Cabin Flats Trail

Welcome, fellow North Carolinians and outdoor enthusiasts, to an insightful exploration of a crucial pathway into the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains: Cabin Flats Trail. While not a campground in itself, this trail serves as the primary and most accessible route to Backcountry Campsite #49, a popular primitive camping destination near Cherokee, NC. If you're a seasoned backpacker, a budding adventurer looking for your first wilderness camping experience, or someone keen to explore the rich natural beauty of our state on foot, understanding Cabin Flats Trail is key to unlocking a memorable journey in the Smokies.

Cabin Flats Trail is a short, approximately 0.9-mile (or 0.8-mile depending on source) path that connects the popular Smokemont Campground area to backcountry Campsite #49. Its significance lies in its relatively easy grade and its strategic starting point from the upper end of Smokemont Campground, making it a highly accessible entry point for backcountry adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This trail is essentially a continuation of an old gravel road that once ran alongside the scenic Bradley Fork, offering a gentle hike that is suitable for a wide range of skill levels. For North Carolinians, this means a fantastic opportunity to experience genuine wilderness camping without facing an overly strenuous initial trek.

Beyond simply providing access, Cabin Flats Trail itself offers glimpses of the natural beauty and historical context of the area. Hikers will pass over an old trestle bridge that has been updated, adding a touch of rustic charm to the journey. The trail also provides access to other routes, such as the Dry Sluice Gap Trail which climbs towards the Appalachian Trail, making it a versatile starting point for various hiking ambitions. While the focus remains on reaching the backcountry campsite, the journey along Cabin Flats Trail sets the tone for a peaceful and immersive experience in the stunning North Carolina mountains, proving why it's a valued component of our local outdoor landscape.

Cabin Flats Trail is located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, specifically starting near Cherokee, NC 28719, USA. More precisely, the trailhead for Cabin Flats Trail can be found at the upper end of the Smokemont Campground, which is situated off U.S. 441 in North Carolina. This makes it highly accessible for those driving to the park, as Smokemont Campground itself is a well-known and easily reachable destination.

The trail's accessibility is a significant advantage, especially for individuals or groups new to backpacking. The hike in is described as "easy" and relatively short, making it an excellent introductory route into the park's backcountry. Hikers begin from the Smokemont Campground, typically by taking the Bradley Fork Trail, which soon leads to the Cabin Flats Trail junction. This straightforward approach minimizes navigational challenges and allows for a more relaxed start to a wilderness experience. While vehicles cannot directly access the backcountry campsite at the end of the trail, the convenience of the Smokemont starting point provides ample parking and resources before beginning the hike.

For North Carolinians, this location means that a true backcountry camping experience is within a manageable distance and skill level. It's an ideal opportunity to leave the car behind and immerse oneself in the unspoiled nature of the Great Smoky Mountains. As with all backcountry excursions in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a permit is required for overnight stays at Campsite #49, which is accessed via Cabin Flats Trail. This system ensures responsible use and preservation of the wilderness for everyone to enjoy.

As Cabin Flats Trail is a hiking trail and not a campground itself, it does not offer traditional campground services. Its primary "service" is providing accessible passage to Backcountry Campsite #49, which then offers specific primitive amenities.

The services and provisions found along or at the end of Cabin Flats Trail (specifically at Backcountry Campsite #49) include:

• Designated Footpath: A clear and maintained trail (Cabin Flats Trail) that leads to backcountry camping opportunities.
• Access to Backcountry Campsite #49: The trail serves as a direct route to a primitive campsite equipped with basic features for overnight stays.
• Fire Rings (at Campsite #49): Upon reaching the campsite, hikers will find designated fire rings for safe campfires.
• Bear Cables (at Campsite #49): Essential food storage cables are provided at the campsite to hang food and scented items away from bears.
• Flat Tent Spots (at Campsite #49): The campsite offers level areas suitable for setting up tents or hammocks.
• Stream Access (at Campsite #49): The campsite is located right next to a small creek, providing a natural water source (always requires purification before consumption).
• Connections to Other Trails: The Cabin Flats Trail itself connects to other trails like the Dry Sluice Gap Trail, expanding hiking possibilities.
• Educational Opportunities: Hiking this trail offers a chance to experience the natural environment and practice Leave No Trace principles in a managed wilderness area.

• Easy Backpacking Access: Recognized as an "easy hike in and out from Smokemont," making it ideal for new backpackers or those seeking a less strenuous backcountry trip.
• Gateway to Backcountry Campsite #49: The trail's main feature is providing direct access to Campsite #49, a popular and well-regarded primitive campsite.
• Stream-Side Scenery: The trail and its destination (Campsite #49) are situated alongside Bradley Fork and a smaller creek, offering the soothing sounds of flowing water and picturesque views.
• Historical Elements: Passing over an "older trestle bridge" adds a touch of historical interest to the hike.
• Bear Safety Provisions: The presence of bear cables at Campsite #49 highlights the park's commitment to safety and responsible wildlife interaction.
• Trout Fishing Opportunities: Proximity to Bradley Fork, known for "great for Trout fishing," makes it attractive for anglers.
• Versatility for Hikers: While short, it provides connections to longer, more challenging trails like Dry Sluice Gap, catering to various hiking ambitions.
• Secluded Wilderness Feel: Despite its accessibility, the trail leads to a spot that offers genuine solitude and immersion in the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Address: Cherokee, NC 28719, USA (referring to the general area of the trail's location within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

For specific information regarding Cabin Flats Trail, access to Backcountry Campsite #49, permit requirements, current trail conditions, or Great Smoky Mountains National Park regulations, it is highly recommended to contact the National Park Service directly.

General contact information for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

Phone: (865) 436-1200 (General Information Line)

For backcountry permits and reservations, it is often best to use the specific contact information for the park's Backcountry Information Office or visit the official recreation.gov website for online bookings. Please note that there is no direct phone number to the trail itself or a specific campsite, as these are unstaffed wilderness locations.

For the residents of North Carolina, Cabin Flats Trail represents an invaluable gateway to experiencing the profound beauty and authentic wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park without an overly daunting commitment. Its strategic location near Cherokee and its relatively "easy hike in" from the well-known Smokemont Campground make it an ideal starting point for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, from seasoned backpackers seeking a quick escape to beginners eager to embark on their first primitive camping adventure. This accessibility is a major draw for locals, allowing for spontaneous weekend trips or planned family excursions into the heart of our state's iconic mountain range.

What makes Cabin Flats Trail particularly suitable for North Carolinians is the high-quality backcountry experience it enables. Leading directly to Backcountry Campsite #49, hikers gain access to a well-maintained primitive site complete with essential amenities like fire rings and crucial bear cables. This provision of basic necessities, combined with the serene setting "right alongside a small creek," ensures a comfortable and safe wilderness immersion. For those who enjoy combining hiking with angling, the proximity to Bradley Fork, renowned for "great Trout fishing," adds another layer of appeal, allowing for a multifaceted outdoor adventure right here in our backyard.

Moreover, utilizing trails and sites like Cabin Flats responsibly, by obtaining necessary permits and adhering to Leave No Trace principles, demonstrates a commitment to preserving our cherished natural heritage for generations to come. This trail offers an authentic and rewarding opportunity to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature, fostering a deeper appreciation for North Carolina's wild landscapes. Whether it’s for a quick overnight escape, a dedicated fishing trip, or an introduction to the rewarding world of backpacking, Cabin Flats Trail and its destination campsite provide an accessible, beautiful, and highly suitable experience for any North Carolinian ready to explore the true essence of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Cabin Flats Trail

Cherokee, NC 28719, USA