Horse Creek

Total Miles
4.9

Technical Rating

6

Moderate

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Trail Type

Full-Width Road

Accessible By

Show in App
Horse Creek
10

Trail Overview

Horse Creek is one of the many hidden gems of East Tennessee. This is an epic trail filled with multiple water crossings, rock ledges, steep grades, and scenic views. You will encounter a few switchbacks that are pretty tight toward the top of the mountain. This is an out-and-back trail that will take you on a journey from the campground/recreation area to the top of the mountain range that connects to "Big Butt" and "Gravel Knob" ~4800ft elevation. There is a great overlook and camp spot near the top of the trail that is worth checking out! Cell reception is spotty in some areas of the trail. There are multiple waterfalls along the way as well!

Photos of Horse Creek

Horse Creek
Horse Creek

Difficulty

The trail is mostly a 5, but there are a few features that warrant a 6 rating.

Technical Rating

6

Status Reports

Zach Wright
May 01, 2025
2015 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Normal
Muddy/Wet
Rough/Deteriorated
Great trail! It was a little rainy starting things off and after multiple water crossings, it was just slightly slick over some of the bigger rocky sections. To be expected of course. I was aired down as well. Some of those sections are fun and made things interesting. Slow going through most of it. Nothing too crazy. One slightly sketchy spot passing under a downed tree on a muddy hillside with a drop off. The view at the top is great! I enjoyed all the water crossings and general scenery on the trail. Definitely recommend it!
Michael Shelton
Apr 26, 2025
4x4
Open
Normal
Muddy/Wet
Washboard
Other than a low hanging tree that I was too tall to scoot under the trail was clear. It’s a rocky trail with several water crossings and small waterfalls. Some small mud mud holes but nothing crazy
John Tucker
Apr 12, 2025
2014 Jeep Wrangler
Obstructed
3/4 of the way up ran into a hill slide and some downed trees, possibly could be cleared with a shovel, chainsaw, and far more willpower than I possessed that day.
Justin Ray
Mar 29, 2025
2012 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Very rough and rocky but extremely fun with amazing views

Access Description

Pass by the recreation area and campgrounds and continue straight into the trail at the end of the parking lot.

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