If you are looking for off the beaten path things to do in Gatlinburg, a hike through Baskins Creek Falls is one of the best.
It’s a charming 3-mile out and back trail that takes roughly 2.5 hours to complete. This waterfall hike is unique as it’s right in the hub of major hiking trails like Grotto Falls, but does’t have the same foot traffic and tourism as the others.
Let’s get into the Baskins Creek Trail at the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Where is the Baskins Creek Falls Trailhead?
The trail is part of the Smoky Mountain National Park. It’s in the same area as Grotto Falls and Rainbow Falls, tucked behind downtown Gatlinburg.
Baskins Creek Falls is actually the closest to downtown of the two, but it’s one of Gatlinburg’s best hidden gems.
The trailhead starts right past Bullhead Parking B. Read signs for Grotto Falls and walk right up the road and look to your left for the trailhead. It will say Baskin Creek Falls and you’ll go left where the arrow points and reads “Roaring Fork Road.”
Keep in mind most of the photos taking from the this trail are from the beginning of March before really any of the foliage has come back.
How to get to Baskins Creek Falls
From the center of downtown Gatlinburg, the trailhead is just under 5 miles away. It takes about 12-14 minutes to drive there.
From the Parkway, you can turn onto Historic Nature Trail and take the fork right to get onto Cherokee Orchard Road.
The road is part of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail with a winding creek, old-growth forest trees, and scenic log cabins.
From here, this lush road will eventually turn into a one-way road. To find Baskins Creek Trail parking, park at Rainbow Fall, Bullhead Parking B.
Follow signs for Grotto Falls and then once you’re walking on Roaring Fork Road, you’ll see the sign for Baskin Creek Falls on the left. Don’t take the Tulum Gap Trail. That’s the opposite direction.
Don’t forget that visitors to the Smoky Mountain National Park now need to pay to park. Day parking passes are $5 and can be purchased at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and Gatlinburg Welcome Center.
We bought a day parking pass at Sugarlands Visitor Center. There are a few kiosks outside of the building. Just go up to it and type in your license plate number and the pay. Place the pass on your dashboard when you park. The pass will last all day.
Hiking Baskins Creek Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains: Hike Description
This lesser-known waterfall hike in the Smoky Mountains begins with a very gentle ascent, offering glimpses of the majestic mountain scenery to the west. We caught Golden Hour on the way out and it looked stunning as it hit the mountains.
As you reach the 0.9-mile mark, you’ll need to traverse Falls Branch without the aid of a footbridge. This is pretty relaxed with stones helping you cross, but we visited after heavy rainfall a couple of days before so the water was a little higher. I recommend a pair of waterproof hiking boots.
Following the path as it winds alongside the creek, you’ll encounter a side trail leading to the historic Baskins Cemetery at 1.1 miles. I definitely recommend this very short detour to see these mysterious and historic stoneheads.
Otherwise, stay right to continue towards the falls, crossing another creek soon after. At 1.3 miles, you’ll see a trail junction. You will go left to continue toward the cascades at Baskins Creek Falls.
The final descent to the falls is steep and rugged, but the sight of the 40-foot, two-tiered waterfall makes every step worthwhile.
We were surprised how few people we saw on this hike. It’s surprisingly underrated given its beauty.
Once you arrive, you can traverse the pool to get a lovely perspective of the falls. Bring lunch and enjoy a picnic or just chill out, letting your senses run wild.
Baskins Creek Falls Trail Info
Here are some essential details you might need to know when planning this hike in the Smoky Mountains.
- Distance: 3 miles round-trip (it is out and back though)
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail location: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail / Cherokee Orchard Road
- Elevation gain: 953 feet
- Highest elevation: 2,927 feet
- Baskins Creek Trail Parking: Rainbow Fall, Bullhead Parking B
- AllTrails: See the Baskins Creek Trail on AllTrails.
More non-touristy things to do in the Smoky Mountains
If you are trekking Baskins Creek Falls, you’re probably a cool tourist who is into getting of the beaten path and exploring the more authentic side to destinations.
I have a whole guide on non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg, including places to eat, shop, hike, and have fun. Use this guide to start planning an amazing Gatlinburg itinerary that soaks up local culture and scenery along the way.
Other activities in Gatlinburg, TN
When you’re not hiking, check out some of the area’s best things to do. Choose from activities like the iconic sky bridge to spending the day at Dollywood in nearby Pigeon Forge.
Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or week-long stay, the Great Smoky Mountains have so much to offer.
Here are some activities to check out:
