About Little Cataloochee Trail
Little Cataloochee is a quiet side valley with the remains of a vanished mountain community. The trail runs about 5.3 miles from the trailhead on the Cataloochee side to the Pretty Hollow Gap Trail, with ups and downs that add up to roughly 900 feet of climbing. It passes old homesites and the Little Cataloochee Baptist Church.
The hike
Expect stone walls, chimneys and clearings that were once farms. The trail also links to the Mount Sterling Trail near its start, so hikers can build longer backcountry loops. NPS lists Hurricane Helene damage on several Cataloochee-area trails, so check the closures page before you plan.
When to go
Spring and fall are best; fall color is excellent.
Getting there
Cataloochee Valley is reached from I-40 exit 20, and the Little Cataloochee trailhead is on the valley's back roads. 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 a map. Watch for elk in the valley.
Pair it with
Other hikes in the same part of the park:
- Big Creek Trail: an easy walk to Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls
- Mount Sterling Trail: a steep climb to a fire tower
- Flat Creek Trail: a short high-country route on Balsam Mountain
Planning and safety
Treat this as a full-day commitment. Steep mountain trail often takes closer to one mile per hour on the climbs, so build in extra time. Start early, set a firm turnaround time, carry a headlamp, and tell someone your plan before you lose cell service.
Check conditions the morning you go. The park posts trail and road closures and cautions, and storms, ice and Hurricane Helene repairs can change access with little notice. Carry water, a rain layer and a map, keep a safe distance from bears and elk, and pack out everything you bring in.
Good to know
- How long is Little Cataloochee Trail?
- Little Cataloochee Trail is 5.3 miles one way, with about 900 feet of climbing. It is rated strenuous.
- 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.
