Porters Creek Trail
Discover a serene escape in the Smokies with Porters Creek Trail, featuring waterfalls, historic ruins, and old-growth forests.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers in bloom
Porters Creek Trail
Best Time
Wildflowers in bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a serene escape in the Smokies with Porters Creek Trail, featuring waterfalls, historic ruins, and old-growth forests.
"A hidden oasis from the parkway's craziness, offering stunning waterfalls and history."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited and fills up fast, especially on weekends. Aim to arrive before 9 AM to secure a spot .
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail gets rocky and root-filled after the first mile. Wear good hiking shoes for comfort and safety .
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 175 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fern Branch Falls
End of the trail
A breathtaking 40-foot waterfall, especially impressive after rain. The journey there is as beautiful as the destination .
Historic Community Ruins
Along the trail
Discover remnants of a bygone community, including old homesites and a poignant graveyard, offering a glimpse into the past .
Old Growth Forest
Throughout the trail
Experience one of the last undisturbed old-growth forests in the region, with awe-inspiring deadfalls and enormous trees .
Spring Wildflowers
Along the trail
A popular spot for wildflower walks in spring, adding vibrant color and beauty to the forest floor .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Porters Creek
Trail Conditions & What to Expect
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain. Spring and summer bring beautiful wildflowers, while fall offers stunning foliage.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited and fills up fast, especially on weekends. Aim to arrive before 9 AM to secure a spot.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail gets rocky and root-filled after the first mile. Wear good hiking shoes for comfort and safety.
🌸 Spring Wildflower Hotspot
Visit in spring for a stunning display of wildflowers; it's a popular time for nature photographers.
💧 Waterfalls After Rain
Fern Branch Falls is most impressive after recent rainfall, so check the weather before you go.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited and fills up fast, especially on weekends. Aim to arrive before 9 AM to secure a spot.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail gets rocky and root-filled after the first mile. Wear good hiking shoes for comfort and safety.
🌸 Spring Wildflower Hotspot
Visit in spring for a stunning display of wildflowers; it's a popular time for nature photographers.
💧 Waterfalls After Rain
Fern Branch Falls is most impressive after recent rainfall, so check the weather before you go.
🐶 Leashed Pets Welcome
Dogs are allowed on the trail, but must be kept on a leash. Remember to clean up after your pet.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Porters Creek Trail's stunning natural beauty, from the cascading Fern Branch Falls to the serene old-growth forest. The historical ruins add a unique layer of interest, making it a well-rounded hiking experience. While the trail becomes rocky and steeper after the first mile, most find the journey and the destination well worth the effort.
"Beautiful deep forest trail along a river flowing over rocks and boulders. First part is gravel road and fairly easy. Second part is rocky and full of roots. Spotted with ruins of a bygone community, including a poignant graveyard. In September we saw very little wildlife. We made it as far as the bridge but not to the falls. Good exercise."
Girman Armani
"It’s a great hike. The family hiked the trail while I walked on the road with the dog. There were beautiful water falls and even a deer right off the trail."
Torrey Trzcienski
"The waterfall is a great sight. Very tall and even more impressive after rain. However, the real beauty is on the way. The Porters Creek area is one of the last undisturbed and unlogged old growth forests in the region. Amazing deadfalls and enormous trunks constitute an awe-inspiring forest, only made more potent by large wildflower blooms in the spring and summer."
Alan Bartlett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Porters Creek Trail is located in the Greenbrier area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about a mile from Gatlinburg's main strip. Drive east on US-321 (East Parkway) and turn right onto the Greenbrier entrance road. Follow this road for about 3 miles to the Porters Creek Trailhead parking area. It's a scenic drive that offers a less crowded entry into the park.
Yes, the trailhead is well-marked within the Greenbrier section of the park. The initial part of the trail is a gravel road, making it easy to navigate for the first mile.
The most common access point is the Porters Creek Trailhead, which has a dedicated parking area. Arriving early is crucial, as parking can be very limited, especially on weekends and during peak seasons.
You can drive to the Porters Creek Trailhead. The road leading to it is paved and well-maintained. However, the parking lot at the trailhead itself can fill up quickly.
No, Porters Creek Trail is located in the Greenbrier area, which is separate from the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Both offer beautiful scenery, but Greenbrier is often considered a less crowded alternative.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee. However, a parking tag is required for any vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes within the park. These can be purchased online or at visitor centers.
Porters Creek Trail is open year-round during daylight hours. The park itself is accessible 24/7, but it's best to hike during daylight for safety and enjoyment.
No, there is no admission fee to hike Porters Creek Trail. It is part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is free to enter. Remember to get a parking tag if you plan to park.
Since there are no tickets required for entry, you don't need to buy them in advance. However, if you plan to park, you'll need a parking tag, which can be purchased online before your visit or at a visitor center upon arrival.
No special permits are required for day hiking on Porters Creek Trail. Standard park regulations apply, including leash laws for pets.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Porters Creek Trail is approximately 4 miles roundtrip to Fern Branch Falls. The first mile is a relatively flat gravel road, with the remaining 3 miles becoming steeper and rockier.
The trail is considered moderate. The first mile is easy, but the path becomes rocky and root-filled with some elevation gain as you approach the falls, making it moderate overall.
You'll see a beautiful stream, remnants of an old community including a graveyard, and the impressive 40-foot Fern Branch Falls. The trail also passes through old-growth forest and is known for wildflowers in spring.
Absolutely! The trail offers opportunities for waterfall photography, forest shots, and capturing historic ruins. Spring wildflowers and fall foliage also make for stunning photos.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the Porters Creek Trailhead parking area. It's always a good idea to check the park's official website for the most current information on facilities.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at the Porters Creek Trailhead. You'll need to pack your own snacks and water for the hike. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, just a short drive away, offer a wide variety of restaurants and eateries.
Picnicking is permitted in designated areas within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While there aren't specific picnic tables at the Porters Creek Trailhead, you can enjoy a packed meal along the trail or at a nearby picnic area in Greenbrier.
It's recommended to bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Pack snacks like trail mix, energy bars, or sandwiches for a 4-mile hike. There are no services along the trail.
After your hike, consider heading back towards Gatlinburg for diverse dining options. From casual diners to upscale restaurants, you'll find something to suit your taste.
Alcoholic beverages are generally prohibited in most areas of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including trails. It's best to check the park's official regulations for specific details.
📸 📸 Photography
Porters Creek Trail offers fantastic photo ops! Capture the cascading Fern Branch Falls, the serene stream, historic community ruins, and the majestic old-growth forest. Spring wildflowers and autumn foliage provide seasonal beauty.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. However, the forest canopy can create beautiful dappled light throughout the day.
For personal, non-commercial photography, no special permit is required. If you plan to conduct commercial photography or videography, you will need to obtain a permit from the park service.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the falls and forest vistas. A macro lens can be useful for photographing wildflowers in spring. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions or long exposures of the waterfall.
No, drone usage is prohibited within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including Porters Creek Trail, for safety and environmental reasons.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit