A great place to visit on the Tennessee side of the Smokies is the Tremont area. We love the hiking trails there, so let us tell you about an excellent beginner-friendly route to take. This quiet hike leads to a beautiful waterfall, so keep reading for all the details about hiking to Spruce Flat Falls.
Spruce Flat Falls Trailhead
The hike to Spruce Flat Falls begins at the Lumber Ridge trailhead. Starting near the Townsend ‘Y” intersection, drive west on Laurel Creek Road toward Cades Cove. Take a left and drive towards the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont (GSMIT). After driving across a narrow bridge, the parking area will be to the right. The trailhead is located down a gravel road nearby. Make sure you have a Smoky Mountains parking tag for your vehicle before setting off. To find the Lumber Ridge trailhead, walk down the gravel road and turn left before reaching the GSMIT dormitory building.
What to Expect
The hike to Spruce Flat Falls is considered easy, around 1.4 miles roundtrip with less than 500 feet of elevation gain. You will reach the Buckeye Trail junction at about 20 yards from the trailhead. Hikers should continue right here. The trail continues uphill and comes to a small perch. Stop and admire the stunning views of Bote and Thunderhead Mountain. These peaks measure 4,895 and 5,527 feet respectively! The trail begins to descend here, and you will reach Spruce Flat Falls. While the waterfall is not the tallest in the park, it is still unique because the water falls in four separate tiers. In the colder months, the water can freeze into beautiful formations.
Helpful Tip: The hike to Spruce Flat Falls is not on the official map of trails. Stop by the GSMIT before your hike to pick up a map. The staff can answer any questions you may have!
History of Tremont
What was in the Tremont area before it was part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park? The Little River Lumber Company used the area as a home base. The company was founded in 1901 by Colonel W.B Townsend. The company also established the Little River Railroad. It transported wood and tourists all over the scenic area.
Later in 1969, the GSMIT was established, and today, they lead educational programs that teach visitors more about the park. Make sure to plan ahead if you plan to do one. These programs are popular and fill up quickly. In addition to hiking, Tremont is a popular spot for swimming and fishing. These are great things to do after your hike. You could also enjoy a meal at one of the picnic areas.
Fun Fact: The name “Tremont” pays homage to its roots. The word translates to a combination of “tree” and “mountain.”
More Trails in The Tremont Area
We hope you enjoyed learning about the Spruce Flat Falls Trail! Want to learn more about other trails in Tremont? Take a look at our guide to the Middle Prong Trail!
