Noland Creek Trail

Overview

If you like easy miles with constant creek music and a dash of Smokies history, this one delivers. Noland Creek Trail follows a broad old roadbed built in 1934, paralleling its namesake stream through quiet forest. Expect a gentle grade, sturdy bridges in the lower miles, and far fewer people than the park’s headliners. The most common outing is an about 9-mile total out-and-back with roughly 900 feet of gain, though you can tailor your turnaround to taste.

Route and What You’ll See

From the large pullout on Lakeview Drive, a short descent puts you at creek level. Head up-valley on the main roadbed for easy, steady walking beside riffles and pools. The lower trail uses bridges to cross the creek; farther up you may encounter shallow fords. History is everywhere: old homesites marked by non-native boxwoods, stone foundations and chimney stacks, and maintained cemeteries like Branton. You’ll pass through the former Solola community, see the concrete base of a 1930s-era water-powered plant, and find the Mill Creek (Rust) school site near Campsite 64. Forest stands shift between tall white pines and classic cove hardwoods—beech, holly, and eastern hemlock.

A short, separate spur heads south from near the start toward Fontana Lake—roughly a mile—but it’s often overgrown and can be messy near the shoreline. When the lake runs high, back-flooding can temporarily submerge parts of the lower trail near the outflow; plan your day around current water levels.

Difficulty and Distance

The grade is easy to moderate and footing is friendly, which makes this a great pick for mixed groups or a long, mellow day. Figure about 5–8 hours for common dayhikes depending on how far you go. Popular turnarounds include the Springhouse Branch junction and the backcountry campsites farther up the valley if you want a little more mileage without committing to the full length.

Logistics and Tips

Park in the big lot on Lakeview Drive just before the bridge over Noland Creek—if you reach the tunnel, you’ve gone too far. The trail is open to horseback riders; the tread is wide enough to pass comfortably. Backcountry campsites (numbers 61–66) line the corridor; at least one (Campsite 61) requires a reservation. Noland Creek is also a classic Smokies trout stream—rainbows throughout, browns lower, and brookies up high—so bring a valid NC or TN fishing license and follow park regs. No dogs on this trail. Expect ticks in season and slick footing after rain on the initial drop from the parking area.

Best Time to Hike

March through November is prime for the lower creek walk. Go early for solitude and softer light along the water. After heavy rains or when Fontana Lake is high, be ready to turn around sooner if back-flooding makes the lower sections impassable.