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 Reporter |
Summary: The drive to the trailhead is nearly as nice as the hike. Once at the trailhead you will begin up a gradual incline along a wide gravel path. The trail is in a heavily wooded area, with Porters Creek on your left. This hike provides a cool respite on even the hottest of days. At about the 0.6 mile point, there is a series of rock walls and old building foundations from an old settlement. At the 0.75 mile point, is the old cemetery. Take the time to pay your respects to these early settlers. The gravel pathway continues to the 1.0 mile point, where a short spur trail leads to the Historic Farm Site. You will find John Messer's cantilevered barn built in 1875. Past the barn is the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club Cabin, built in 1934-36. The gravel path ends here. To continue on to the waterfall, take the left trail along Porters Creek. This well marked trail continues its gradual ascent for an additional 1 mile to the base of the waterfall. Trailhead: Drive east on highway 321 from Gatlinburg. Turn right onto Greenbrier Road, until the road makes a "Y" at the bridge. Follow Porters Creek Road (gravel) to the trailhead. (Lat:35.69693 Lon:-83.3875) Trail Guides for Porters Creek Trail: Hiking Great Smoky Mountains by Rodney & Priscilla Albright (The Globe Pequot Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Great Smoky Mountain National Park - 865-436-1200 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Ron Long, who has posted 22 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Barb on 4/25/2008 I hiked this one twice in a week: April 18 and April 24, 2008. The wildflowers are fabulous. It's an easy hike, and the waterfall is 70 feet and was flowing. It looks like the Gradne on Eden. But here is a secret: hike beyond the falls all the way to its end: Campsite 31. The trail beyond the waterfall is so much nicer than what precedes it. You get great views of the creek, and there are lots of rhododendrons which must be amazing when in bloom. For some reason, a lot less people go past the falls, and they are missing the best part of the hike.
Reviewed by Marie on 9/2/2007 Hiked the trail Sept.27th. 07. No water to see on the falls but was a good hike, although we got caught in a rain storm, had to walk all the way back in the rain but enjoyed it very much, since we have not had rain where we live in over 3 months the rain was welcome. 
Reviewed by Adam Gunter on 3/27/2007 I Love Tjis Trail... The Little Bridge IS Kinda Scarry! But Water Fall Is Beautiful! Adam Gunter
Reviewed by Sharon on 11/8/2006 My family, including 5 grandsons ranging in age from 16 months to 13 years, hiked this beautiful trail on October 20, 2006. We were all impressed with the beauty and history of the trail. We plan to hike it again in January.
Reviewed by Brian on 4/17/2006 I hiked this trail this past weekend and camped at campsite #31, end of trail 3.6 miles from trailhead. This is probably one of the best wildflower hikes in the park, nice watefall 1.8 miles in and plenty of history stuff to check just in the first mile. Recommended hike for any hiker, novice or experienced.
Reviewed by JC on 3/9/2005 This is a fairly easy hike with some nice views and some history in the mix too. I would recommend this for any hiker, novice, or experienced. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
