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The beauty of the Tennessee wilderness goes unmatched in the United States, but there are a few especially magical hiking trails that traverse the state’s backwoods that outdoor enthusiasts don’t want to miss. Porters Creek Trail is tucked away on the eastern edge of the state, and the beautiful route takes hikers through a myriad of outdoor spaces and bucolic scenes. Though the hiking route itself is neat, there are a few hidden gems along the trail that just might keep you coming back…like the abandoned cabin that no one has occupied for years and years.

Daniel Giust - AllTrails
Porters Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that is a full seven miles in its entirety. It is considered to be a moderately difficult route, so make sure you're prepared for some solid elevation gain, and about four hours spent on the trail.
Laura Matthews - AllTrails
The trail is open throughout the year so you will find outdoor enthusiasts walking through this stretch of Gatlinburg forest come the sunny and chilly seasons. There is a bridge along the trail that many hikers stop at to ogle and walk, and there are multiple waterways and even a waterfall.
Laura Matthews - AllTrails
The trail is kid-friendly, but your dogs must be kept at home. Other than the local wildlife, only humans should be walking the trails! If you walk the entirety of Porters Creek, however, you will come across an old cemetery, an abandoned car from the 1920s, and even a cabin!

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Nathan Medders - GoogleMaps
Here you can see the cabin just begin to peek out from behind the trees. Wouldn't this be a wild sight to see as you traverse an otherwise quiet, lonely landscape? There is also a barn on the old homestead and even an outhouse! Not working or for use, of course.
Joe Hitabidel - GoogleMaps
This is the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club cabin that was built between the years of 1934 and 1936. The area is well-maintained and it is not currently in use, though many hikers will take the trail to picnic at the old farmstead.
Laura Matthews - AllTrails
Porters Creek Trail is fairly accessible to experienced hikers, and newer hiking enthusiasts will want to prepare accordingly for the moderate effort. The views are stunning, however, and there's nothing quite like a day spent in the Tennessee wilderness.
Joseph Kabrin - AllTrails
Have you ever hiked Porters Creek Trail? Will you be making the trek sometime soon? It's popular for a reason, folks!

Porters Creek Trail is great for hiking no matter the season, so make sure you check it out the next time you have a free weekend. What a great trail to visit!

If you’re looking to extend your stay in the area, why not book a night or a weekend at this gorgeous mountain inn in Gatlinburg?

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Porters Creek Trail Trailhead, Greenbrier Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA