Jakes Creek Trail
Elkmont · 3.7-mile round trip
The first stretch runs straight through the remains of Elkmont — stone chimneys standing among the trees where summer cottages used to be — before the trail settles into quiet forest. A good pick if you want some history with the walk rather than a summit at the end.
The Jakes Creek Trail begins with a walk through history. The first stretch passes the old summer cottages of Elkmont, then the trail heads into the quiet forest along Jakes Creek.
It's a great choice if you want a hike with fewer crowds and a little bit of everything: historic buildings, stream crossings, a hidden artist's cabin, and a steady climb to a high mountain gap. You can turn around whenever you like, so it works for a short stroll or a full morning on the trail.
Jakes Creek Trail at a glance
Shorter option: campsite 27, about 2.6 miles in
Climb: about 1,800 feet to Jakes Gap
Difficulty: moderate, with a steady uphill grade
Trailhead: Jakes Creek trailhead in Elkmont, past Elkmont Campground
Pets: not allowed on this trail
Finding the Jakes Creek trailhead and parking
From Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, drive about five miles on Little River Road and turn left at the signs for Elkmont. Continue to Elkmont Campground, turn right, and follow the road about half a mile to the Jakes Creek trailhead parking area. On the way you'll pass the historic cabins of Daisy Town.
Arrive early — the parking area is small and can fill up, especially on summer weekends.
Bring a parking tag — a national park parking tag is required for any vehicle parked longer than fifteen minutes. See our guide to where to buy a Smokies parking pass.
Check the road — the trail closes when Little River Road is closed between Sugarlands and the Townsend Y. Check the national park's road status before you go.
What you'll see along the trail
Elkmont's old summer cottages
The first part of the hike follows an old road and railroad bed past the remains of Elkmont's vacation community, where well-to-do families from Knoxville once spent their summers. Some cottages have been restored, and standing chimneys mark spots where others once stood. Read more about this history in our guide to the Elkmont ghost town.
Trail junctions
Within the first half mile, the Cucumber Gap Trail branches off to the left and the Meigs Mountain Trail branches off to the right. Stay on the Jakes Creek Trail to keep climbing along the creek.
The Avent Cabin
A short side path crosses the creek to the Avent Cabin, a cabin more than a hundred years old that was once the mountain studio of artist Mayna Treanor Avent. The park has restored it, and it's a peaceful spot to stop. Many hikers visit it on the way back down.
Campsite 27 and Jakes Gap
The trail climbs steadily through hardwood forest and crosses the creek a few times. Expect rock hopping, and possibly wet feet after heavy rain. Backcountry campsite 27 sits about 2.6 miles in and makes a good turnaround point. Hikers who keep going reach Jakes Gap at 3.7 miles, where the trail meets the Miry Ridge and Panther Creek trails.
Tips for your hike
Pick your turnaround — a stroll past the cottages and the Avent Cabin makes a short, easy outing. Campsite 27 is a solid half-day hike, and Jakes Gap is for hikers who want the full climb.
Wear shoes that can get wet — some creek crossings have widely spaced stepping stones, and high water can mean wading.
Carry water and snacks — the grade is steady, and there are no services past the campground.
Plan overnight trips ahead — camping at campsite 27 requires a park backcountry permit.
Best time to hike Jakes Creek Trail
Spring — wildflowers and blooming daffodils near the old homesites brighten the lower trail.
Summer — the shady forest helps on warm days, and early summer brings Elkmont's famous synchronous fireflies.
Fall — the hardwood forest turns bright colors. Plan a leaf-season trip with our fall cabin rentals.
Winter can bring snow and ice at higher elevations, so check conditions with the national park before you head out.
More to explore in Elkmont
Make a day of your visit. The easy Elkmont Nature Trail is a family-friendly loop nearby, and the restored cabins of Millionaire's Row are an easy walk from the trailhead. Along Little River Road, Laurel Falls and The Sinks are popular stops. Browse all our Smoky Mountain hiking trails for more ideas.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Jakes Creek Trail?
It's 3.7 miles one way to Jakes Gap, or about 7.4 miles round trip. Many hikers turn around at campsite 27, about 2.6 miles in.
Where is the Jakes Creek trailhead parking?
In Elkmont. Drive past Elkmont Campground, turn right, and go about half a mile to the trailhead parking area.
How hard is the Jakes Creek Trail?
It's moderate. The trail climbs about 1,800 feet to Jakes Gap on a steady grade, with several creek crossings.
What is the Avent Cabin?
A restored cabin more than a hundred years old that was once the studio of artist Mayna Treanor Avent, reached by a short side path across Jakes Creek.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Dogs aren't allowed on the Jakes Creek Trail.
Elkmont is an easy drive from our Gatlinburg cabins, so you can hit the trail early and be back in town for lunch. Our cabins near the national park keep the trails close, and our Wears Valley cabins are near the park's quieter side. After the hike, rest in one of our hot tub cabins, and if the dog is coming along, our pet-friendly cabins welcome them too.