06/09/2026
In the Great Smoky Mountains, you can walk a trail steps from the river before reaching the beautiful Huskey Branch Falls where you can cool off in a beautiful little swimming hole area where the falls cascade into the river below! This peaceful hike starts in the Elkmont area and follows the Little River Trail, one of those Smoky Mountain walks that feels relaxing almost from the first few steps. The path is wide, gentle, and easy to follow because it was once part of the old railroad route tied to the Little River Lumber Company, which was founded in 1901 and played a major role in the logging days here.
As you walk through the shady woods, the Little River stays close by, giving you constant views of clear water, mossy rocks, and quiet places where the river slips through the gorge. You’ll also pass old stone chimneys and remains from Elkmont’s past, when this area went from a logging community into a mountain getaway with early resort cabins and club buildings. After about 2.1 to 2.2 miles, the trail reaches Huskey Branch Falls, a pretty 20-foot cascade that drops through a rocky gap right beside the trail, with a wooden bridge crossing above it. Down below, the water gathers into a clear, pebbled swimming hole area where the falls spill toward the Little River, making it a beautiful place to cool off on a warm summer day or sit beside the water in early fall. It’s not a hard hike, but it still gives you that classic Smokies mix of rushing water, mountain history, forest shade, and a waterfall reward at the end.