Little River Trail

The Little River Trail in the Elkmont area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the quintessential family hike in the Smokies — a nearly flat trail following a crystal-clear mountain river with natural swimming holes, cascading falls, and enough boulders for a lifetime of rock-hopping. This trail, along with the nearby Laurel Falls trail and the historic ghost town of Elkmont, makes the Little River Road corridor one of the best free family experiences within 30 minutes of Pigeon Forge.

The Little River Trail follows the path of a former logging railroad, which means it maintains an almost imperceptible grade as it winds alongside the river deeper into the park. This makes it one of the flattest trails in the Smokies and ideal for families with young children, strollers (with large wheels), and anyone who wants a genuine wilderness experience without genuine wilderness difficulty. The trail extends 5.

1 miles to Huskey Gap, but most families with kids walk 1-2 miles, enjoy the river, and turn around — there is no need to reach any particular destination because the river itself is the attraction.

The swimming holes along the Little River Trail are the kind of natural water features that make manufactured water parks feel hollow by comparison. Clear, cool mountain water flows over smooth bedrock, pooling in natural basins deep enough to sit in and splash. Smooth boulders line the banks, perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, and watching kids play in the water.

The current in most accessible pools is gentle enough for supervised children, though parents should always exercise caution around moving water. Water shoes are essential, as the river bottom, while beautiful, is rocky and slippery.

Laurel Falls, accessible from a separate trailhead along Little River Road, is one of the most popular waterfalls in the national park for good reason. The trail is 1. 3 miles one-way, paved throughout, and ends at an 80-foot cascade that drops in two tiers over a rock face.

The spray from the falls drifts across the viewing area, providing natural air conditioning on hot summer days. The trail is popular and can be crowded on summer weekends, but the waterfall payoff is universally satisfying for families.

The Elkmont area adds a historical dimension that kids find fascinating. In the early 1900s, a resort community of vacation cottages was built here by wealthy Knoxville families. When the National Park Service acquired the land, the buildings were gradually abandoned.

Today, the remaining structures — weather-worn cabins slowly being consumed by forest growth — create an eerie, atmospheric ghost town that sparks children's imaginations. Walking among the abandoned buildings and speculating about the families who once vacationed here adds a storytelling element to the nature experience.

The Elkmont area is also famous for the synchronous firefly display, a natural phenomenon where thousands of fireflies flash in unison during a brief window in late May or early June. Access during the firefly season requires winning a lottery months in advance, and the experience — sitting in the dark forest as waves of light pulse through the trees — is one of the most magical natural events in North America. Even if you cannot attend during firefly season, the Little River Trail and surrounding area provide extraordinary family experiences throughout the warmer months.