Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Springhouse Branch Trail
| Length | about 7.0 miles as mapped by NPS |
|---|---|
| Surface | Native |
| High point | about 4,070 ft |
| Low point | about 2,170 ft |
| Difficulty | Easy |
At a glance
- Length: 3.6 miles round trip; about 7 miles as mapped by the National Park Service
- Route: Out and back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Native
- Elevation: From about 2,170 feet to about 4,070 feet
- Park area: Cades Cove, Tennessee
Getting to the trailhead
The trail begins at the Cades Cove Picnic Area. Board Camp Gap is at the trail, while Forney Ridge is about 0.6 miles away.
Sugarlands Visitor Center is about 12 miles away. Cherokee, North Carolina, is about 12 straight-line miles away. Gatlinburg is about 14 straight-line miles away. Pigeon Forge is about 19 straight-line miles away.
Nearby airports include McGhee Tyson Airport and Asheville Regional Airport.
On the trail
The route follows Springhouse Branch through cove hardwood forest. It provides a quieter forest setting away from the main Cades Cove wildlife loop.
The trail’s name recalls early mountain residents. Before refrigeration, they used small structures placed above cold spring water to keep food cool.
The route is rated easy and described as family-friendly. The mapped route ranges from about 2,170 feet to about 4,070 feet.
Before you go
Check current conditions and alerts on the park’s National Park Service website. Carry water, pack layers, follow posted rules, and leave no trace.
Questions
How long is Springhouse Branch Trail?
The stated distance is 3.6 miles round trip. The National Park Service mapping shows about 7 miles.
Is Springhouse Branch Trail difficult?
It is rated easy and described as family-friendly.
Where does Springhouse Branch Trail start?
It starts at the Cades Cove Picnic Area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
What is the elevation on Springhouse Branch Trail?
The mapped route ranges from about 2,170 feet to about 4,070 feet.
Why is it called Springhouse Branch Trail?
The name refers to shelters early mountain residents placed above cold springs to cool food before refrigeration.
Nearby
Places
- Board Camp Gap
- Forney Ridge
On the map
6 trails1 place to see