Baskins Falls © William Britten use with permission only

Baskins Falls is sandwiched in between two more famous Smoky Mountains waterfalls along the Roaring Fork Motor Trail: Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls. For that reason, the 1.5 mile hike down Baskins Creek Trail to the waterfall will be much less crowded.

Baskins Creek flows down the north slope of Mt. LeConte, eventually passing by the Arrowmont Craft Shop in Gatlinburg before it empties into the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. Smoky Mountains lore has it that the name of the creek and waterfall originated from an early settler who was known as Bearskin Joe, and lived up the creek. Over time, “Bearskin Joe’s Creek” became Baskins Creek.

The hike begins just a few hundred yards into the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, with a small parking area on the left. At first easy going, the hike becomes increasingly steep as you descend into a gorge around the falls. Along the way is a sign pointing to a spur leading to a tiny primitive cemetery in the woods.

Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel along the trail © William Britten use with permission only

Late May and early June are especially good times for this hike. As you can see from the photos above and below, the trail will be crowded with Mountain Laurel, some Rhododendron, and even a smattering of Flame Azaleas!

If time allows during your Smoky Mountains getaways, please consider a visit to the William Britten Gallery on Glades Rd in Gatlinburg, along the historic Arts and Crafts Trail. My complete display of Smoky Mountains photos may contain a special memory to take back home.

Flame Azalea along Baskins Falls trail © William Britten use with permission only