little river road

sheffie1304

if you are looking for a beautiful, easy family hike, then this is it. While in the Smokies, traveling from Gatlinburg towards Cades Cove, as you pass the parking area for Laurel Falls and head downhill look for Elkmont on your left, there is a sign. Drive towards the campground, take the left when the road forks at the campground entrance, pass the Nature walk parking and shortly you will come upon more parking for the Little River trail. The trail starts after you walk past a locked gate. It is an old road bed, so a wide trail. It passes by several old homes that were once part of the Elkmont community. The River stays with you as you walk. The trail does have a little elevation gain, but very little. There are numerous large rocks to rest on, and at 2.2 miles you will come to a bridge with a waterfall, Huskey Branch, passing underneath. Also at the bridge is a bench.This trail is popular, but never crowded. During the spring it is very popular with photographers, because of the many wildflowers. And in June it is very popular with firefly enthusiasts, due to the famous synchronism of the fireflys.A great hike for families or anyone. .

David_2013834

A beautiful road from Gatlinburg to junction of Cade's Cove/Townsend. The drive is approximately 18 miles with river on 1 side and mountains on the other. Greatest problem on this road are the vast number of inconsiderate drivers who refuse to use the countless number of pull outs to allow faster traffic to pass. Remember, this is State Highway 73.....not everyone on the road is a tourist interested in going 20mph! Use the pull outs and enjoy the beauty without creating stress for those behind you.....ask my wife!!!!

yaflincoln

I have visited this area many times but this is my first visit during the Fall Season and it was spectacular. The drive is always beautiful and peaceful ( especially if the Park is not crowded and it isn't bumper to bumper traffic). Every time we come this drive takes on a new look - time of day, season, weather conditions all come into play but it is always nature at its best and spectacular.... Take the time to stop along the way to truly enjoy all that this Park has to offer and don't forget to pack a lunch and some water as there really isn't anything along the way... Oh, and although it is beautiful - if you are driving - please keep your eyes on the road there are many curves and spots where the road may narrow so be cautious and safe :-)

Bobby39577

If Newfound Gap Road is for wide scenic views, then Little River Road is for getting up close and personal with the woods. The road follows the creek most of the way and there are many areas that are so beautiful that they beg you to stop and look around! It begins at the first right past Sugarlands Visitor Center and along the route that leads to Cades Cove (or to Townsend), you'll find the Laurel Falls trail head and Elkmont Campground.

SuzanB76

One of the best roads to do on a motorcycle. The gently curves, beautiful scenery, and access to many places to stop make this a ride to remember

crystalm37

This road is perfect for stopping and having a picnic, playing in the cool mountain water or just sitting and enjoying nature. Take your time and stop off at all the places you can.

MarcandLauraB

We stopped of in the visitors center first to get some advice and we're given this route to cades cove. This road was a wonderful tight winding road alongside the river. Beautiful. Best advice drive slow take it all in!!

Torte_Sue

The little River Road runs right along the river as expected. There are plenty of places to pull over to hike. Also, places to get in thew water, though it is getting chilly. If you go up a trail, you will see lots of wild flowers and other vegetation. If you see a bear, leave :) Don't feed or take time to photo the bears. Yes, people do that.The LIttle River Road will take you to the Sugarlands Visitors Center where there is a nice little film and great displays of the wildlife (including a phenomenal stuffed passenger pigeon, now extinct) and wildflowers. There are picnic areas to stop as well. Pick up a map and you can visit the FDR dedication site as well as get to Le Conte if you wish.

PattyHempel

Saw some folks in the water, a little chilly, but they were having fun enjoying nature. There are places to pull off for photo opps.

rwmoreau

One of the most scenic and beautiful drives anywhere. Take your time and see the attractions along the way. Lots of traffic, but most people are driving slowly to enjoy the scenery too.

MMandSM

Take a day, bring some lunch and enjoy the one way road. Take your time, take many pictures of the waterfalls and lowland scenery. Your drive ends in the south end of the park., turn right go visit Townsand another right takes you to Pigeon Forge. Check with the visitors center to make sure the road in OPEN. Go through the road and make your own memories..

pkmsMissouri

Little River Road runs between Sugarlands Visitors Center and Townsend. It follows the Little River for most of the way making it a very lovely and relaxing ride. There are several popular attractions on it, including the trail to Laurel Falls and the Sinks. And you can see some waterfalls from the road. Take a picnic to the Metcalf Bottoms and then hike to Little Greenbriar School. A side road about halfway down leads to Wears Valley and then to Pigeon Forge. Slow down and take the time to drive this road.

AntnyP

Because this road is so beautiful and there are a few raft and tube companies on it, there is traffic. But it was still a great ride for us 3 motorcyclists on vacation. The road winds along the river and offers so much to any level of rider. If you are in the area, don't skip this road.

Just_Me_Bernie

Great drive with lots of nature and wildlife to see. Plenty of photo ops along the way. The Sugarland Visitor Center's staff was very informative and helpful as well.

DTNPROMAN

If there is a road to Heaven, this is it! When you leave the Sugarlands Visitor Center and head to Cades Cove, which is a must, you will be driving on this "Road to Heaven." The "Little River" runs beside much of this road, so let you windows down and enjoy the soothing sounds of the rushing water. Just don't fall asleep! There are some good pull offs along the way to enjoy views with plenty of photo ops. Campground, picnic areas, quiet walkways, Laurel Falls, the Sinks, and more you will find as you drive the Little River Road. Love it!