Location: GSMNP East Tennessee
Nearest Town: Townsend, TN / Gatlinburg, TN
Species: Rainbow & brown trout
Average Size: 8-10”
Stream Size: Open to moderate
Pressure: Moderate to light
Type of Water: Freestone, Mountain
Boat Access: None
Best Times: Late spring through late fall
Favorite Flies: Attractor dries, beadhead nymphs, stonefly nymphs
Nearest Fly Shop: Little River Outfitters – Townsend
Lodging: Talley Ho
Docks
Camping: Elkmont Campground
Little River Campground
Backcountry Campsites #24 & #30
Directions:
From Townsend, travel southeast on 73 to GSMNP entrance. At the “Y” in the road, turn left toward Gatlinburg on Little River Road. Follow approximately twelve and a half miles and turn right toward Elkmont Campground. Or, from Townsend, turn on Wears Valley road at the only traffic light in town. At about six and a half miles, turn right on Lyon Springs Road. This road will eventually end at Little River Road at Metcalf Bottoms picnic area. Turn left and follow for about four and a half miles and turn right toward Elkmont Campground. Upon reaching the campground entrance, turn left toward Little River Trailhead and follow to the parking area at the end of the road.
From Gatlinburg, travel southwest on 73/321 and merge south onto 441/71 toward Cherokee, NC. Just past the Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn right toward Townsend on Little River Road and follow approximately four and a half miles. Soon after passing Laurel Falls trailhead, turn left toward Elkmont Campground. Upon reaching the campground entrance, turn left toward Little River Trailhead and follow to the parking area at the end of the road.
The trail follows Little River for about six miles providing frequent river access along the way. The further up the trail you go, the smaller the stream will become and the fewer people you will see. Backcountry Campsite #24 is about four miles up the trail, and Backcountry Campsite #30 is located near the trail’s end at six miles. A visit to Backcountry Campsite will also put you in close proximity to Rough Creek and Fish Camp Prong.