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Porters Creek Trail (Fern Branch Falls)

Moderate

Distance

3.7 miles

Elevation Gain

699 feet

Trailhead

Greenbrier Cove

Location

Gatlinburg, TN

Trail Description Written by Caroline Sullivan

Porters Creek Trail is a 3.7 mile hike from Greenbrier Cove just east of Mount LeConte. The trail is famous for wildflowers, and during the months of April and May you will find dozens of different species blooming.

About two miles into the hike is the 60 foot Fern Branch Falls. If you continue all the way to the end of the trail, you'll reach the backcountry campsite #31.

After the first mile of the hike you can take a right on Brushy Mountain Trail and head up to Mount LeConte.

#fern branch falls
#waterfall
#wildflowers
#moderate
#gatlinburg, tn

Trail Difficulty Scales Explained

Elevation Grade

4%

Fairly Flat

Paul Petzoldt Scale

5.1

Moderate

5

10

15

Shenandoah Scale

72

Moderate

50

100

150

Photo Gallery (6)

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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