If you love hiking in the Smokies, you most likely have a short list of your favorite trails. The national park has over 850 miles of trails, so there is much more ground to cover. Let us tell you about one of our favorite hidden gems in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here’s everything you need to know about the Courthouse Rock Trail:
| Trail Length | 2.3 Miles |
| Trail Difficulty | Difficult |
| Trail Highlights | Rock Formations, Caves, Waterfalls, and Views |
Trail Description
To find the trailhead, you must use exact GPS coordinates. These will take you to the parking area, and the trailhead is across the street. The Courthouse Rock Trail is around 2.3 miles and takes an average of 90 minutes to complete with an elevation gain of over 700 feet. While the trail is short in length, the route is still considered moderately challenging. Only experienced hikers should attempt this trail. One reason is that hikers will encounter various creek crossings. Use caution on the slippery parts of the bridges. Moreover, do not attempt to cross if the creek is overflowing after a heavy rain. While navigating this unmarked, often overgrown path, you may also come to junctions where you must choose your own paths. Keep an eye out for the rock formations (cairns) created by past hikers. They will help guide you on where to go.
Highlights of Courthouse Rock Trail
Hikers who conquer the Courthouse Rock Trail will be rewarded with some interesting sights. One of them is Moonshine Cave. This is a man-made cave that was once used for storing moonshine. The cool temperature and freshwater created a natural refrigeration system. Next to Moonshine Cave is Turn Branch Falls. You will know it is close by when you hear the rushing water. It flows down quickly into 3 tiers. The next thing you’ll see is the trail’s namesake, Courthouse Rock. It is the only freestanding rock formation in the Smoky Mountains. It is said that the Cherokee people had court meetings in front of the gigantic rock when they inhabited the land long ago. If you go past Courthouse Rock, you will find another waterfall on the trail called Quilliam Falls. Take a look into Quilliam Cave nearby. It has hundreds of rocks that make up some stunning rock formations.
Hiking Tips
- Since the Courthouse Rock Trail is not on the official Smoky Mountains National Park trail map, use the exact GPS coordinates to find the trial.
- The best times to hike this route are early spring and fall when there is less overgrowth and underbrush, making this unofficial trail easier to navigate.
- Hiking with loved ones is better than going alone! Going with a group will offer more help in finding your way around. Make some great memories of enjoying the scenery together as well.
- Set out on the trail in the early morning to avoid running out of daylight.
- During your hike, wear a pair of sturdy shoes to help keep your balance, and drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
More Secret Spots in the Smokies
As you can see, this short trail certainly packs a punch but is quite rewarding, with multiple rock formations, waterfalls, and beautiful views. But there are many more unique spots in the national park to explore, like the Fairy House, Gorley’s Pond in Cades Cove, and The Rock House!
Now you know more about the Courthouse Rock Trail! Want to find more hidden gems in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Check out this list of lesser-known hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains!
