Want to explore more of the North Carolina side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park? From Deep Creek Falls to Indian Creek Falls, there are some beautiful waterfalls in the area where you can watch the water rush over the rocks. Another waterfall hike you should know about is the trail to Chasteen Creek Cascade! Keep reading to learn more about where to find the trailhead and what to expect along the way.
| Trail Length | 3.6 Miles |
| Trail Difficulty | Easy |
| Trail Highlights | Waterfall, wildflowers |
Directions to the Trailhead
First, you must drive to the Smokemont Campground via Newfound Gap Road (US-441), one of the most beautiful scenic drives in GSMNP! Smokemont Campground is located about 3.5 miles north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Once you arrive, find a place to park and purchase your Smoky Mountain parking pass, then head to Campsite 45 near Section D.
There, you will find the trailhead to the Bradley Fork Trail, where your hike to Chasteen Creek Cascade begins! Keep in mind that Section D of the campground is closed during the winter months, so you’ll have to hike a little longer to reach the trailhead.
Trail Description
The trail to Chasteen Creek Cascade is an easy 3.6-mile roundtrip route with minimal elevation gain, great for families with kids. For the first portion on the Bradley Fork Trail, you will see lots of wildflowers covering the ground in the summer months. Mountain Laurel and trillium are among the most popular in this hardwood forest.
At about a quarter-mile from the trailhead, the Bradley Fork Trail will merge with the Tow String Horse Trail (watch for any potential riders on horseback!). You will then cross a bridge over Chasteen Creek and turn right to continue on the Chasteen Creek Trail. After crossing another bridge, you will be able to get a full view of Chasteen Creek Cascades, a 25-foot-tall waterfall with an impressive amount of water tumbling over the rocks.
Smoky Mountain Hiking Tips
Here are some helpful tips for hiking the trail to Chasteen Creek Cascade:
- Start Your Hike Early: The purchase of a parking tag does not guarantee a parking spot. Arrive early to get a good spot. That way, you won’t run out of daylight since it isn’t safe to hike in the dark.
- Wear Proper Shoes: Good shoes are a very important thing to have on a hike. They keep the spring in your step and help you maintain your balance. Opt for close-toed shoes with good traction.
- Respect Wildlife: Maintain a distance of 150 feet or more from animals, such as bears and deer. Additionally, refrain from displacing salamanders and other small creatures if you find them under rocks. Follow the Leave No Trace Law and leave the area exactly as you found it.
More Hiking Trails in the North Carolina Smokies
Now you know all about hiking to Chasteen Creek Cascade! Want to know about more places to explore in the NC Smokies? Read about the Goldmine Loop Trail!
