Baskins Creek Falls
Baskins Creek Falls
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HeardItBothWays
Easton, PA2,364 contributions
May 2021
My husband and I visited Baskin Creek Falls during our time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
This was one of the quieter trails we found, which was nice given how packed the park gets on the weekend. It's a steep hike - a steady uphill about 900 feet. It wreaked a bit of havoc on my asthma between the high TN humidity and the steepness of the incline. I definitely had to ration my inhaler!
The falls at the end were lovely and peaceful, though, with the exception of a loud group of ~15 people who came at the end but that's not the fault of the waterfall. Along the way, we saw beautiful flowers and butterflies.
This is a nice option to get a solid workout and to escape the crowds elsewhere in the park!
This was one of the quieter trails we found, which was nice given how packed the park gets on the weekend. It's a steep hike - a steady uphill about 900 feet. It wreaked a bit of havoc on my asthma between the high TN humidity and the steepness of the incline. I definitely had to ration my inhaler!
The falls at the end were lovely and peaceful, though, with the exception of a loud group of ~15 people who came at the end but that's not the fault of the waterfall. Along the way, we saw beautiful flowers and butterflies.
This is a nice option to get a solid workout and to escape the crowds elsewhere in the park!
Written 15 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lovetravel2
936 contributions
Sept 2021 • Friends
This is a very quiet beautiful trail. I read reviews that it is difficult, but I would rate it as moderate. As long as you are fit, you will have no trouble. It is straight down to the falls, then at the bottom there are some rocks and stuff to crawl over to get around to see the falls, a little tricky. The way back up is steep, but if you are having trouble just stop and catch your breath. It will probably take you between 2 and 3 hours, depending on your level of endurance. It took us 2.5 hours and that was spending time at the falls and veering off to check out the cemetery towards the bottom. There were even bear on the trail, just not a lot of parking. I do recommend this, it is well worth the climb back up.
Written 27 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LeSteveO
Lexington, KY66 contributions
Aug 2020
This was an enjoyable hike through mountainous woodland trails. We saw deer and wild turkey. The waterfall at the end was worth the hike. I would caution though that the trail is quite steep in places, and you to have to scramble a bit close to the fall. Took us a couple of hours there and back. Not as much foot traffic as some of the popular falls trails in this area. Well worth a visit.
Written 5 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Silverfalcon3
Statham, GA309 contributions
Sept 2022
Very challenging! We saw bear foot prints. We were warned about a bear on path ahead. The walk down was tough on knees. Last 25 feet we climbed down. The walk back up was difficult on heart and lungs. We enjoyed it but it’s a strenuous hike. Beautiful waterfall. Not crowded at all. It’s difficult to find trail. Park at Rainbow Falls. Walk up roaring fork motor trail. It’s on left. Don’t risk finding 1 of 3 spots at trailhead.
Written 25 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoSeeItMom
Hershey, PA116 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
It’s quite the strenuous hike. Returning from the falls is almost all uphill, but I’m not in shape and I was able to do it. We saw a deer on the trail, and other hikers were telling us they had seen bear. The trail was mostly shaded, which was nice for a hot July day. Just FYI when you’re done with the hike, it will take you quite a while to drive out of the park as it’s a one-way road that winds through the park for quite a while. I really enjoyed the drive but just make sure you have the time allotted for that.
Written 31 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SShah30
Chicago, IL53 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
This was my first hike in a national park and this review may be slightly biased as I am not a professional hiker. This hike is suppose to be a "moderate 3 mile" hike -well it felt like a hard, strenuous 5 mile hike. I work out and am active and walk my 10,000 steps but this was not an easy hike for me. I struggled going to the falls and coming back was WORST. Its all elevation -you're going down for a bit then you're going up the entire time. When you actually get to the falls, that's the scariest part. You have these giants steps you have to jump/half climb on-it is scary and slippery!! The falls were okay and but the place was eerily quiet. It was a little bit spooky but I did get some good pictures of the waterfall. It is worth mentioning that this is a very remote hike. We were the only hikers there that day that were on this hike -we didn't see anyone there the entire time we were on this hike and it was really scary. To add the cherry on top-we saw Copperhead snakes on our way to the hike. This is not a hike for beginners and I would not recommend taking small kids (under 10) here. There are other ways to get to these falls apparently and I really wish we had looked into that because this path was extremely scary and hard to do. To conclude, I will say this- I was so scared after this hike that this was my first and last hike during my stay in the Smokies.
Written 1 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HTownMelBell
Houston, Tx119 contributions
May 2014 • Family
As the other reviewer said, I am probably ruining this secret oasis for myself... but, this trail is the best trail I have ever been on (and I have been on a lot). I actually got within two feet of a bear - that could be a good thing or bad thing depending on what your looking for! Best of all it is devoid of huge tourist groups.
We went early on a Sunday morning, around 8am, and there was no one on the trail. About five minutes into the trail we saw a bear casually walking on the human trail. He turned and looked at us and kept on walking. I took a picture and he just looked at me again and walked away. He eventually leaped into the bushes. A few yards later I rounded a corner only to see another bear standing on the side of the trail eating. He ran into the bushes as well. The bears seem pretty tame, and if you have a quick hand you can probably get some great pictures.
The trail itself is so peaceful and quiet, and considered a moderate trail. It is easier going up than back down, but it's not too bad. The waterfall is beautiful as well. Even on the way back we didn't see any other hikers, and Gatlinburg was at 100% capacity that day, so I think this trail isn't very well known. Probably why the bears like it, can't blame them! It is 3 miles roundtrip I think if you just walk to the falls and back.
Finding the trail can be a little difficult, but with directions its easy. You have to drive to the Motor Fork Roaring Trail. To get to the motor trail, simply drive to Gatlinburg until you get to traffic light #6 or #8, they both converge into the Motor Trail. There are signs directing you to the motor trail. The Motor trail eventually turns into one way, so you want to be careful not to pass up the Baskins Creek sign. There are actually two entrances to Baskins Creek, one at the beginning of the motor trail and one towards the end. I suggest the one towards the end as it seems like less people know about it. It is between marker sign post #9 and #10. So slow down after you see #9, and right before #10 you will see a Baskins Creek sign on the left with a few side parking spaces. If you accidentally pass it up, no worries, a few feet away you will pass a bridge with sign post #10 and additional parking by some old houses. You can park here and walk the few feet to the trail.
If you get here early I think you will have a great time. It is an awesome trail, and if you love bears even better!
We went early on a Sunday morning, around 8am, and there was no one on the trail. About five minutes into the trail we saw a bear casually walking on the human trail. He turned and looked at us and kept on walking. I took a picture and he just looked at me again and walked away. He eventually leaped into the bushes. A few yards later I rounded a corner only to see another bear standing on the side of the trail eating. He ran into the bushes as well. The bears seem pretty tame, and if you have a quick hand you can probably get some great pictures.
The trail itself is so peaceful and quiet, and considered a moderate trail. It is easier going up than back down, but it's not too bad. The waterfall is beautiful as well. Even on the way back we didn't see any other hikers, and Gatlinburg was at 100% capacity that day, so I think this trail isn't very well known. Probably why the bears like it, can't blame them! It is 3 miles roundtrip I think if you just walk to the falls and back.
Finding the trail can be a little difficult, but with directions its easy. You have to drive to the Motor Fork Roaring Trail. To get to the motor trail, simply drive to Gatlinburg until you get to traffic light #6 or #8, they both converge into the Motor Trail. There are signs directing you to the motor trail. The Motor trail eventually turns into one way, so you want to be careful not to pass up the Baskins Creek sign. There are actually two entrances to Baskins Creek, one at the beginning of the motor trail and one towards the end. I suggest the one towards the end as it seems like less people know about it. It is between marker sign post #9 and #10. So slow down after you see #9, and right before #10 you will see a Baskins Creek sign on the left with a few side parking spaces. If you accidentally pass it up, no worries, a few feet away you will pass a bridge with sign post #10 and additional parking by some old houses. You can park here and walk the few feet to the trail.
If you get here early I think you will have a great time. It is an awesome trail, and if you love bears even better!
Written 31 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EC137209
Indianapolis, IN41 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
We visited at the height of tourist season and were not enjoying the multitudes of people everywhere. We started at the 'Baskins Creek Trail Trailhead' near the beginning of the Roaring Fork Motor Trail and easily found parking, unlike in other spots. I do not agree with the reviewer who said to not bring children under 10, as my 8 and 5 year old absolutely loved this hike. The uphill on the way back was a little tiring on all of us, but we were okay with that because the falls themselves were so beautiful. Completely secluded, without other people and my boys were able to splash in and beneath the waterfall for as long as they liked. If you are looking for something off the beaten path with natural splendor and very few people, this is the hike for you (but shh, don't tell anyone how amazing it is).
Written 25 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeev23
Houston, TX14 contributions
May 2017 • Family
I'll start with the basics.
Who: I am an athletic male in his late 20s. I took my healthy (but not that active) parents who are in their early to mid 60s. They are of average build and weight.
When: May 16, 2017
When: Late afternoon - sunny, clear day
Distance: 1.5 miles each way, 3.0 miles round trip (excluding the cemetery)
Difficulty: If you are athletic/active, I would call this moderate. If you are not athletic or active, it's difficult/strenuous.
So, I just did this hike today, and I would say right off the bat that it is definitely not worth it at the present time, and I'll explain why. If you look at the older reviews, there is a beautiful waterfall at the end. Based on my experience, things have changed since that time.
Here's an overview:
The trail starts with a fairly easy section. Mild ups and downs for about 0.25 miles or so. Nothing special. There is a tree trunk that has fallen across the trail but it is very easy to climb over. However, it foreshadows what comes later and is an early indication that the national park is no longer performing maintenance on this trail. But I did see a doe from about 20 feet away and she was very calm. It was quite a cool sight.
Then, you transition into about a 0.3-0.4 mile section where it appears that recent fires have burned the trees to nothingness. However, in the background of the burned forest, you can see rolling hills and mountains with lush greenery and somewhat colorful (orange/red) foliage in the distance. It is quite beautiful actually. You will also see exposed white/glistening areas of rock that are a sight to see as well. Up to this point, the trail has a lot of roots sticking out but is pretty decent.
Then you'll come to the next section. It's abou. 0.3-0.4 miles This is a moderate downslope which continues for almost entirely the remainder of the trail. If you are not an active person, you may even describe this section as somewhat steep. Once you have reached this point, there is nothing worth seeing until you get to the cemetery and then waterfall. This is the point at which you realize that coming back is going to be arduous if you're not an athletic person. You'll cross the narrow creek 3 times. The first has a bunch of logs across it and is fairly easy to cross. The second has a big tree that has fallen across it so you have to navigate beneath it a bit and step from rock to rock. Still pretty easy but this is the point you realize that the national park people are definitely not maintaining this trail anymore. The third crossing is a bunch of small stepping stones and is easy to cross. Throughout this section, the creek barely has any water running through it and the whole area is characterized by thick shrubbery and fallen branches. Not that pretty.
As you continue down, it gets a little less steep and there is a fork to go to the cemetery. It's over 100 years old, and maybe a 5-10 min walk, so you may want to check it out. As you continue, you'll come to another fork. You will go left to go to the falls. From this point, the moderate downslope resumes for the remainder of the trail. During this final section, the trail is a little bit narrower, perhaps a little bit steeper, has more flying insects, and is definitely nothing to look at. It's at this point that you will ask yourself if this was actually worth it. And the answer is no. As you descend the last few hundred feet to the falls, it gets somewhat steep and would be a bit difficult if you are not active/athletic. But, alas you have made it to the falls. Congratulations!
But wait...
It's at this point that your suspicions and fears are confirmed. This is not the beautiful waterfall you saw in the pictures from trip advisor. This is a waterfall that USED to be pretty. But, it has fallen into disarray. Fallen tree trunks and branches litter the base of the falls and obscure your view of them partially. This area WOULD be beautiful if it was maintained, but it is not. The national park has probably been dealing with a lot since the fires, so this area has clearly been ignored. Perhaps they will fix it up eventually and it will be restored to its original glory, but until that happens, it's not worth going and was in my opinion a wasted trip, particularly because of how much uphill walking there is coming back.
The saving grace of this trip is all the beautiful stops there are along the roaring fork motor trail. Perhaps you should just save your time, see the stops on the motor trail, and hike somewhere else.
Who: I am an athletic male in his late 20s. I took my healthy (but not that active) parents who are in their early to mid 60s. They are of average build and weight.
When: May 16, 2017
When: Late afternoon - sunny, clear day
Distance: 1.5 miles each way, 3.0 miles round trip (excluding the cemetery)
Difficulty: If you are athletic/active, I would call this moderate. If you are not athletic or active, it's difficult/strenuous.
So, I just did this hike today, and I would say right off the bat that it is definitely not worth it at the present time, and I'll explain why. If you look at the older reviews, there is a beautiful waterfall at the end. Based on my experience, things have changed since that time.
Here's an overview:
The trail starts with a fairly easy section. Mild ups and downs for about 0.25 miles or so. Nothing special. There is a tree trunk that has fallen across the trail but it is very easy to climb over. However, it foreshadows what comes later and is an early indication that the national park is no longer performing maintenance on this trail. But I did see a doe from about 20 feet away and she was very calm. It was quite a cool sight.
Then, you transition into about a 0.3-0.4 mile section where it appears that recent fires have burned the trees to nothingness. However, in the background of the burned forest, you can see rolling hills and mountains with lush greenery and somewhat colorful (orange/red) foliage in the distance. It is quite beautiful actually. You will also see exposed white/glistening areas of rock that are a sight to see as well. Up to this point, the trail has a lot of roots sticking out but is pretty decent.
Then you'll come to the next section. It's abou. 0.3-0.4 miles This is a moderate downslope which continues for almost entirely the remainder of the trail. If you are not an active person, you may even describe this section as somewhat steep. Once you have reached this point, there is nothing worth seeing until you get to the cemetery and then waterfall. This is the point at which you realize that coming back is going to be arduous if you're not an athletic person. You'll cross the narrow creek 3 times. The first has a bunch of logs across it and is fairly easy to cross. The second has a big tree that has fallen across it so you have to navigate beneath it a bit and step from rock to rock. Still pretty easy but this is the point you realize that the national park people are definitely not maintaining this trail anymore. The third crossing is a bunch of small stepping stones and is easy to cross. Throughout this section, the creek barely has any water running through it and the whole area is characterized by thick shrubbery and fallen branches. Not that pretty.
As you continue down, it gets a little less steep and there is a fork to go to the cemetery. It's over 100 years old, and maybe a 5-10 min walk, so you may want to check it out. As you continue, you'll come to another fork. You will go left to go to the falls. From this point, the moderate downslope resumes for the remainder of the trail. During this final section, the trail is a little bit narrower, perhaps a little bit steeper, has more flying insects, and is definitely nothing to look at. It's at this point that you will ask yourself if this was actually worth it. And the answer is no. As you descend the last few hundred feet to the falls, it gets somewhat steep and would be a bit difficult if you are not active/athletic. But, alas you have made it to the falls. Congratulations!
But wait...
It's at this point that your suspicions and fears are confirmed. This is not the beautiful waterfall you saw in the pictures from trip advisor. This is a waterfall that USED to be pretty. But, it has fallen into disarray. Fallen tree trunks and branches litter the base of the falls and obscure your view of them partially. This area WOULD be beautiful if it was maintained, but it is not. The national park has probably been dealing with a lot since the fires, so this area has clearly been ignored. Perhaps they will fix it up eventually and it will be restored to its original glory, but until that happens, it's not worth going and was in my opinion a wasted trip, particularly because of how much uphill walking there is coming back.
The saving grace of this trip is all the beautiful stops there are along the roaring fork motor trail. Perhaps you should just save your time, see the stops on the motor trail, and hike somewhere else.
Written 16 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark S
Somerset, KY66 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
typically when you hike in the Smokies you start at the trailhead and usually go up, up and up to a destination and then the hike back to your car is usually mostly downhill and much easier, except on your knees.
this trail is a bit different…..when you leave the car you actually do go up for a bit but not for long and then entire rest of the hike is ALL downhill…….not a problem , but one that i certainly thought to myself, "hmmmm, should be interesting hiking back out of here….lol".
anyway, the trail is nice….there are a couple of spots along the first part of the trail that you can see the mountains…..as you go down and down you eventually come to the creek and it's beautiful.
the falls are worth the hike……very cool place to see.
the first part of the hike out was very difficult for me…..i am in my mid 40's and a former athlete…..not in very good shape now but even my family who are in good shape thought a good chunk of the hike out was a challenge……don't get me wrong, its not brutal or anything but i do think it's sneaky hard and more difficult than the "trail ratings" you will see.
but with that said, it was for sure worth it and I would not hesitate to go again. this trail is not heavily used and therefore, we only met about 6-8 people along the way. saw a few families heading down that had some very overweight people with them, wearing flip-flops and didn't appear to have any water…..i guess people think that because the trail isn't overly long that those things aren't needed but i would highly advise that you bring water and make sure you are wearing the right kind of shoes.
so if you want to hike a lesser known and less travelled trail this is a good place to visit! if the Alum Cave Bluff Trail is a "10" then I would rank this one as a "6" or "7". but that still means it was very good!
this trail is a bit different…..when you leave the car you actually do go up for a bit but not for long and then entire rest of the hike is ALL downhill…….not a problem , but one that i certainly thought to myself, "hmmmm, should be interesting hiking back out of here….lol".
anyway, the trail is nice….there are a couple of spots along the first part of the trail that you can see the mountains…..as you go down and down you eventually come to the creek and it's beautiful.
the falls are worth the hike……very cool place to see.
the first part of the hike out was very difficult for me…..i am in my mid 40's and a former athlete…..not in very good shape now but even my family who are in good shape thought a good chunk of the hike out was a challenge……don't get me wrong, its not brutal or anything but i do think it's sneaky hard and more difficult than the "trail ratings" you will see.
but with that said, it was for sure worth it and I would not hesitate to go again. this trail is not heavily used and therefore, we only met about 6-8 people along the way. saw a few families heading down that had some very overweight people with them, wearing flip-flops and didn't appear to have any water…..i guess people think that because the trail isn't overly long that those things aren't needed but i would highly advise that you bring water and make sure you are wearing the right kind of shoes.
so if you want to hike a lesser known and less travelled trail this is a good place to visit! if the Alum Cave Bluff Trail is a "10" then I would rank this one as a "6" or "7". but that still means it was very good!
Written 10 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are excited to do this trail next week. Where do we park and find the entrance to this trail?
Written 26 July 2015
In Gatlinburg turn on airport road at the space needle. Stay straight until you hit the one way roaring 🍴 motor trail, which essentially makes a horseshoe shaped drive. There are two trailheads for the Baskin creek falls trail, each approaching the falls from different directions. Either direction is a downhill hike to the falls. Numerous places have free trail maps and this trail should be marked on any of them. Enjoy!
Written 27 July 2015
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