Elkmont
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A quiet stretch of the Little River about 25 minutes from Gatlinburg — easy riverside trails, a 200-site campground, and a historic district of restored cabins left from a logging town that became a summer colony. In early summer, it's also where the synchronous fireflies appear.
Elkmont is a peaceful corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the Little River, about 25 minutes from Gatlinburg. Once a logging town and later a mountain resort for Knoxville families, it's now home to the Elkmont Campground, easy riverside hiking trails, and a historic district of restored cabins. In early summer, it's also where the synchronous fireflies put on their show.
Where: off Little River Road, about 5 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center
Elkmont Campground: about 200 sites, open spring through fall
Little River Trail: easy riverside walking, with a waterfall about 2 miles in
Parking tag required for stops over 15 minutes
Getting to Elkmont
From Gatlinburg, drive into the park to the Sugarlands Visitor Center, then head west on Little River Road for about 5 miles and turn left at the Elkmont sign. The drive takes about 25 minutes from downtown. You'll need a parking tag to park for more than 15 minutes, which you can buy online at recreation.gov or at Sugarlands.
Elkmont Campground
The Elkmont Campground sits along the Little River, with about 200 campsites for tents and RVs. Many sites are right by the water, and the campground is a short walk from the historic district and several trailheads. It's open from spring through late fall, usually March into November, and closes for winter. Reservations are made through recreation.gov, and summer and fall weekends book up early.
Hiking at Elkmont
Little River Trail
The Little River Trail follows an old logging railroad grade along the river, so the first couple of miles are gentle and easy for families. About 2 miles in, a short side path leads to Huskey Branch Falls. Turn around there for an easy out-and-back, or continue farther upstream.
Cucumber Gap Loop
For a longer walk, combine the Little River Trail with the Cucumber Gap and Jakes Creek trails to make a loop of about 5.5 miles through quiet forest.
Elkmont Nature Trail
A short, easy loop of under a mile near the campground, a good choice with young kids.
See all of our hiking trails, waterfall hikes, and kid-friendly hikes.
The historic district
Elkmont began in the early 1900s as a logging town for the Little River Lumber Company. As logging wound down, it became a summer retreat for families from Knoxville, with the Appalachian Club and the Wonderland Hotel at its center. When the national park was created, the cottages were eventually left behind, and Elkmont became known as a ghost town.
Today, the Elkmont Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park has restored a group of cabins along the road known as Daisy Town, along with the Appalachian Clubhouse and the Spence Cabin, which can be rented for day use for gatherings and weddings. Walk the area to see the restored cabins and the stone ruins left in the forest. For the full story, read our guide to the Elkmont ghost town.
The synchronous fireflies
For a short window each year, usually in late May or June, the synchronous fireflies near Elkmont flash in unison after dark. Viewing is managed by the park through a parking lottery on recreation.gov, and the road to Elkmont is closed to other visitors during the event. See our guide to the synchronous fireflies for how the lottery works.
Tips for visiting
Go early on weekends — trailhead parking fills on busy days.
Book the campground ahead — summer and fall sites go quickly.
Watch your footing — river rocks are slippery, and currents are stronger than they look.
Respect the cabins — some historic buildings are closed for safety, so stay out of any that are fenced or marked.
Plan around firefly season — if you're visiting in late May or June, check whether the road is closed for the event.
More nearby
On the way back along Little River Road, stop at The Sinks, a waterfall right by the road, or continue on to Cades Cove. Pack lunch for one of the park's picnic spots, and see our scenic drives and all things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Elkmont?
In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, off Little River Road about 5 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center, roughly 25 minutes from Gatlinburg.
When is Elkmont Campground open?
From spring through late fall, usually March into November. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Is the Little River Trail easy?
The first couple of miles are gentle, following an old railroad grade along the river, so it's easy for most hikers.
Can you visit the old Elkmont cabins?
Yes. You can walk through the historic district and see the restored cabins of Daisy Town and the Appalachian Clubhouse. Some buildings are closed for safety.
When are the fireflies at Elkmont?
Usually in late May or June. Viewing requires a parking pass from the recreation.gov lottery.
Do I need a parking tag at Elkmont?
Yes, to park for more than 15 minutes.
Prefer a cabin to a campsite? Stay close to the park with our Gatlinburg cabins, or try our Wears Valley cabins near Little River Road. Book direct and the Stay & Play Pass includes free attraction tickets for every paid night.