Horse Creek

Total Miles
4.9

Elevation

1,376.57 ft

Duration

3 Hours

Technical Rating

6

Moderate

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

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
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

Jan M
Apr 06, 2024
4x4
Open
Muddy/Wet
Snow/Ice
Rough/Deteriorated
Washboard
A beautiful trail. Branches will scratch your car here and there because trail is narrow. A lot of loose rocks. Middle part is rocky but enough option to pick a lane. Top mire fine dirt. Leftover snow today but no problem, even with street tires. Downhill more tricky to pick a lane. Take your time and go slow. I made it with stock Land Rover Discovery 2 with street tires. If you already wrote on trails no problem. For beginner with guidance a great experience. Got my buddy hooked today on offroad riding.
John Bowman
Mar 23, 2024
4x4
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Troll Daddy
Mar 03, 2024
2019 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Normal
This is a fun out and back trail. Air down for comfort. There’s a nice open area before the last run to the top that provides great unobstructed views. Plan 3-4 hours for a round trip.
Derick Howlett
Jan 21, 2024
2016 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Snow/Ice

Access Description

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

Popular Trails

Main Forest Road

Main Forest Road

Total Miles
13.6
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa
Baker Creek - Big Frog

Baker Creek - Big Frog

Total Miles
6.8
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Big Clifty Road

Big Clifty Road

Total Miles
6.7
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Su / Fa
Rocky Top Road

Rocky Top Road

Total Miles
3.1
Tech Rating
4 Moderate
Best Time
Fa / Su

Go Farther

Try onX Offroad Elite for free for a week — no strings attached. Get access to thousands of off-road dirt trails and snowmobile trails across the nation. View your favorite zones in 3D. Send trails to friends. Start planning the trip of a lifetime now.