Little River TrailEasy

Elkmont / Gatlinburg, TN

Easy
Little River Trail

Distance (One Way)

6.1 miles

Elevation Gain

1,213 feet

Trailhead

Elkmont

Location

Gatlinburg, TN

Trail Description Written by Caroline Sullivan

This easy hike runs along a pretty forest river on a wide flat road that eventually narrows into a true trail. It is often combined with Cucumber Gap Trail and Jakes Creek Trail for an easy Elkmont loop hike.

The road you follow into Elkmont is the old route of the Little River Railroad, part of the Little River Lumber Company, a major logging enterprise during the time when the forest was cut for lumber. Along the road you will pass the site of the Wonderland Hotel on the left. Built by the Wonderland Park Company, the hotel opened in 1912 to serve people riding the logging train into the mountains.

Along your hike occasional benches invite you to stop and enjoy the sunshine on the violets, spring beauty, hepatica, and anemones in spring.

#fishing
#kid friendly
#out & back
#river
#stroller friendly
#wildflowers
#easy
#gatlinburg tn

Little River Trail Elevation Profile

Little River Trail Elevation Profile Tom Dunigan's Elevation Profiles

Trail Difficulty Scales Explained

Elevation Grade

4%

Fairly Flat

Paul Petzoldt Scale

8.5

Moderate

5

10

15

Shenandoah Scale

122

Moderately Strenuous

50

100

150

Hiker Tips & Trivia

  • GSM backcountry campsites 21 & 24 can be reserved through the National Park Service

Photo Gallery (15)

Trail Map

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The above list of hiking trails in the Smokies is incomplete and constantly being updated. If you have information or photos you would like to contribute, please contact [email protected].

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