To take a family fall hike in the Smokies is a simply marvelous idea. Many popular hikes are full of people with the same idea!
For example, the Gatlinburg Trail or a hike in Cades Cove come to mind. Although they are excellent choices they cannot be called off the beaten path.
What about an out and back hike along a stream with historical features along the way leading to a waterfall?
Please read on…
The hike is to Fern Branch Falls in the Greenbrier section of the Smokies located 6 miles east of Gatlinburg out East Parkway (US 321).
Turn right into the Greenbrier entrance and once off Highway 321 time slows instantly as the weight of the hustle and bustle becomes rear view mirror news.
The reason in part is the road becomes gravel and slowing down for the potholes allows time to take in scenic stretches of the Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon River.
A dusty car is part of the off the beaten path adventure!
Greenbrier is a riot of summertime activity with swimmers and tubers competing for a perfect spot to enjoy the refreshing waters.
In the fall the focus changes and is why one should continue the four miles to the end of the road to start this adventure. Travel note is to stay right (straight) at the bridge @ 3.1 miles on to the trailhead for Porters Creek Trail.
The All-Trails app list this hike as the Porters Creek Trail to backcountry camp site # 31 and as a 7.2-mile hike. However, the goal of this hike is to Fern Branch Falls and back at 4 miles.
There are several features to enjoy within a shorter hiking distance and there is no shame in turning around at will. The fall colors are good throughout the Greenbrier section of the Smokies making each visitor a fall extravaganza participant.
The advantage of the Porters Creek trail is the start is along an old road bed with strolling side by side not only possible but encouraged.
Approximately .7 mile (with close to 300 feet in elevation gain) into the hike on the right are stone walls from the settlers’ days and are a clue to look for the nearby Ownby Cemetery.
This is the first of the historical features along the trail. Onward at the one-mile mark trail reaches an area known as Porters Flats and here lie two historical buildings of interest. A short spur trail leads to the John Messer Cantilever built in 1875. A short distance farther is the old Smoky Mountain Hiking Club cabin built in the 1930.
A turn around at this point results in just over 2 miles of hiking and 350 feet of elevation gain.
The advanced hikers are encouraged to follow the trail signs towards camp site #31 on to Fern Branch Falls. From here the trail becomes a single track and steeper but still in the moderate rating range.
At 1.4 miles with over 550 feet elevation gain the trail crosses a log foot bridge with two sections. With the rushing waters below plus corresponding downstream breeze yields the perfect adrenaline filled picture spot with the fall colors as the backdrop.
If you enjoyed a big breakfast before your adventure, then pushing on to Fern Branch Falls is in order. The trail does become steeper but only for just over a half a mile. Although not evident in the fall, the section of trail between the foot bridge and the falls is a spring wildflower viewing hotspot.
At the two-mile mark from the trailhead, we arrive at Fern Branch Falls on the side of the trail. You have gained well over seven hundred plus elevation gain. Fern Branch is more like a cascade or tiered type falls with not much of a plunge pool but is a welcome destination as turning around for dinner awaits.
A few details to share include that a tag or parking pass 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.
The Porters Creek Trail to Fern Branch Falls is 4 miles and rated moderate. Please, allow nearly three plus hours hiking time to reach Fern Branch Falls but it can be noted that fast hikers who average two miles an hour will want to include time to enjoy the historical and natural features the hike offers.