Though the trailhead for Little River Trail in Elkmont is more visited than many I have written about, it is still dwarfed by the most popular areas in Great Smokies National Park. (When I passed Alum Cave trailhead before 8am, both lots were full and about 50 cars lined the road.) One factor that makes it popular is nearby Elkmont Campground and the family-friendly nature of the trail as it begins as a level road bed following Little River. The beginning of the road is also the location of chimneys and other stone foundations remaining from the "Millionaire's Row" of summer "cottages" owned by lumber executives who profited off the vast wealth of logging prior to the park's inception. One such home--Spence Cabin--has been refurbished and is available for special events such as a wedding on this day. I would, however, be trekking beyond the first mile or two that sees 90% of the traffic. My destination was Goshen Prong.
The Little River Trail closely follows the namesake waterway for 6 miles. Along the way are delightful cascades and deep pools providing a spot for cooling off on hot summer days. For those taking a leisurely stroll, there are occasional log benches along the first couple miles and plenty of large rocks to sit on along the water's edge. At a little over 2 miles, the trail crosses over the diminutive Huskey Branch falls which drops down into the river. Since a road width bridge crosses over the middle, there really is now way to view or capture a picture of the entire cascade. The top half is seen from the trail and a scrabble path leads down to rocks on the riverbank for a view of the bottom. On the far side of the bridge, you can also climb a rocky path to see the initial drop.
Just past the falls comes the first intersection with another trail: the Cucumber Gap Trail. This can be combined with the Jakes Creek trail to do a loop that will return you to the parking area with the added bonus of a short side excursion to take you to the truly historic Avent Cabin. But I continue on this day following the water muse. The trail crosses over the Little River on a broad, flat wooden bridge and reaches the next intersection with the Huskey Gap Trail. The Huskey Gap trail runs up and over a ridge to Newfound Road and in springtime is a smorgasbord of wildflowers. But further on the Little River Trail I go as it veers slightly away from the river for about a mile till I reach my turning point: Goshen Prong Trail. Turning right onto this trail I quickly come to and cross the diminished Little River on a pedestrian bridge and can see down stream the object of my hike Fish Camp Prong which Goshen Prong follows. Huh? I have read that somewhere in the multitude of branches above one is called Goshen Prong so that is the trail but not the waterway I seek.
The happy cascading sounds of the prong tantalize during the first third of a mile before the trail comes along side to follow it, eventually ending at the Appalachian Trail. The next mile and a half were filled with scenic slides, cascades and small falls. Alas, a family engagement meant I had to cut my exploration of these waters shorter than I would have liked. After six miles, I had to double time it back to the trailhead and leave uncharted waters for another day.
I hear the river's many joyous sounds
And Fell vibrations of life that abounds--
Water and time ever forward flowing.
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