Porters Creek Trail Trailhead

Porters Creek Trail earns consistent praise as one of the Smokies' hidden gems, offering a less-crowded alternative with genuine rewards. The hike begins on an easy gravel road before transitioning to a rockier, root-filled path that climbs steadily toward Fern Branch Falls at the 2-mile mark. What sets this trail apart is the journey itself—visitors rave about the stunning old-growth forest, historic settlement ruins including a cemetery, and the beautiful creek that accompanies much of the route.