About Meigs Creek and Meigs Falls Pullout
This small pull-off on Little River Road is near The Sinks and marks the start of the Meigs Creek Trail. It is not a grand overlook; it is a place where the river comes close to the pavement and you can stand beside it.
What is here
The Little River runs fast through this stretch, over a rocky bed under mixed forest. From the lot you can see the water and hear it; the road noise falls away. The Meigs Creek Trail leaves from the lot and follows the creek upstream, a rougher path than the park's famous short hikes, with creek crossings in the lower reaches.
A mile west of the lot, a second pull-off gives a roadside view of Meigs Falls, a cascade on the far side of the river. You can't walk to it; you look across the water. It is best in spring or after rain, and in late fall it can be reduced to a thin ribbon.
Practical notes
- Location: on Little River Road about 12 miles from Sugarlands, at The Sinks.
- Parking: the lot is small, and The Sinks, next door, fills fast. Don't park on the road.
- Safety: rocks at the river's edge are slick; The Sinks has a history of drownings, so stay out of the water.
- Facilities: none. Metcalf Bottoms has restrooms.
Pair it with
The Sinks is a short walk away and gives a more dramatic river view. From here you can continue to Townsend, about 20 minutes. Laurel Falls Trail, east of here on the same road, is closed and expected to reopen in 2027. Check the conditions page before driving, and display a parking tag for stops over 15 minutes.
Good to know
- Do I need a parking tag?
- 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.