont Road, just outside of Elkmont Campground.
What about parking? There is parking at the trailhead. If it is full, continue about 0.2 miles up Elkmont Road to the Jakes Creek parking area.
Restrooms? There are restrooms located in the Elkmont campground.

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The Wrap – The Little River Trail – Smoky Mountains

The Little River Trail, Smoky Mountains, has so much to recommend it! The trail is not difficult. The Little River is just beautiful. Huskey Branch Falls is a wonderful spot. It’s a family-friendly hike.

I think the word I would use to describe it is “peaceful”. It’s just a relaxing experience. Highly recommended!

Happy Hiking!