Porters Creek Trailhead Campground

For those in Tennessee looking to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, Porters Creek Trailhead Campground in Gatlinburg offers a unique and authentic experience. This isn't just any campground; it's a gateway to one of the most serene and historically rich areas within the national park, providing a direct connection to nature and a chance to explore stunning trails. Whether you're a seasoned hiker, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, understanding what Porters Creek Trailhead Campground offers can help you plan your next adventure in the heart of the Smokies.

Situated within the expansive Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Porters Creek Trailhead Campground is less about traditional RV hookups and more about embracing the backcountry experience. It serves as a starting point for the popular Porters Creek Trail, known for its beautiful wildflowers, historic structures, and scenic waterfalls. This focus on trail access and natural immersion makes it a distinct choice for those who value the untamed beauty of the Smokies over developed amenities.

The charm of Porters Creek lies in its ability to transport visitors to a place where history and nature intertwine. From remnants of old farmsteads to a historic cemetery and a charming waterfall, the area around the campground tells a story of early Appalachian life. It’s a place where you can feel the rhythm of the mountains, hear the rustle of leaves, and witness the vibrant display of wildflowers, especially in spring. This detailed guide will walk you through its location, what you can expect in terms of services and features, and why it's a perfect spot for locals to connect with the natural heritage of Tennessee.

Porters Creek Trailhead Campground is nestled in the scenic Greenbrier area of Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, deep within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To reach the trailhead and its associated camping area, visitors will typically travel on Greenbrier Road. It's important to note that Greenbrier Road is a narrow paved road that eventually turns into a gravel road, and while it is two-way, it can be very narrow in spots. The National Park Service advises that vehicles larger than a pickup truck should not proceed beyond a certain point, and roadside parking is generally forbidden.

The trailhead itself is located at the dead-end of Greenbrier Road, where you will find a gravel parking area. While there isn't a large designated campground lot right at the trailhead for typical car camping, the "campground" aspect refers to its role as a access point to backcountry camping. The Porters Creek Trail eventually leads to Backcountry Campsite #31, which is approximately 3.7 miles from the trailhead. This means that access to camping here requires a hike into the backcountry with a permit, rather than driving directly to a campsite.

Despite the rustic access, the location offers a significant advantage: it's typically less crowded than some other popular areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This provides a more serene and intimate experience with nature. Being within the park, it's also relatively close to the amenities of Gatlinburg, allowing for a blend of wilderness adventure and convenient access to town services if needed.

• Backcountry Campsite Access: The primary "service" of Porters Creek Trailhead Campground is providing access to Backcountry Campsite #31. This is a designated campsite within the national park for overnight backpacking trips. A backcountry permit is required for camping at this site, and campers must register their site upon arrival and pay any applicable camping fees.
• Trail Access: The site serves as the trailhead for the Porters Creek Trail, which is a well-known path for hiking. While the trail itself has restrooms at a picnic area before the loop, there are no facilities directly on the trail or at the immediate trailhead.
• Historical Exploration: The trail offers access to several historical sites, including remnants of old farmsteads like the Elbert Cantrell farmstead and the John Messer farm site (featuring an 1875 barn and a 1935 cabin), as well as the Ownby Cemetery.
• Nature Observation: The trail is renowned for its abundance of wildflowers, especially in spring, making it a prime location for nature photography and botanical observation. It also features Fern Branch Falls, a tranquil waterfall around 2 miles into the trail.
• Year-Round Accessibility for Hiking: While backcountry camping might have seasonal considerations, the Porters Creek Trail itself is generally accessible year-round, offering a good option even when higher elevation trails in the park may be closed due to snow or ice.

• Stunning Wildflower Displays: Especially in spring, Porters Creek Trail is famous for its vibrant display of wildflowers, including bloodroot, hepaticas, white fringed phacelia, violets, and various trilliums. It's a botanist's delight and a photographer's dream.
• Historic Farm Sites and Cemetery: The trail provides a unique opportunity to step back in time, with remnants of early 20th-century farmsteads, including stone walls, and the historic John Messer barn and Smoky Mountain Hiking Club cabin (accessible via a short spur trail). The Ownby Cemetery also offers a poignant glimpse into the past.
• Fern Branch Falls: Approximately two miles into the hike, visitors are rewarded with the beautiful Fern Branch Falls, a peaceful 40-foot waterfall that serves as a popular turnaround point for many day hikers.
• Moderate Trail Difficulty: The Porters Creek Trail is generally rated as moderate, with a gradual incline, making it accessible to a wide range of hikers. The first mile is particularly easy, following an old gravel road.
• Less Crowded Than Other Park Trails: Compared to some of the more heavily trafficked trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Porters Creek often offers a more secluded and tranquil hiking experience, even during peak seasons.
• Parking Availability: There is a gravel parking area at the trailhead, accommodating a reasonable number of vehicles (approximately 20). A parking tag is required for all vehicles parked within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

As Porters Creek Trailhead Campground is part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, general inquiries and information can be obtained through the park's official channels.

Address: Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA (Greenbrier Area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

For direct inquiries regarding the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including backcountry permits and regulations, you can typically reach the park headquarters or visitor centers.

National Park Service Information Line: (865) 436-1200

It is highly recommended to check the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website for the most current information regarding trail conditions, backcountry permit requirements, and any alerts before planning your visit.

For residents of Tennessee, Porters Creek Trailhead Campground and its surrounding trail offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the natural and historical essence of the Great Smoky Mountains, right in their backyard. This area is uniquely suitable for locals for several compelling reasons.

Firstly, its location within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park makes it an accessible and convenient escape into the wilderness. Unlike more commercialized attractions, Porters Creek provides a more raw and authentic outdoor experience. For Tennesseans seeking to regularly immerse themselves in nature, the relatively less crowded nature of this trailhead, particularly compared to some of the park's more famous spots, means a more peaceful and fulfilling visit. This allows for a deeper appreciation of the natural beauty without the overwhelming crowds often found elsewhere.

Secondly, the rich historical context of the Porters Creek Trail adds a layer of depth to any outing. Walking past old farmstead remnants and the Ownby Cemetery isn't just a hike; it's a journey through time, offering a tangible connection to the early settlers of the region. This historical aspect provides educational opportunities and a chance to reflect on the heritage of the Appalachian people, making it more than just a scenic walk, but a cultural exploration.

Furthermore, the trail's moderate difficulty makes it approachable for a wide range of local users, from families with children to active seniors. The stunning wildflowers in spring offer a spectacular seasonal highlight that draws many repeat visitors, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of Tennessee. The presence of Fern Branch Falls provides a beautiful natural reward for the effort, making it a popular destination for a refreshing break and picturesque photo opportunities.

Finally, for locals who enjoy true backcountry camping, Porters Creek provides an authentic experience. While it requires a permit and a hike in, it offers the solitude and immersion in nature that is often sought after by experienced campers. Even for day-trippers, the ability to enjoy such a pristine natural environment within a relatively short drive from many Tennessee communities is a significant benefit. Porters Creek Trailhead Campground is not just a place to visit; it’s a vital part of the Tennessee outdoor experience, offering peace, beauty, and a tangible link to the state’s natural and human history.

Porters Creek Trailhead Campground

Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA