Forney Creek Trail

Forney Creek Trail is an 11.2-mile point-to-point route from the Forney Ridge junction near Kuwohi to Lakeshore Trail in the Northshore. It drops off the high ridge, follows the creek valley through spruce and hemlock, then meets the lower Lakeshore trail system. Choose it for a remote creek walk, Rock Slab Falls, and traces of the Smokies’ logging past—not for a quick waterfall stroll. The 11.2 miles is the Forney Creek Trail itself, one way.

The upper junction is about 1.1 miles along Forney Ridge Trail from the Kuwohi parking area at the end of Clingmans Dome Road. At the lower end, Forney Creek meets Lakeshore Trail; Lakeview Drive is another 3.1 miles along Lakeshore. Walking between those road-access points adds up to roughly 15.4 miles. Treat this as a full-day traverse: allow about 8–10 hours for the named trail, then account for the access legs and your return or overnight plan. It is not a loop, and neither trail junction is a road pickup. Dogs aren’t allowed.

The first 2.5 miles drop about 1,700 feet. Red spruce gives way to hemlock as the route descends; near the upper end, look back for a brief view toward Clingmans Dome. The tread is rocky, rooty and often wet. The name can sound like an easy creekside path, but the first stretch is steep, and reaching the creek is only the start of a long walk.

The route crosses Forney Creek several times. One crossing around mile 6 involves a wade, and another can be difficult in high water; recent rain can change the effort quickly. Rock Slab Falls lies about 2 miles below the upper junction, with smaller cascades and rhododendron nearby. It is the standout photo stop on a walk that is otherwise mostly shaded creek valley.

The trail follows a former logging railroad alignment through a valley that was heavily logged before it became park land. Cables and buckets left from that work are reported beside the route. Around mile 8.6, Campsite 71 occupies the former Bee Gum Civilian Conservation Corps camp site. If you plan to stay overnight, use a designated backcountry campsite and reserve the required permit in advance.