Baskins Creek Falls

Baskins Creek Falls is one of the Smokies' best-kept waterfall secrets. It's a two-tier cascade about forty feet tall, tucked into the forest just minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, and it sees a fraction of the crowds you'll find at the park's better-known falls.

The Baskins Creek Trail starts on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. It winds through quiet hardwood forest, past an old mountain cemetery, and down to the falls. If you want a waterfall hike with a little more solitude, this is the one.

Baskins Creek Trail at a glance

Finding the Baskins Creek trailhead

The trail starts along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a one-way scenic drive that begins at the edge of downtown Gatlinburg. Look for the trailhead on the left side of the road, across from the Trillium Gap Trail. The other end of the trail comes out farther along Roaring Fork, across from the Grapeyard Ridge Trail.

Plan for the season — Roaring Fork is a seasonal road. It closes to cars from late fall until spring, so check the national park's seasonal road schedule before you go.

Check your vehicle — the road is narrow and winding. Motorhomes, buses, and vehicles towing trailers aren't allowed.

Bring a parking tag — a national park parking tag is required for any vehicle parked longer than fifteen minutes.

What the hike is like

From the trailhead, the path follows a ridge through oak, maple, and rhododendron before heading downhill toward the creek. At about one mile you'll cross Falls Branch, a small stream that can mean wet feet after a heavy rain. Along the way you'll pass Bales Cemetery, a reminder of the families who once farmed this area before it became part of the national park.

Much of the hike to the falls is downhill, which means most of the return trip climbs back up. Pace yourself, and save some energy for the walk out.

Reaching Baskins Creek Falls

At about 1.4 miles, a side path breaks off the main trail and leads down to the falls. This short path isn't maintained like the main trail. It's steep, rocky, and slippery, so take it slowly and watch every step.

At the bottom, Baskins Creek spills over a rock ledge in two tiers into a small pool, with big rocks nearby that make a nice place to rest. The falls run strongest after a good rain. Because the trail sees fewer hikers, you may have the waterfall all to yourself.

Best time to visit

Spring — wildflowers bloom along the trail, and the falls run full from seasonal rain.

Summer — the shady forest keeps the hike comfortable, and the falls make a cool place to rest.

Fall — the hardwoods turn bright colors, and Roaring Fork is one of the prettiest leaf drives near Gatlinburg. See our fall cabin rentals to plan your trip.

Roaring Fork closes to cars in winter, so plan your hike between spring and late fall. Check the national park's website for any temporary closures before you head out.

More to see on Roaring Fork

Make a day of it on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The Trillium Gap Trail across the road leads to Grotto Falls, where you can walk behind the waterfall. Rainbow Falls is a longer, more challenging waterfall hike nearby. For more ideas, browse all of our Smoky Mountain hiking trails, including Laurel Falls and Abrams Falls.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the hike to Baskins Creek Falls?

About three miles round trip. The side path to the falls splits off the main trail at about 1.4 miles.

Where is the Baskins Creek trailhead?

On the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail near Gatlinburg, across the road from the Trillium Gap Trail.

How tall is Baskins Creek Falls?

About forty feet, falling in two tiers.

Is Baskins Creek Trail hard?

It's moderate overall. The side path down to the falls is steep and slippery, and the hike back out is mostly uphill.

Is the trail open all year?

The trail itself doesn't close, but Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail closes to cars in winter, so the trailhead is easiest to reach from spring through late fall.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Dogs aren't allowed on the Baskins Creek Trail.