Swimming Hole on Little River Trail 1

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.

Little River is a place of contrasts. In the straights, deep green pools afford summer swimmers a break from the sticky heat. Where the waterway turns corners, white water flows over slick rocks, creating danger for anyone who goes into the river in these places. It is because of these rapid currents that tubing is discouraged by Park Rangers.