A favorite hiking guidebook calls this hike “one of the finest short loops in the park.” April should be a good time for spring wildflowers, so we will proceed at a slightly slower pace to allow for viewing scenery and photography.

We will start at the Little River trailhead past the Elkmont Campground, enjoying views of the river cascades as we go. Shortly after passing Huskey Branch Cascades on a wide bridge, we will take a sharp right turn to join the Cucumber Gap Trail. After a short while, we will again cross Huskey Branch, this time with no bridge. Normally the stream can be easily crossed on numerous flat stepping stones. But, in the event of recent heavy rains, we might get our feet wet.

We will keep our eyes open for trout lily, spring beauty, bloodroot, and trillium as the trail rises slightly and then descends to join the Jakes Creek Trail. Here we will turn right to proceed to the Jakes Creek trailhead and a short walk to our cars.

The hike is 5.5 miles. Rated easy for wildflower pace. For carpooling, meet at Kroger, 244 S Hall Road, Alcoa (park at the side of the billing, near the SE corner), in time to leave at 9 am. Drive 72 miles RT @ 7 cents = $5,00). Alternatively, meet at Little River Trailhead in Elkmont, ready to hike at 10 am.