About Meigs Creek Trail
Meigs Creek Trail begins near The Sinks, a famous roadside waterfall on Little River Road, and heads up a quiet creek. It runs about 3.4 miles and climbs roughly 950 feet to a junction with the Lumber Ridge and Meigs Mountain trails. There are multiple stream crossings.
The hike
The trail follows the creek on and off, crossing it several times, which can be hard after heavy rain. The forest is shady and cool in summer. It meets the Meigs Mountain and Lumber Ridge trails at the top.
When to go
Spring and fall are best; summer flows are lower.
Getting there
The Sinks is on Little River Road about 12 miles west of Sugarlands Visitor Center. Plan on a parking tag ($5 daily, $15 weekly, $40 annual) if you will be parked longer than 15 minutes. Federal passes do not substitute for it, and a screenshot will not do; the tag must be displayed in the vehicle.
Know before you go
Pets are not allowed. Bring water, and be ready to ford creeks. See the Elkmont and Metcalf Bottoms page.
Pair it with
Other hikes in the same part of the park:
- Middle Prong Trail: an easy railroad-grade walk to Lynn Camp Prong Cascades
- West Prong Trail: a 5.4-mile round trip along the river
- Little River Trail: a gentle railroad grade through old Elkmont
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.
Cell service is spotty across much of the park, so download a map ahead of time and tell someone where you are headed. Stay on the trail, keep dogs and other pets on the few trails where they are allowed, and give wildlife plenty of room. Trail conditions are posted on the park's closures page.
Good to know
- How long is Meigs Creek Trail?
- Meigs Creek Trail is 3.4 miles one way, with about 950 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.
