Baskins Creek Falls

Baskins Creek trailhead on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Baskins Creek Trail to the side path at 1.4 miles, then down Falls Branch to the falls

Gatlinburg's visitor bureau places the side trail to the falls at 1.4 miles along Baskins Creek Trail from the trailhead off the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. No length is given for the steep side path. The return is the same way.

Maintained park trail with steep descents and a stream crossing that can wet your feet after heavy rain, then an unmaintained, very steep and slippery side path.

Where to start

From traffic light 8 in Gatlinburg, take Historic Nature Trail/Airport Road, bear right onto Cherokee Orchard Road into the park, and turn right onto the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The trailhead pull-off is on the left about 0.2 mile in. Parking is very limited; one guide suggests the Rainbow Falls overflow lot when it is full. Park with all four wheels out of the roadway. Buses, trailers and motor homes are not allowed on the motor nature trail.

Timing & water

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is closed during part of the year; check the park's seasonal road status. Dogs and bicycles are not allowed on this trail.

Before you go

A park parking tag is required to park longer than 15 minutes: daily $5, weekly $15, annual $40. Tags cannot be bought in the Roaring Fork area, so buy one before arriving.