Baskins Creek Falls - Baskins Creek Falls Trail in the Smoky Mountains

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Baskin Creek Falls
Trail Features:		Waterfalls
Trail Location:		Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Roundtrip Miles:		3.0 miles
Total Elevation Gain:		953 feet
Avg. Elev Gain / Mile:		635 feet
Highest Elevation:		2927 feet
Trail Difficulty Rating:		4.91 (easy)
Parking Lot Latitude:		35.67767
Parking Lot Longitude:		-83.47858

Directions to Trailhead:

Starting from Light 8 in Gatlinburg, turn onto Historic Nature Trail / Airport Road. At 0.7 miles, veer right onto Cherokee Orchard Road. After driving another 2.2 miles, you will enter the one-way Cherokee Orchard Loop. Drive 0.9 miles on the loop before turning right onto the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The trailhead for Baskin Creek Falls Trail will be on the left after driving about 0.2 miles on this one-way loop.

Trail Description:

The Baskin Creek Falls trail begins with a short easy climb. At roughly a quarter of a mile into the hike, the trail levels off and you’ll have some decent views of the mountains to the west of you as well as a few glimpses of Gatlinburg, if you're hiking in the winter or early spring. These views, however, will more than likely be obstructed by summer foliage.

At 0.9 miles you’ll cross Baskins Creek without the assistance of a footbridge. If you’re hiking this trail right after a long hard rain, this could be a little bit of a challenge if your goal is to keep your feet dry. The trail then veers off to the left and follows the creek down the mountain. This is a fairly rapid descent down the mountain, making for a challenging climb on your return trip.

At 1.1 miles, a side trail spurs off to the left towards the Baskins Cemetery. Go right to continue onto the falls.

Shortly thereafter, the trail crosses over the creek again, but this time, a much easier crossing.

At 1.3 miles, you’ll arrive at a trail junction. Going straight for another 1.3 miles will take you to the eastern side of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. To continue onto the falls, turn left at this junction.

The last 50 yards down to Baskins Creek Falls is a little rugged, but well worth the effort. Relative to their popularity, these 25 foot falls just might be the most underrated falls in the park.

This is a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic.