While either side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is well worth visiting, the North Carolina side is unique because it can be quieter than the Tennessee portion. Hikers can see the beautiful scenery without as much hustle and bustle. Need some hiking recommendations? We’ve got you covered. Here is our guide to hiking the Noland Creek Trail:
| Trail Length | 18 Miles |
| Trail Difficulty | Strenuous |
| Trail Highlights | History, Creek Views, Quiet |
Directions to Trailhead
The trailhead for the Noland Creek Trail is located at the 5.0-mile marker of Lakeview Drive (The Road to Nowhere). The parking area only has 21 spots, so it is best to arrive early. Look for a short access path that takes you beneath the Lakeview Drive bridge to Noland Creek. Hikers have the option to travel upstream toward the Springhouse Branch Trail or downstream to Fontana Lake. Make sure you have a Smoky Mountain parking tag on your vehicle before you set off.
Trail Description
The northern route of the Noland Creek Trail is about 18 miles roundtrip. While it is a long trail, the terrain is fairly flat and follows an old service road. The namesake stretches for many miles; stop to enjoy the mini waterfalls. The calm water places make great fishing spots. (Make sure you have a valid North Carolina or Tennessee license and proper gear.)
As for history, there are various remnants of an old settlement. Look out for old homesteads and cemeteries. There are even parts of a 1930s power plant, like the concrete base and supports for the waterwheel. The water of Noland Creek was used to produce electricity!
Plan Your Hike
If you want to split the hike into multiple days, the Noland Creek Trail has a couple of backcountry campsites. One of them is Campsite #64, located at the junction of the Noland Creek Trail and the Springhouse Branch Trail. Remember that the backcountry campsites are only open during the summer, and you must have a reservation.
If you want a shorter hike, take the Noland Creek Trail downstream to where the creek meets Fontana Lake. This short trail is only about 2.1 miles. Before turning back, take a minute to explore the area along the lake. Stick your hands and feet in the water to cool off on a hot day. There are picnic tables where visitors can eat a quick snack or meal.
Tips for Longer Hikes
- Keep Track of Daylight: Start your hike early in the morning to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and avoid running out of daylight!
- Pack Lots of Water: Bring a water bottle to sip from during your hike. Staying hydrated will give you maximum energy.
- Bring a Buddy: Hiking is more fun in groups. It gives you someone to talk to, and you have more help finding your way around!
More Hikes in the North Carolina Smokies
We hope you enjoyed learning about the Noland Creek Trail in North Carolina! There are even more hikes to try on the NC side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Learn more about hiking to Chasteen Creek Cascade!
