Waterfall Hero Hikes: Baskins Creek Falls (GSMNP)

Baskins Creek Falls, also called Baskins Falls, is a 40-foot waterfall on Falls Branch, a tributary of Baskins Creek, in Sevier County, Tennessee. The waterfall is located in the Sugarlands area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Hike Length: 3.2 miles
Estimated Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Sugarlands (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: No
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Moderate
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery. The last part of the trail is very steep and slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 35.67750,-83.47845
Waterfall GPS: 35.69506,-83.48233

Directions:

From Gatlinburg, turn on Cherokee Orchard Road to head into the park. The road will pass the main and overflow parking for Rainbow Falls and come to Roaring Fork Motor Trail at 3.9 miles. Turn right on one-way Roaring Fork and go 0.2 miles to a pull-off on the left at the trailhead for Baskins Creek Trail. There are a couple pull-offs further up the road but not much parking. If the area is crowded, it may be safer to park at Rainbow Falls Overflow and walk to the trailhead.

Map:

Hike Description:

The trail descends from the trailhead and then climbs a short ways up to a ridge with nice views.

The trail then descends to Falls Branch. In 1.2 miles, a spur to the left leads to Baskins Creek Cemetery. At 1.4 miles, turn left on a spur where Baskins Creek Trail goes right. The trail follows Falls Branch downstream to the waterfall. The last part is very steep.