About
Length (round trip)7.4 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyStrenuous
Elevation gain800 ft up
Typical time5 hr
TrailheadSmokemont Campground
SurfaceWide roadbed
Best seasonApril to June for wildflowers, mid-October for fall colour. High elevations are cold and icy from November to March.
DogsNot allowed
Accessibilitya { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; } This trail is not ADA accessible. GRIT Freedom Chairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis for use on a portion of this trail. These all-terrain mobility devices can be used for the first 1.3 miles , starting from the back of Smokemont Campground and leading to Campsite #50 . Please note: The trail surface includes uneven dirt, rocks, and gr...
What you'll see 💧 Waterfall🌊 River or creek🌼 Wildflowers🐴 Horses

a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; } Overview The Bradley Fork Trail offers a scenic and diverse outdoor experience, featuring picturesque creeks surrounded by dog hobble and rhododendron, seasonal wildflowers, fishing access, horseback riding opportunities, and backcountry camping . The trail begins as a flat, wide old roadbed and gently ascends for the first 4 miles toward the Hughes Ridge Trail, with all creek crossings bridged. At 1.2 miles, hikers reach the Chasteen Creek Trail junction, which leads 0.1 miles to backcountry campsite #50. At mile 4, the trail intersects with the Cabin Flats Trail, where it becomes steep and narrow, transitioning into rocky terrain that requires extra caution. This rugged section continues until the trail ends at the Hughes Ridge Trail, offering a more challenging hike through the backcountry. A backcountry permit is required to camp at the site. Parking & Trailhead Hikers should access this trail from the back of Smokemont Campground , at the far end of the D loop, where a small parking area is avalible. Don't forget your parking tag ! Nearest Restroom Smokemont Campground Alternate Hikes Deep Creek Waterfall Loop : 2.4 miles (3.9 km) roundtrip Little River, Cucumber Gap, Jakes Creek Loop : 5.4 miles (8.7 km) roundtrip Oconaluftee River Trail : 3 miles (4.8 km) roundtrip Kephart Prong Trail : 4 miles (6.4 km) roundtrip

Tips
Shares its first mile and a half with the Chasteen Creek Cascade route. Good spring wildflowers.
Location

Smokemont Campground

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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