Although a party of Tennessee hikers had already explored the Elkmont area—just a piece of the sprawling Great Smoky Mountain National Park, containing numerous hiking trails, historic cabins, campsites and sections of mountain streams—a return trip proved that the vicinity still had much more to discover.

The former site of a logging town, and later a resort destination, the area surrounding the village has miles and miles of trails (foot trails as well as horse trails), the remains of plenty of old homes, bridges and other structures, and lots of preserved nature to see.

The Little River Trail, which originates from a parking area within Elkmont, reaches far into the Smoky Mountains. But those up for a shorter walk can follow the river for a short piece, however long they choose, head back and still get the flavor and experience of the Little River environment as the stream powerfully rushes along.

The trail is covered in gravel and follows nearby the turbulent river, its waters swirling and crashing into boulders scattered all about.

The ground here contained a surprising amount of snow and ice on a day when the temperature hit 55 degrees in town. Not much sun strikes the river valley, keeping the air very cool down there in that hollow, mostly blocked from the sunlight by the surrounding hills.

Starting out on the trail, find some ruins of a chimney and stairs. Numerous homes once dotted the area; a few still stand.

Explorers can also veer just off the main trail near its outset and cross a fascinating, small, moss-covered stone bridge feature known as the Troll Bridge.

Photos by Sarah Mayo

Continuing on, the Little River Trail climbs gradually uphill as the pleasant sound of the river constantly fills the air, making it a good place for some fresh air and mountain river scenery.

Approximately two miles from the parking area, Huskey Branch Falls tumbles down the rocks to the right of the trail; the water flows underneath the path and into the river.

Those searching for a towering waterfall may pass this point right by, where the small Huskey Branch Creek flows into the river. It’s not the largest, most incredible waterfall in the state, but a pleasing little cascade, a neat, narrow feature flowing down the hillside to the main river.

Just a little ways past this point, a group paused for a break, contemplating whether to turn around and head back to the parking area, or press on for a bit more.

A bear!

One of the Smoky Mountains’ famous black bears quietly slipped up behind some hikers, walking on a fallen log to avoid making sounds in the fallen leaves and snow.

“Let’s . . . head on back,” the group decides.

Some experts say to leave your snacks behind. Food on the trail can indeed attract bears.

Going just a little farther down Little River Trail would bring explorers to an option to take the Cucumber Gap Trail, yet another path in the whole network of trails around the Elkmont area.

This Cucumber Gap Trail connects the Little River Trail to the Jakes Creek Trail.

Or, visitors can access Jakes Creek at a separate, nearby parking area near the former resort village and tackle it another day.

Winter makes a great time to visit Elkmont for those wishing to explore mainly in solitude and avoid crowds (although there are few colorful wildflowers to view during the winter). The Elkmont Campground, open late March through November, remains the largest and busiest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park during camping season.

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Note: a parking tag is required to park anywhere within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park; the cost for tags is $5 a day or $15 for a week.