Our suggested summer hiking trail looks to show how a destination gone viral complete with catchy marketing can become an inspiration to enjoy nature! 

This would be the so-named Troll Bridge in Elkmont, an epic secret location via TikTok fame. If it could be said that in our modern-day world that a viral internet posting can become an instant folklore phenomenon, then the Troll Bridge is a prime example.

When something ordinary becomes inspirational, often facts are lost along the way. For example, history is overlooked by the whimsical marketing of a fairy like stone bridge tucked away mere steps away from a popular hiking trail. 

Back in the early 1900’s the logging camp turned resort community constructed the native stone bridge for the wealthy wife of Colonel Wilson Townsend. For decades, the bridge was known as Lindsay’s Bridge until the viral Troll Bridge moniker was popularized by social media. 

To build on the social media craze to turn history into click bait. Elkmont, also known as Daisy Town has morphed into a social media” ghost town.” This label has increased interest to the area beyond what the synchronized fireflies have managed to obtain. So much hype needs an easy reward filled short hike to complete the visit. 

Therefore, we have the Troll Bridge conveniently nearby.

A quick search on the hiker app All Trails does not list a hike to a Troll Bridge. 

The Trail to Huskey Branch Falls via Little River Trail is the trail of interest. 

This out and back moderately easy route follows along the Little River leading to the falls. The just over a four-mile round trip hike parallels Little River offering many scenic spots to enjoy along your stroll. 

However, it would be bland and of little interest to some (read: children) to merely hike to a waterfall along a gorgeous mountain stream so we’ll roll with the so-named Troll Bridge moniker. 

Our starting point is the Little River Trailhead, which is a fair-sized parking area on the loop circling the Ghost Town AKA Daisy Town or last but not least named Elkmont. 

Take a left before entering the Elkmont Campground to arrive at the Little River Trail parking area.
Walk past a gate noting the Trailhead sign depicting the Little River Trail destinations such as Cucumber Gap Trail junction in 2.3 miles.
Husky Branch Falls is before this noted trail junction if a hike to the falls is considered. 

The trail is an old logging road once used by the Little River Lumber Company. 

For the first two tenth of a mile, the gravel roadbed passes the old vacation cabins along the river.

 

To get to the Troll Bridge walk the gravel trail looking for a stand-alone chimney on the left, hard to miss as the chimney is about 12 feet tall. 

This is the landmark to start looking for a wide pathway on the right leading into the forest. This is the secret unmarked trail leads to the moss-covered Troll Bridge spanning Bear Hollow branch! 

Traversing the bridge puts a modern folklore destination at your feet.

As side note, the Little River as enjoyed on a hike past the Troll Bridge detour is showcased at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga as the source of the Tennessee River that promotes the bio-diverse freshwater ecosystems from worldwide major international river basins. 

Therefore, may your Troll Bridge excursion to the fairy-like viral phenomenon turned modern folklore strolling destination known as the Troll Bridge open thoughts to enjoy the bio diversity of our Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

 

Remember to grab your parking pass that is now required for parking over 15 minutes in the park. They may be obtained at the Sugarlands Visitor Center or at https;//www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm.