Beginner Hike Little River Trail – Two Options (4.6 or 5.3 Miles)

🌲 Little River Trail O/B or Loop Hike in the Smokies

Recovering, restarting, or just starting? This hike is for you.

Preview:
**Choose your adventure: **
🌟 Option 1: 4.6-mile easy out-and-back on Little River (flat, no elevation).
🌟 Option 2: 5.3-mile loop, clockwise via Little River → Cucumber Gap → Jake’s Creek, with 800+ ft of gain (Moderate).

Both are perfect for beginners, comeback hikers, or anyone who just loves the Smokies.

🤝 Want to co-lead one of the routes? Message me!

Description:
Let’s get out on one of the prettiest (and flattest!) trails in the Smokies: Little River Trail. This is a perfect outing for anyone who’s just getting started hiking, coming back after a break, or, like me, recovering from an injury (I’m still healing from ACL surgery, and trails like this are exactly what I need to get me back on the trail).

📍 Plan

Start at the Little River Trailhead in the Elkmont area

🌟Option 1 (Easy): Out-and-back on Little River Trail, 4.1 miles total, almost no elevation gain

🌟Option 2 (Moderate): Loop hike, 5.3 miles clockwise → Little River Trail → Cucumber Gap Trail → Jake’s Creek Trail → back to the car. This option includes 800+ feet of elevation gain.

🥾 Trail Notes

Little River Trail: wide, gentle, riverside path with peaceful views and history

Cucumber Gap Trail: narrower and moderately uphill, but not too intense - great for building confidence.

Jake’s Creek Trail: steady descent back toward Elkmont

We will cross Husky Branch, which could be a "wet" crossing after a period of strong rains, so wear non-waterproof shoes/boots, or have a dry pair to change into at the end of the hike.

💡 Who’s this for?

• Beginners wanting a welcoming place to start

• Anyone returning to hiking after time away

• Folks recovering from injury (like me!)

• Families with children

• Or anyone who simply loves a gorgeous Smokies river walk

🎒 What to Bring

• Water (2 liters)

• Comfortable shoes/boots

• Hiking Poles (optional)

• Snacks

• Layered clothing or extras in your bag (mountain weather can shift quickly)

Small daypack to keep your hands free

Come join us for encouragement, community, and a reminder that you don’t have to be “back to 100%” to enjoy the mountains.

Disclaimer
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Full Disclaimer

Event Leader(s)
Bev Chattin - 900 Miler