Huskey Branch Falls

Huskey Branch Falls is a small cascade beside the Little River Trail in Elkmont, where a wooden footbridge crosses directly over the water. The river-side walk is as much the draw as the falls. Go for a quiet stream walk; skip it if you want a large waterfall without a long hike.

Plan on about 2.1–2.2 miles each way from Little River Trailhead, roughly 4.2–4.4 miles out and back. The path begins broad and gently graded on an old railroad bed, though roots and rocks appear underfoot. The falls aren’t signed, so watch for the wooden bridge near the 2.1-mile mark. Dogs aren’t allowed. A parking tag is required if your car stays longer than 15 minutes, and it doesn’t reserve a space. The trail is not ADA accessible; the park describes a GRIT Freedom Chair checkout for the first 2.7 miles. Nearest restrooms are seasonal at Daisy Town or Elkmont Campground.

The bridge gives you the closest view of the water as it passes over dark rock. Flow depends on recent rain, and dry spells can leave the cascade slight. It’s a better fit for someone who enjoys the riverside walk than for anyone expecting a dramatic falls payoff. The route can also be extended into a roughly 5.5-mile loop via Cucumber Gap and Jakes Creek.

Little River Trail follows a former railroad grade and passes the stone chimneys and foundations of Daisytown, a vacation community in Elkmont. Local history connects the falls’ name to Sam and Alice Huskey, who ran the Skyuka Inn in the Sugarlands, a place for early travelers to stop for food, rest and supplies.