Venture to the north side of the Smokies for this quiet, easy hike along Porters Creek to Fern Branch Falls. While you definitely will not be alone, you will find this area less crowded than other sections of the park.

Parking is at the end of the loop on Loop Road at the end of Greenbrier Road. There’s enough parking for 25 – 30 cars, but make sure to get there early on weekends. The trail begins along the wide gravel path behind the gate. The Porter’s Creek trail stays close to the named creek the entire hike, only leaving it briefly and never out of earshot of the roaring water.

All along this first section, numerous short side trails take you closer to the beautiful Porter’s Creek. At the 1.0 mile mark, the trail splits twice in short succession. Stay to the left at both intersections, following the creek. At this point, the trail has climbed above the creek and more side trails allow views down below. This is also where the gravel path ends and the more common narrow, dirt, root, and rock trail continues. Even as the trail stays well above the water, moss-covered boulders and fern covered hills still make this trail scenic and peaceful.

At 1.5 miles from the trailhead, a long, narrow log bridge takes you over Porter’s Creek. The bridge consists of three pieces of log, supported by rocks and topped with a layer of asphalt. A low handrail helps you across. If you are afraid of heights, you may want to turn around here.

At mile 2.0 the trail crosses a small stream. At this point, look up and to the left and you will see Fern Branch Falls high above the trail. A steep side trail exists just after crossing the stream that will lead you up for a better view from the base of the falls. Although Fern Branch Falls is nothing spectacular, the thick moss growing on the exposed rock face alongside the falling water is interesting enough to make this steep final climb worthwhile. This description ends here, but the trail does continue for a while before ending at a campsite.