An Island in the Stream

Little River Trail Segment
2.5 miles from Elkmont Campground to Huskey Branch
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Near Gatlinburg, Tennessee in Sevier County
Highlights include mountain views, river and wildflowers
Cautions include ice in winter
Elevation low is 2200 feet above sea level
Elevation high is 2600 feet above sea level
Difficulty rating is easy
Condition of trail is excellent

On March 9th of 2014, just as the winter was winding down, the Alcoa Ridge Runners took a trip to Elkmont in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a hike up the Little River Trail to the Junction at Cucumber Gap for a round trip of about five miles. Joining them was a new teamster, Ranger Tommy Fagg.

Nobody really knows how Little River got its name. It is assumed that it is called that because it is a small waterway, even though it is one of the largest streams in the Smokies. The river is always changing coarse. As such, new islands form after rains bring flooding. The water is strong enough to move large boulders. Trees take root as the rocks find resting places.