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 Reporter |
Summary: This trail offers something year-round, Spring: 30-40 species of wildflowers; Summer: Old Growth forest provides shade while adding cool mist from the roaring creek beside the trail; Fall: many colors of the different trees along the trail; Winter: catch a snowfall on the ground makes a perfect postcard photo as the trails are easily navigated on a snow fallen day. The hike also provides something for the historian; this area was heavily settled and farmed by early settlers making use of the nearby water for gristmills. Just off the trail you will find Ownby Cemetery with burial dates as early as 1907, historic farm site and many remnants of homes from 100 years ago. On your way to Camp 31 you will cross 12 easy streams and pass Fern Branch Falls cascading off the mountainside. Camp 31 can accommodate several groups, is near water source and is free for backcountry camping and no reservations required just a permit must be filled out at the rangers station. Trailhead: I-40 Exit 407 follow Hwy 66 South 8 miles to 441 South then 12.5 miles to 321North then 5.7 miles to Greenbrier Road then 3.8 miles to parking as the road ends at gate. About 1.50 miles into the hike the road loops around take second trail marked Porters Creek Trail to Camp 31 (Lat:35.69684 Lon:-83.38832) Trail Guides for Porters Creek Trail/ Camp 31: Day Hikes in GSMNP by Johnny Molloy () Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Horses, Ranger Contact: Greenbrier Ranger Station 865-436-1231 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Bobby Trotter, who has posted 74 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Janice on 3/23/2009 Hiked this trail yesterday. A sunny, clear and mild day. I was surprised by how easy the trail was to walk and by the wild chicken which crossed my path. Spring was just beginning with the first blooms of ground cover and the spring at Camp 31 was just barely a trickle. Had luch there and returned to trailhead. No crowds, very pleasant and a very enjoyable afternoon
Reviewed by Viewer on 7/26/2006 I hiked this trail in mid April and was rewarded with an abundance of blooming wildflowers. The first half, to Fern Branch Falls, was crowded but after that I pretty much had the trail to myself. I camped at Campsite# 31, nice site, and returned to the trailhead the next morning stopping off at the old Hiking Club cabin and old barn.
Reviewed by ee on 12/17/2005 good strenuous hike in Sept, steady uphill, tried the legendary porter creek manway hike beyond camp 31, went up creek bed 1/2 mile,easy to find down ravine behind camp, water depth finally stopped my progress, looks promising during low water and non icing conditions Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Tennessee Hiking, Tennessee Trails, Tennessee Hikes, Sevier County Hiking, Sevier County Trails, Sevier County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||