Smokemont Loop Trail: A Gentle Forest Walk Along Bradley Fork

About

Smokemont Loop Trail is a 6.1-mile loop located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee. It combines sections of the Bradley Fork and Smokemont Loop trails, offering an accessible route through lush forest landscapes. The trail follows alongside mountain streams and passes through diverse plant life, making it an appealing choice for hikers seeking a longer but easy outing. As a multi-use horse trail, some areas can be muddy, so proper footwear is recommended.

This trail traverses terrain shaped by ancient geological processes that formed the Smokies over hundreds of millions of years. The forest is primarily composed of hardwoods such as oak and hickory, with pockets of rhododendron and mountain laurel adding seasonal color. Historically, the area was used by Cherokee peoples and later by early European settlers who established small communities nearby. The trail’s name, Smokemont, derives from the historic Smokemont community, once a logging and mountain farming area.

Visitors on the Smokemont Loop Trail can expect a peaceful experience surrounded by the sounds of flowing water and rustling leaves. The gentle elevation changes make it accessible for families and hikers of various skill levels. Horse riders also frequent this trail, so hikers should be prepared to share the path. Throughout the hike, there are several spots ideal for resting or enjoying a picnic while taking in the natural beauty of the forest and streams.

Did You Know

• Bradley Fork is named after the Bradley family, early settlers in the region (NPS).
• The Great Smoky Mountains formed roughly 200 to 300 million years ago during the Appalachian orogeny (USGS).
• Smokemont was once home to a Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the 1930s (Great Smoky Mountains Association).
• This area is habitat for black bears, white-tailed deer, and the elusive northern flying squirrel (NPS).
• The trail is part of a network of horse-friendly paths maintained by the park service (NPS).