The Little River Trail is a perfect trail for everyone. It appears to have been a road at one time, so it is wide and relatively flat, with little or no elevation gain, well-groomed and has good footing (no tree roots or huge rocks). It is 2.3 miles one-way, but it is so easy to walk that you won’t realize how quickly you have made it to the end. This trail is great for both the young and the not-so-young!! On the day that we walked it, there were several people pushing baby strollers, and they did not appear to be having a difficult time.
The thing that I loved best about this trail is that it follows the Little River. You have an awesome view of the river, and there are several places along the way where you can stop and sit a spell on the log benches and just enjoy the rushing sound of the water. There are also plenty of photo opportunities as you walk along this trail. On our visit in December, there were icicles hanging from the logs in the water as well as icicles hanging on the sides of the rocks next to the trail. Right before you reach the end of the trail, there is a small, but beautiful cascading waterfall. Again, there was ice on both sides of this waterfall and it just made the sight even prettier than our pictures were able to capture.
From the Sugarlands Visitor Center, take the Little River Road west towards Townsend and Cades Cove. You will go about 6 miles to Elkmont. Turn left at the sign for the Elkmont Campground. Go about another 1½ to 2 miles, and when the road forks, take the left fork. Go about another mile, and you will see cars parked everywhere. The trailhead starts up a blacktopped road, and you will pass several deserted houses, both on the right and left sides. These are the remains of the "Appalachian Club" vacation community, which was adjacent to the former logging town of Elkmont. The Little River Lumber Company sold land to affluent individuals from Knoxville to create a private social club. According to the park’s master plan, these structures will eventually be removed and the park restored to its natural state.
The Little River Trail connects to the Huskey Gap Trail, the Goshen Prong Trail, and the Cucumber Gap Trail. There were bear activity signs posted, and this was a reminder that no matter what trail you are on, one should always be aware of their surroundings and realize that we are treading into their habitat.
So, now that you know where to find this easy and relaxing trail, next time you make a trip to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, try to make time to enjoy the beauty and sounds of nature.