About Bradley Fork Trail
Bradley Fork Trail is a wide, gradual path up a pretty creek on the Cherokee side of the park. The National Park Service describes picturesque creeks, seasonal wildflowers, fishing access, horseback riding and backcountry camping. The full trail runs about 7.2 miles from Smokemont Campground to the Hughes Ridge Trail and gains about 2,700 feet, but most of that comes in the upper part.
The hike
The first few miles follow an old road and railroad bed up the creek, so the grade is easy. A side trail leads to Chasteen Creek Cascade, a 3.6-mile round trip from the campground. Past that the trail continues into the backcountry toward the AT. The Smokemont Loop Trail also uses part of the Bradley Fork Trail.
When to go
Spring and fall are best. Summer is shady along the creek; the upper trail is cooler.
Getting there
The trailhead is inside Smokemont Campground off US-441 about 3 miles north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Entry to the park is free, but a parking tag is required if you park more than 15 minutes: $5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year. America the Beautiful and other federal passes do not count, and the tag has to be displayed in the vehicle.
Know before you go
Pets are not allowed. Bring water, and expect horse traffic. See the Smokemont area page for campground details.
Pair it with
Other hikes in the same part of the park:
- Oconaluftee River Trail: an easy riverside walk that allows dogs
- Kephart Prong Trail: a 4-mile round trip to a CCC camp
- Chasteen Creek Cascade: a 3.6-mile round trip
Planning and safety
Allow about two miles per hour on rolling mountain trail, then add time for photos, snacks and rest. Start by mid-morning at the latest so you finish with daylight, and decide on a turnaround time before you leave the car.
Weather in the Smokies changes fast, and it is noticeably cooler as you climb. Bring a rain layer even on a sunny morning, wear shoes with good traction, and carry more water than you expect to need. Black bears live throughout the park, so stay at least 50 yards away, never feed wildlife and store food properly. The park's hiking safety guidance is worth a read before any trip.
Good to know
- How long is Bradley Fork Trail?
- Bradley Fork Trail is 7.2 miles one way, with about 2,700 feet of climbing. It is rated moderate.
- Are dogs allowed on this trail?
- No. Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, dogs are allowed only on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.
- Do I need a parking tag to hike here?
- A Park It Forward parking tag ($5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year) is required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Entry is free, and federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace the tag.
