Baskins Creek Falls: Hiking in the Smoky Mountains

If you are looking for the “trail less traveled”, then Baskins Creek Falls may be the trail for you! You will enjoy hiking in silence, without the chatter of other hikers. You will be able to hear the birds singing and the breeze blowing while you hike. Just you and nature – NICE!

Published August 28, 2023…Updated January 11, 2025

Overview: Baskins Creek Falls Trail

There are several things to like about this hike. It’s not as well-known as other hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so you are likely to have it all to yourself. (That was our experience – at least until the last portion of the hike.) We enjoyed listening to the birds singing and the sound of the breeze blowing through the trees.

We saw deer on the trail; lots of friendly birds; chipmunks; and even a black bear!

It’s on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a driving loop through the park that includes beautiful scenery, waterfalls, historic areas, and hiking trailheads. Roaring Fork is one of our favorite drives in the park. (NOTE: Roaring Fork is closed during the winter.)

Baskins Creek Falls is a small, pretty waterfall. It’s a nice place to rest, take in the view, and have a bite to eat.

However, the hike itself is not a cakewalk. It can be a bit tricky. Read on to learn more!

Quick Facts

• Distance: 3.7 miles roundtrip
• Difficulty: AllTrails rates this hike “Moderately Challenging”. It is mostly downhill to the falls, which, of course, means it’s mostly uphill all the way back. There is a 1030′ elevation gain as you return to the trailhead.
• Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Restrooms? Yes and no. There is no restroom at the trailhead. However, you will pass one at the first Rainbow Falls parking lot, a short distance before the trail.

• Parking? Again, yes and no. There is ONE parking spot at the trailhead, a small pullout big enough for one vehicle. If you get to this spot and it’s already taken, you will either have to park somewhere farther up the road, or you will have to drive the entire Roaring Fork loop to get back to it, because Roaring Fork is a one-way drive.
• The good news is the second Rainbow Falls parking lot is 0.2 miles before you come to the trailhead. Park here, then it’s just a short walk on the road to the trailhead.
• Walk out of the parking lot and turn right. Then turn right again, through the winter gates, onto Roaring Fork. The trailhead is ahead on your left. Look for the pullout and trailhead sign.
• Dogs Allowed? No
• Crowded? No
• Visitor Center? No

Getting to the Trailhead for Baskins Creek Falls

The traffic lights on Gatlinburg’s main street (Parkway) are numbered. Turn at light #8 onto Historic Nature Trail-Airport Rd. You will pass the Noah “Bud” Ogle Nature Trail about 2.5 miles in.

When the road divides, take the right fork. You will pass the Rainbow Falls-Bullhead trailheads. Go straight another 0.3 miles and park in the second Rainbow Falls parking area.

Trail Description

The hike begins with a 0.7 uphill climb. The trail itself is somewhat “rooty”, with limited views. However, there are native plants in abundance – ferns, galax, umbrella magnolias, native azaleas, mountain laurels, pines, maples, and poplars.

At 0.7 miles in the trail becomes a gully, created by erosion from runoff. It was completely dry when we hiked through it. However, it was slippery due to loose gravel. Watch your step!

You will soon arrive at Baskin Creek. It is narrow here, but there is no bridge so you might get your feet wet or muddy as you cross. Continuing past the creek the trail turns left.

Here’s Where Things Get Tricky

Here is where things get interesting. Just past a rock overhang on your right, the trail becomes muddy and slippery – we both fell…twice! (Neither of us was hurt.) Take your time and watch where you step. We recommend hiking boots and hiking poles.

You will come to a side trail at 1.4 miles in. There is a sign there. Do NOT go straight – continuing straight will take you to Rainbow Falls. Instead, take the side trail on the left. This takes you to Baskins Creek Falls.

The trail follows Falls Branch. Overflow from the branch causes it to be muddy in some places, but it’s not too bad.

Just before the falls, you will have to do some rock scrambling. There’s no real climbing involved, just picking your way over some rocks and boulders. It is not difficult.

And then you see the falls!

Description of Basksins Creek Falls

Baskins Creek Falls is actually formed by Falls Branch, not Baskins Creek. The branch funnels through a small, 2′ opening, where it falls about 20′ to a narrow ledge. From here it falls another 15′. The bottom section divides into two smaller, separate cascades.

You can climb up the right side of the falls to the narrow ledge where the top section of the waterfall lands. I would NOT suggest attempting to traverse the ledge behind the falls – it’s narrow, slippery, and 15′ high! Just stand to the side.

Look for the red fungi growing around the falls. This is Southern Cinnabar Polypore, a red bracket fungus. Look but don’t touch – when disturbed fungi can release spores into the air which may infect other trees!

Many waterfalls have large pools at the bottom suitable for wading or playing. Baskins Creek Falls really does not. Sorry.

Where to Stay Near Baskins Creek Falls

Baskins Creek Falls is on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, at the eastern end of Gatlinburg. Roaring Fork is a beautiful drive, featuring other waterfalls, hikes, and wildlife. So you might want to make your “basecamp” on this end of Gatlinburg. Here are some accommodations you might like on this side of town. (Please note: Gatlinburg is a tourist town, so prices here tend to be high.)

1. Margaritaville Resort

The Margaritaville Resort in Gatlinburg opened in June 2018, making it one of the newest hotels in the area. You may think a beach-themed resort would be out of place in the Smoky Mountains, but they make it work.

So many amenities, including both Indoor and outdoor pools and a high-end spa.

The location is great. Just steps from Anakeesta, Ripley’s Aquarium, restaurants, and shopping.

Address: 539 Parkway, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 3773

Price – $$$$

2. Greystone Lodge on the River

Greystone Lodge is a family-owned business that began in 1962. It sits on the Little Pigeon River – in fact, most rooms have a river view.

Just like Margaritaville, it has a great location – that’s because the two hotels are right next to each other! You are just steps from Ripley’s Aquarium, Anakeesta Theme Park, and hundreds of restaurants, shops, and exhibits.

Speaking of restaurants, the Greystone is only a short walk from two of our favs in Gatlinburg. Try “Pancake Pantry” for breakfast ($$-$$$), a Gatlinburg tradition. We also recommend “No Way, Jose Mexican Cantina” ($$-$$$), which sits next door to the Lodge.

Address: 559 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Price: $$$-$$$$

3. Buckhorn Inn

This is our favorite place to stay when we visit Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We always recommend it. We love the location. Buckhorn Inn is located on Tudor Mountain Rd, only 6.3 from the east edge of Gatlinburg. It is a quiet, calm location, away from the crowds in downtown Gatlinburg.

Situated in the Smoky Mountains, the Buckhorn Inn will delight you with beautiful views of the sunset each evening. Enjoy a quiet walk through the flower gardens. Stroll down to the small pond that is home to two swans.

You can stay in the main inn, which features several cozy rooms. Or pick a cabin on the grounds. All are a short walk to the main inn. There’s also a three-story tower room. The top floor is a reading room/sitting area with windows facing in every direction.

Then there’s the FOOD! Each morning begins with a delicious hot breakfast prepared by the in-house chef. And dinners here are something special. Each evening is a different 3-course meal – soup, main course, and dessert.

Very friendly staff and very friendly guests! Staff love to tell you about the best hikes and waterfalls, and the other guests love to talk together about their adventures.

Address: 2140 Tudor Mountain Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738

Price: $$$-$$$$

Camping Near Baskins Creek Falls

Great Smoky Mountains National Park maintains 10 front country campgrounds. Each campground has restroom facilities with running water (cold) and flush toilets. There are no showers. Individual campsites all have a fire grate and a picnic table.

The closest of these front country campgrounds is Elkmont Campground, a 12-mile, 30-minute drive from the Baskins Creek Falls trailhead. It’s a simple drive – just turn right when you exit the campground. That will put you on Little River Rd, which becomes Parkway in Gatlinburg. You don’t turn until you come to traffic light #8.

Elkmont Campground offers 220 campsites – 23 of these are tent-only sites. RVs are welcome. The cost is $30/night. You will find this campground 6.3 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center on Little River Road. This campground is more centrally located in the park, and closer to Gatlinburg.

We recommend that you make reservations as early as possible. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America. The early bird gets the campsite!

There are also a few backcountry sites near-ish to the falls. Backcountry sites #24, #30, #31, and #32. You can learn more about these at the National Park Service website.

In addition, there are several commercial camping areas on Highway 441 east of Gatlinburg.

Visit nps.gov for specific info about campsites.`

Reservations for campsites are made through recreation.gov.

The Wrap – Baskins Creek Falls

This waterfall gets a solid “MAYBE…” We enjoyed the waterfall itself. It’s a beautiful little spot. We enjoyed the wildflowers along the trail, and viewing deer and bear.

And we enjoyed the quiet! The trail is not crowded, which in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is unusual…and appreciated.

However, we did NOT enjoy the hike getting there and back. It was muddy, slippery, and uphill all the way back to the trailhead. Our recommendation – if you have plenty of time in the park, go for it. If not, there are better hiking/waterfall experiences available.

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