Hike to the Little Greenbrier School and Walker Homesite

Hike 3.4 miles (5.5 km) roundtrip from the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area.

NPS Photo

Overview

Hike 3.4 miles (5.5 km) roundtrip from Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park through hardwood forest to see remnants of past Smokies residents including stonework; the historic, one-room Little Greenbrier School; and the preserved homesite of the Walker family.

This trail includes sections of well-packed dirt path as it climbs to the Little Greenbrier School, which can also be reached by a road that is open seasonally. Continuing uphill, the trail follows a wide gravel roadbed to the preserved 19th-century homesite of the Walker family. The cabin inititially built in the 1840s has two large rooms with fireplaces and a beautiful porch. The site also has a spring house and a corn crib.

Length

3.4 miles (5.5 km) roundtrip

Parking & Trailhead

After parking at the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, walk across the small bridge north of the picnic area to find the Metcalf Bottoms Trailhead. Don't forget your parking tag.

Nearest Restroom

Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area

Alternate Hikes

• John Oliver Cabin: 0.3 miles (0.5 km) roundtrip
• Little River, Cucumber Gap, Jakes Creek Loop: 5.4 miles (8.7 km) roundtrip

• Noah Bud Ogle Homesite: ~0.7 miles (1.1 km) roundtrip loop

Details

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

The Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail are the only two park trails where pets are permitted. Pets are also allowed in picnic areas, in campgrounds, and on roads.

Activity Fee

Yes

A parking tag is required to park in the Smokies for more than 15 minutes.

Reservations

No

Accessibility Information

Some steep sections plus occasional roots and rocks.