Fern Branch Falls

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

5.0/5

based on 2 reviews

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Details

Distance

3.7 miles

Elevation Gain

794 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Elyse Clark

Hike to a lesser visited, 40-ft waterfall while taking in the sites along Porters Creek.

Take Porters Creek Trail, a gravel road alongside Porters Creek. You will pass by an old farmstead and cemetery, as well as lots of wildflowers if you're out during the spring.

In a mile, keep left, then in another half mile or so you should cross over a small (and somewhat harrowing) footbridge. The 40-ft tall Fern Branch Falls is less crowded than other falls in the park, and has open access year-round.

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Forest

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Wildflowers

Waterfalls

Fern Branch Falls Reviews

Becky Barsky

Fern Branch Falls

03/04/22

Got to get to the waterfall!!!

5.0

Emma LaFleur

Fern Branch Falls

04/27/19

This trail begins as a gravel road, but as you continue like the directions say, it turns into a moderate dirt path with some obstacles. the falls themselves were incredible. there is a very difficult climb to the base of the falls if you’re up for the challenge, but the path will lead you to the view of the waterfall. we hiked this trail in pouring rain, and it took us around 2 hours to complete all together. we were in no rush and spend some time climbing to the falls. this was so worth it. we ran into two people on the trail and it was such a serene hike.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Fern Branch Falls

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Download the Outbound mobile app

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Fern Branch Falls Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike to the Ramsey Cascades

Grotto Falls Trail

Mount LeConte-Cliff Tops via Rainbow Falls Trail

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Photograph the Smokies from Morton Overlook

Camp out at Mt. LeConte Lodge via Alum Cave

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