Weekend Gem: Little River #30

This great overnight adventure is a perfect way to ease back into another season of backpacking. Start out at the TH located at Elkmont and head upriver into a magical world of spring wildflowers. This easy graded trail starts as an old roadbed, before turning into a trail proper. Along the way, stop and enjoy this major Smokies drainage at it’s mightiest flow, as many springs and creeks have emptied into it at this point. Your main objective is Campsite #30, 6.4 miles in, where this river is much smaller and other creeks are careening down this bowled out basin from all sides to make a most epic camp. I suggest that you get there early and find a nice pool for a dip or a shady patch for a most enjoyable nap. Or, spend the afternoon skipping stones, as most of the rocks on the banks are perfectly flat and perfect for it. Head back down the River and enjoy a sandwich at Old Dads before retiring for the day.

Husky Falls

Trilliums in full effect