About Little River Cascades (various)
The Little River Trail leaves Elkmont as a wide, flat railroad grade and follows the Little River upstream past slides, chutes and shallow ledges. These are small cascades, not a single destination, so come for the river walk. The Park Service describes the first 2.7 miles as relatively wide and flat, with a mix of crushed stone and some roots and rocks, and the route passes stone chimneys and foundations from the old Daisy Town community.
What you will see
The Little River is one of the park's larger streams, so it runs strong in every season. In summer the water is clear and cold, with pools along the bank; in spring and after storms it roars. The old railroad bed means a gentle grade, and the forest is a mix of hemlock, rhododendron and hardwoods.
Getting there
Elkmont is about 5 miles up Little River Road from Sugarlands Visitor Center. The trail starts near the Elkmont Campground. Entry to the park is free, but any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes needs a parking tag ($5 daily, $15 weekly, $40 annual). Federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace it, and the tag must be displayed in your vehicle. The Elkmont area is busy in summer and October, and the lot fills early on weekends. Elkmont is also where the park runs its synchronous firefly lottery in spring; viewing in 2026 was May 20 to 27, and the lottery is held on recreation.gov in late April.
When to go
- Spring: Wildflowers and high water.
- Summer: Cool air by the river; early start for parking.
- Fall: Beautiful color on the old railroad grade.
- Winter: Often quiet, with icy shade.
Know before you go
The Park Service does not allow pets on this trail. Do not wade or swim above ledges, where the current can pull you over small drops. Black bears live in the Elkmont area. Cell service is poor.
Good to know
- Can you swim or climb at the falls?
- Please don’t climb on or around waterfalls. Wet rock and algae are extremely slick, and falls from waterfalls are a leading cause of death in the Smokies. Enjoy the view from the trail.
- 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.
