Elkmont Loop and Huskey Branch Falls - 5.6 Miles Round-Trip

The Jakes Creek Trail, Cucumber Gap Trail, and Little River Trail form a 5.6 mile loop through the Elkmont Historic District and luxuriant hardwood forests of the Little River basin. Moderate grades and mild trail conditions are ideal for families and runners. Visitors will enjoy ecological diversity, Huskey Branch Falls and excellent fishing and swimming along Little River.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

You may begin the Elkmont Loop at one of two trailheads on the south end of Elkmont Campground: Little River Trailhead or Jakes Creek Trailhead. The following description begins at Jakes Creek Trailhead and runs counter-clockwise, preferable for light crowds in the forest and easy, downstream travel beside Little River:

The Jakes Creek Trail rises gently by homes in the Elkmont Historic District to a gated split and veers left behind it (.35 miles : 2,410'). It continues steadily to the Cucumber Gap Trail split and veers left on steeper grades into an absorbing forest (.65 miles : 2,560').

The Cucumber Gap Trail narrows on smooth singletrack under a vine-draped canopy. It shifts quickly in a diverse hardwood forest accented by rhododendron, laurel, and a variously thick understory.

The trail wraps around steep contours and deep coves between Burnt Mountain (3,373' - north), and Bent Arm ridge (4,219' - south). Look for bear, which are particularly common in this area.

The trail crests through Cucumber Gap (1.7 miles : 2,980') and drops on winding, moderate grades into the capacious Little River basin. It crosses Husky Branch - a relative trickle at this point (2.7 miles : 2,602') - and continues down to the Cucumber Gap Trail - Little River Trail junction (3.05 miles : 2,615'). Turn left on the Little River Trail to continue the loop.

The trail closely follows the river on wide, packed dirt to a bridge spanning the lower tier of Huskey Branch Falls, which spills directly into Little River (3.4 miles : 2,592').

While arguably unremarkable, a short scramble leads to two hidden upper tiers that are highly worthwhile. Upper Huskey Branch Falls tumble through tight quarters lined by rhododendron, mosses, and fern. Damp rock crevices in this secluded area are ideal places to find salamanders and skinks.

The main trail continues downstream with frequent access to the water. Small islands in the river can be reached with relative safety. Tall hardwoods line the way, notably uniform stands of yellow poplar, which are among the first trees to reclaim logged areas.

The trail glides easily back to the Elkmont Historic District and Little River Trailhead (5.45 miles : 2,278'). Continue on the access road back to Jakes Creek Trailhead to complete the loop (5.6 miles : 2,325').

About the Elkmont Historic District

Buildings in the Elkmont Campground area were once part of the Appalachian Club vacation community. It formed near the logging town of Elkmont when the Little River Lumber Company sold land to individuals to create a private social and hunting club. It soon became a summer escape for affluent Knoxville families.

In the 1920s and 30s when Tennessee and North Carolina were acquiring property for the creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, most of these homes were purchased outright, and residents required to vacate upon transfer of deeds.

However some Elkmont Club and town residents negotiated lower payments in exchange for life time leases on their property. Leases for all but two expired in 1992, and the last in 2001.

In 1982 the Park management plan called for the removal of structures upon lease expiration, and the area to be rehabilitated to its natural state. In 1994, Elkmont was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as an historic district, granting it special status and pre-empting that action. A study currently is underway to determine the future management of the Elkmont District.