If you're going to the Tennessee side of the Smokies, let us tell you about one of our favorite areas. It is known for the Elkmont Ghost Town, but it also features many scenic trails, some with a fascinating history! Read on to learn about some of them before your next visit! Here is a list of 4 hiking trails in Elkmont Tennessee you need to try:
1. Elkmont Nature Trail
The Elkmont Nature Trail is a great hike for beginners! It is 0.8 miles roundtrip with little elevation gain which means there is no steep climb. It only takes about 20 minutes to complete, but you might want to give yourself extra time to admire the scenery. At the beginning of the trail, you will pass over a creek. The bridge has a handrail for balance. The best time to hike this trail is in the spring. The trees have lots of leaves, and there are wildflowers along the ground. Keep an eye out for the wooden signs with white arrows, as they will tell you the right way to go!
2. Little River Trail
The Little River Trail is another great hike in Elkmont Tennessee. It is 4.9 miles roundtrip with 412 feet of elevation gain. The route parallels the trail’s namesake. At the beginning of the trail, admire several old cottages that were part of the thriving resort community turned Elkmont ghost town. While you can’t look around inside, the structures are still fascinating to look at. Stop to explore around the river! You may see otters along the water. If you look even closer, you might also have the opportunity to see a salamander. They are small in size, but their population is mighty. The Smokies are deemed the “Salamander Capital of the World,” as they are home to 30 species.
3. Jake’s Creek Trail
The Jake's Creek Trail is 3.7 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 1,700 feet. To get to the trail, hikers must walk for less than a mile down a gravel road. It has more remnants of the Elkmont ghost town. Once you get to the end of the path, the trail will continue for 3.3 miles. Another historical structure on this trail is the Avent Cabin. It was built by Humphrey Ownby in 1845 and sold to Frank Avent in 1918. Want a longer hike? This trail connects to the Little River Trail and Cucumber Gap Loop, taking the total distance up to just under 5 and a half miles.
4. Huskey Gap Trail
The Huskey Gap Trail is a great wildflower hike in the Smoky Mountains. With a roundtrip distance of 4.2 miles and an elevation gain of 1,270 feet, it’s one of the longer Elkmont trails, but not too difficult either. You will start on Newfound Gap Road and then walk through a forest. Some of the wildflowers you’ll see in the warmer months include Yellow Trilliums, Sweet White Violets, and Dogwoods
Now you know about some hikes in Elkmont Tennessee you need to try! Want to learn more about the area? Discover everything you need to know about Elkmont TN in the Smoky Mountains!
