Hike Little River Trail

Hike a portion or the entire length of Little River Trail.

NPS

Overview

Once a railroad bed, the Little River Trail now offers a peaceful hike through the Elkmont area of the Smokies. As you follow the river’s gentle flow, you’ll pass remnants of the historic Daisytown community—stone chimneys and foundations quietly tucked into the forest.

The start of this trail is wide and scenic with minimal elevation gain, making it ideal for a relaxed hike to the Husky Gap Trail junction. For a longer, more challenging adventure, continue along the trail. The trail dead ends after passing a few trail junctions and backcountry campsites at backcountry campsite #30.

Due to its location, this route is perfect for hikers seeking both tranquility and a touch of history.

Length

12.4-miles (20 km) roundtrip

Parking & Trailhead

Park at the Little River Trailhead in Elkmont Historic District. Don't forget your parking tag.

Nearest Restroom

Daisy Town or Elkmont Campground (available seasonally)

Alternate Hikes

• Lynn Camp Prong Cascades: 1.4 miles (2.3 km) roundtrip
• Chasteen Creek Cascades: 3.6 miles (5.8 km) roundtrip
• Twentymile Cascades: 1.2 miles (1.9 km) roundtrip
• Finley Cane Trail to Bote Mtn Trail to Lead Cove Trail Loop: 6.9 mile (11.1 km) loop

Details

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

Yes

Parking tags are required for all vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes.

Location

Little River Trail

Reservations

No

Accessibility Information

This trail is not ADA accessible.

For the first 2.7 miles, the trail is relatively wide and flat, featuring a mix of crushed stone and occasional roots and rocks. While a few sections are slightly steeper, the overall path is considered leisurely, making it ideal for a relaxed hike.

Around mile marker 2.5, the trail begins to narrow and transitions from a roadbed to a more natural path. After passing the junction with Rough Creek Trail at approximately 4.5 miles, the terrain becomes rockier and more challenging. The final stretch includes three water crossings, which require careful footing.

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A section of this trail has been assessed using the High-Efficiency Trail Assessment Process (HETAP) to provide objective information such as grade and slope.

HETAP data collected on the first 0.9 miles of this trail: 

• The typical slope is 3.2%.
• The typical cross slope/grade in the trail side-to-side, is 2.0%, with a maximum of 19.1%.
• The typical width is 10.6 feet (3.22 meters) with a minimum of 3.3 feet (1.02 meters).
• The trail surface is composed of aggregate material and gravel.

GRIT Freedom Chairs are available for free checkout on a first-come, first-serve basis for the first 2.7 miles (one-way) of this trail to the junction with Huskey Gap Trail.

Use descriptions, maps, and photos to determine which hikes are suitable for you. For information about the reservation process and other trail segments where GRIT Freedom Chairs can be used, visit the trail accessibility page.