The Elkmont Troll Bridge is a fun hidden gem in Great Smoky Mountains National Park full of whimsical fantasies.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
15 Minutes
Spring & Fall
~$5 per Vehicle
Overview
The Troll Bridge is part of the Elkmont Ghost Town area along the Little River near Gatlinburg. The town, Elkmont, became the second largest town in the county in the early 1900s thanks to the logging and mining industries in the area. Once the railway was built, Elkmont became a resort community. Now the historic buildings stand empty, some falling apart. The area had a post office, a general goods store, and the homes of wealthy vacationers.
At some point, this small bridge was built over the Bearwallow Branch Creek. The moss-covered troll bridge has survived the sands of time. The bridge was constructed of stone and is now covered with moss and other plants making it a whimsical troll bridge in the heart of the historic Elkmont area.
Troll Bridge from the side
Troll Bridge front view
Elkmont Troll Bridge Plan
While we were in the Sugarlands Visitor Center on our day trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the park ranger there told us about the Elkmont Troll Bridge that’s just off the start of the Little River Trail in Elkmont Campground. This is one of those hidden gems that isn’t on the official National Park Service map.
Getting There
Location
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in the eastern portion of the United States on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. The three gateway cities are Cherokee in North Carolina and Gatlinburg or Townsend in Tennessee.
Best Time to Go
A Smoky Mountains vacation is a great idea in the Spring, Summer, or Fall. In the winter months, many areas close due to the snowfall in the area. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the United States, so make sure to come early for the best parking.
Looking for the troll under the bridge
Watching the critters that live on the rocks and in the water
Elkmont Troll Bridge
Who Can Go?
The side trail from the main Little River Trail is only about 100 feet from the start of the path. The path is not paved, but very well-worn and easy to walk on.
What You'll See
The Elkmont Troll Bridge was once an ordinary stone bridge that is now covered in moss over a small creek. The moss-covered bridge has a whimsical look to it that seems like an actual troll would live underneath the bridge.
Standing in the middle of the bridge
Looking upstream at the creek
What to Bring & Wear
Make sure to bring your water bottles, even on a small hike like this, especially in the warm summer months. Wear sturdy shoes because the bridge and rocks around it can be slippery as you explore the area.
Where to Go
There’s a path to the right of the Little River Trail that leads to the small creek with the bridge. The best way to get to the bridge is to start the Little River Trail and keep your eyes on the right side so you don’t miss the small path.
How Long Does it Take?
It takes about 5 minutes to walk to the trail connection and back to the bridge. Once you step off the main trail, you’ll then turn a corner through the trees and the bridge will come into view. It’s up to you how much time you spend looking at this whimsical sight and exploring the area.
Cost
Unless the troll comes out to ask for payment to cross the bridge, there’s no cost to go to the Troll Bridge during your Smokey Mountains vacation. The park does not charge an entrance fee, but you must have a $5 parking tag for your vehicle.
Seeing what he could find at the creek
Looking at the creek from the bridge
Tips for Elkmont Troll Bridge
- While in the area, check out the remains of the old vacation homes on the river at the start of the Little River Trail. When the government designated the area as Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the land owners were given a buyout option for full value or they could take a discounted price for a lifetime lease. Most took that lifetime lease and lived here until they passed on.
- Elkmont is the most popular campground in the park, so the area can fill up quickly.
Map
The map below is to the building just across the path from the bridge. The Elkmont Troll Bridge is not on any maps.