Little Mountain via Little Greenbrier Trail

The main trailhead for this route is located on Wear Cove Gap Road near the park boundary. Parking is limited there. Alternatively, you can access the trail from the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area, which may offer more parking options. Remember that a parking tag is required for any vehicle parked in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for more than 15 minutes.

While there are no specific hiking permits required for trails like this one, a parking tag is mandatory if you plan to park your vehicle in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for more than 15 minutes. You can purchase these tags online or at various locations within the park. For more information, please visit the official NPS website.

No, dogs are generally not permitted on most hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including the Little Mountain via Little Greenbrier Trail. This policy is in place to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of all visitors. Leashed dogs are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and along paved roads, as well as on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.

The trail offers different experiences throughout the year. Spring is excellent for viewing wildflowers, especially orchids around the 1.9-mile mark. Summer provides a chance to forage for blueberries. However, many hikers find fall to be the most spectacular time, as the mixed hardwoods transform into vibrant autumn colors. The trail is also known for being less crowded, offering solitude year-round.

The difficulty of this trail is somewhat debated. While the initial sections along the Little Greenbrier Trail are relatively level, the route soon transitions into a continuous and often steep uphill climb, particularly past the intersection with Little Brier Gap. Hikers can expect to gain over 1,000 to nearly 2,000 feet in elevation, with the maximum elevation reaching 3,661 feet. This significant ascent contributes to its challenging nature, with some sources rating the longer loop as 'Difficult'.

The terrain varies significantly. You'll start with fairly level and easy sections, especially along the Little Greenbrier Trail segment. As you progress, it becomes a continuous and often steep uphill climb, particularly when ascending Chinquapin Ridge. The path itself is often a well-packed dirt trail, and some sections follow wide gravel roadbeds.

This trail is rich in history and natural beauty. You can visit the preserved 19th-century homestead of the Walker family, accessible via a short side trip on the Little Brier Gap Trail. The historic one-room Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse is also a key landmark. Naturally, you'll pass through lush mixed hardwoods, spot wildflowers in season, and enjoy scenic glimpses and expansive views of Wear Cove as you ascend ridges. The route also leads to the Little Mountain summit.

The Little Mountain via Little Greenbrier Trail can be hiked as a loop, though its length can vary. A shorter loop is approximately 6.1 km (3.8 miles), while a broader route encompassing Little Greenbrier Trail and Little Brier Gap can extend up to 9.7 miles, depending on the specific path taken.

Yes, the route primarily follows the Little Greenbrier Trail. It also passes through sections of the Little Brier Gap Trail and a small portion of the Roundtop Trail, offering opportunities to explore different parts of the area.

Beyond its historical sites, this trail is often less crowded than other park trails, making it an excellent option for those seeking solitude. In summer and fall, it's known for a surplus of blueberries, appealing to those interested in foraging. A creek also runs alongside parts of the trail, providing a 'neat little area' and a potential water source.