Pros & cons
PROS
- Exceptionally well marked with wooden signs and arrows—hard to get lost
- Easy add-on to a visit of nearby Elkmont Ghost Town
CONS
- Very small trailhead lot; you may need to park at Jake’s Creek/Daisy Town
- Roots and occasional mud despite the gentle grade
- No dogs allowed on the trail
Small lot 0.3 mi past Elkmont Campground on Elkmont Road; if full, park at the larger Jake’s Creek/Daisy Town lot and walk to the trailhead.
Uneven footing with roots and occasional mud; small footbridge at the start. No pets allowed (service animals excepted). If driving an RV or trailer, avoid the Metcalf Bottoms bridge—use Gatlinburg or Townsend approaches.
Overview
This is the Smokies at its gentlest: a short, woodsy loop that lets you stretch your legs without breaking a sweat. The Elkmont Nature Trail is a 0.8-mile total loop with about 95 feet of elevation gain. Expect an easy grade, a few short ups and downs, and a pleasant mix of creekside moments, rhododendron tunnels, and shaded forest.
What you’ll see
Right from the start, the path dips toward a creek and crosses a small footbridge with a handrail. Beyond, you’ll wind through laurel and pine, with fungi on downed logs and seasonal wildflowers—spring is prime time. The route is well marked with wooden signs and white arrows, so it’s almost impossible to get off track. While the trail is easy, the footing isn’t perfectly smooth; roots and occasional muddy patches keep it interesting.
Trail vibe and who it’s for
If you’ve got 20 minutes to spare or little hikers in tow, this is a low-commitment win. It’s also a nice breather if you’re based at Elkmont Campground or exploring the nearby Elkmont “Ghost Town.” If you’re chasing big views or a longer workout, this loop will feel too short—pair it with other Elkmont-area trails to make a day of it.
Getting there and parking
From US-441, turn onto Little River Road (Fighting Creek Gap Road), then left on Elkmont Road. Continue past the campground entrance, bear left, and in about 0.3 miles you’ll reach a small parking area by the trailhead. That tiny lot fills fast; if it’s full, use the spacious Jake’s Creek/Daisy Town parking and stroll over.
Best time to hike
Spring offers the most color thanks to wildflowers. Mornings tend to be quieter and make parking easier. After rain, expect slick roots and some mud. In summer, the canopy keeps things relatively cool and shaded.
Notes on access and alternatives
Pets aren’t allowed on this trail. If you need a longer, smooth, hard-packed option nearby, the Little River Trail in Elkmont is a good companion walk. For those arriving with RVs or trailers, avoid approaching via the Metcalf Bottoms bridge due to restrictions; use the main Gatlinburg or Townsend approaches instead.
Geology snapshot
You’re walking across ancient, metamorphosed sediments of the Smokies—think tough metasandstones and siltstones that weather into the ledges and creekside outcrops you’ll notice along the route.
Elevation
0.8 mi · 20 minWhere it starts
35.6578, -83.5806Near Elkmont Nature Trail
All places →All trails →
0.2 mi awayElkmont Group CampgroundTent-only group sites with flush toilets beside Little RiverCampground · Restroom
0.2 mi awayElkmont CampgroundBig riverside campground with trailheads and spring firefly magicCampground · Restroom
0.3 mi awayDaisy TownGhost-town lane of restored cabins beside easy riverside trailsParking · Exhibit
0.3 mi awayAppalachian ClubhouseRustic 1934 clubhouse for day-use events in Elkmont's Daisy TownRestroom · Parking
0.4 mi awayJakes Creek TrailSteady Elkmont climb past ghost town ruins, creeks, and Avent Cabin.Moderate · 7.4 mi · 4.5 hr
1 mi awaySugarland Mountain TrailQuiet ridge run from Gatlinburg to the AT with spruce fir vibesChallenging · 11.9 mi · 6.2 hr
1.8 mi awayLaurel Falls TrailPaved climb to an 80 foot, photogenic Smokies waterfallEasy · 2.6 mi · 1.8 hr
1.8 mi awayCove Mountain TrailForest climb above Laurel Falls to a closed 1935 fire tower.Moderate · 7.7 mi · 5.5 hr
