Main | Trails | Journal | Gallery | Links

Cabin Flats

Rating: Easy

Distance: 10.4 miles roundtrip

Trailhead: Northern end of Smokemont Campground - approximately 4 miles north of the Oconaluftee Visitor's Center outside of Cherokee, NC on Newfound Gap Road (Hwy. 441).

Trails: Bradley Fork Trail, Cabin Flats Trail

Campsites: 49, 50 (optional)

Overview: This is an excellent one to two night trip over moderately easy terrain.

Cabin Flats

The trail to campsite 49 in Cabin Flats is an excellent hike for a novice hiker or even a seasoned trail walker seeking a night of solitude out in the great outdoors. To view the map for this trail click here. From the trailhead at the north end of the Smokemont Campground, the Bradley Fork Trail parallels its namesake the Bradley Fork of the Oconaluftee River for the first four miles. The walking is relatively easy along the broad gravel road with only a slight increase in gradient. The Bradley Fork Trail intersects with the Chasteen Creek Trail at the 1.1 mile mark. After passing the Chasteen Creek Trail, the Bradley Fork Trail intersects with the Smokemont Loop Trail at the 1.5 mile mark. After 4 miles the trail abruptly turns to the right. Proceed straight ahead onto the Cabin Flats Trail. The trail turns to the left and crosses an old trestle bridge. The trail narrows and steepens as it climbs through an area of old growth forest. The climb is only brief as the terrain levels off at the intersection with the Dry Sluice Gap Trail at the 4.5 mile mark. Proceed to the right staying on the Cabin Flats Trail. The trail drops steeply over the last tenth of a mile into Campsite 49. At the base of the hill the trail proceeds to the right with several excellent camping spots alongside the creek.

Logjam on Cabin Flats Creek

There are some interesting places to explore further down the creek. After passing the last camping area and the horse stall, there is a large gravel area with the creek flowing to the left. To the right there are numerous small pools and further ahead there is a huge log jam. Trout are abundant in the shallow pools but be careful walking on the logs and rocks.

The next day follow the same route back down to Smokemont Campground. To extend this trip into two nights, it is possible to camp at Campsite 50. This site is only a tenth of a mile up the Chasteen Creek Trail. Another mile up this trail is Chasteen Creek Cascade. The campsite and the waterfall make an interesting addition to the trip.

Back to Trails Page | Back to Main Page