The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has over 850 miles of hiking trails at varying levels of difficulty. Let us tell you about one of our favorite trails in the Cosby/Greenbrier area. You’ll love being in the quiet forest atmosphere and experiencing one of the least-traveled trails in the Smokies! Here is your guide to hiking the Albright Grove Loop Trail in the Smoky Mountains:
| Trail Length | 6.7 Miles |
| Trail Difficulty | Moderate |
| Trail Highlights | History, Quiet, Forest, Fishing |
Trailhead
To reach the Albright Grove Loop, hikers must begin at the Maddron Bald trailhead. If you're coming from Gatlinburg, head northeast on 321 and stay on this road for 15.4 miles. Turn right onto Baxter Road and look for the Maddron Bald trailhead sign. Expect a mix of gravel and dirt path, and make sure you get a Smoky Mountain parking tag for your vehicle before you hit the trails.
Trail Description
The Albright Grove Loop Trail in the Smoky Mountains is a short loop found just under 3 miles from the Maddron Bald Trailhead. To reach the loop and back, the hike is a total of 6.7 miles round trip with around 1,475 feet of elevation gain. At 1.2 miles, the Maddron Bald Trail will intersect with the Gabes Mountain Trail and the Old Settlers Trail. At 2.3 miles, you will travel on a dirt path through an old-growth forest. The leaves offer welcome shade during the warmer months. At 2.8 miles, you will cross Indian Camp Creek. It provides a home for lots of trout and brook fish in the Smokies. You will then reach the Albright Grove Loop at 2.9 miles from the trailhead, and within just under a mile, you’ll find yourself back on the Maddron Bald Trail. If you feel like hiking longer, continue on the Maddron Bald Trail for another 3 miles, and you’ll reach the impressive Maddon Bald, a beautiful scenic overlook with amazing mountain views!
Trail Highlights
The Maddron Bald Trail and the Albright Grove Loop are part of the amazing work done by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. With over 22 functioning camps in the park, their goal was to make the Smoky Mountains National Park better while still preserving the natural beauty of the area. At the beginning of the trail, look out for the Baxter Cabin. It is a one-room log cabin that was built in 1889 by William Baxter. You’ll be surprised to discover that all the lumber came from one huge chestnut tree! Other historical remnants along the trail include old stone walls from the other homesteads that once stood here. Another highlight of this trail is Indian Camp Creek, which provides great opportunities for fishing and salamander watching. Keep in mind that you must have a license to fish in the Smokies!
Hiking Tips
- Start your hike early so that you won’t run out of daylight. This way, you can take your time and not feel rushed!
- Wear sturdy shoes to maintain your balance on the steep parts of the trail and the wet areas near Indian Camp Creek.
- Maintain a distance of at least 150 feet from any wildlife.
Now you know all about hiking the Albright Grove Loop Trail in the Smoky Mountains! Want more trail recommendations? Explore our other list of the best hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains National Park!
