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A scenic horse trail leading through Smoky Mountain wilderness.


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Map Key

2.4

Miles

3.9

KM

Point to Point

2,870' 875 m

High

2,636' 804 m

Low

234' 71 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

7%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Wildlife

Family Friendly Moderate grades and a manageable length make this trail a viable option for families with children. Just be sure to keep your children close, as horses are often on trail.

Description

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has hundreds of miles of trails for visitors to enjoy, over 550 of which are open to horse use. This is one of several horse trails that can range in grade, tread, and length. Visitors are encouraged to take part in one of the park’s guided trail tours that are offered from the spring season through the fall. For more information on guided horseback tours, see the park’s website.

The eastern portion of this trail from the campground to the parking area/toilets approximately follows the route of the original road into Big Cataloochee, before the modern paved road was created. Following this trail allows you a glimpse of how the early residents traveled along the creekside on their way past the fields and church to the schoolhouse.

Visitors are also allowed to bring their own horses to experience the tranquility of the trails by themselves. For more information on horse trails and personal horse use within the park, please visit the park’s website or call (865) 436-0120.

Flora & Fauna

Myriad wildflowers in season; elk, black bear, and turkey.

Contacts

Shared By:

Hunter R

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 5 votes

#11

in Cataloochee

#15751

Overall
  3.8 from 5 votes
5 Star
20%
4 Star
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3 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#11

in Cataloochee

#653

in North Carolina

#15,751

Overall
2 Views Last Month
771 Since Sep 4, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

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Photos

Elk grazing in the Cataloochee Valley.
Dec 17, 2015 near Cove Creek, NC
Little guy was right off the trail. It was during the fall shuffle so he didn't have time for us. Just kept on eating...
Jan 4, 2018 near Cove Creek, NC

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