2.8
(22)
60
hikers
00:40
2.53km
30m
Hiking
Enjoy an easy 1.6-mile hike on the Nolan Creek Trail in Liberty Park, featuring gentle terrain and a quick 39-minute duration.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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1.59 km
Mount Zion United Methodist Church
Place Of Worship
2.53 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
2.09 km
408 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
1.95 km
222 m
188 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Wednesday 27 May
29°C
18°C
67 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
This particular komoot tour covers a shorter, easier segment of the Nolan Creek Trail, approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) in distance. It typically takes around 40 minutes to complete, making it a great option for a quick outdoor escape.
Yes, this specific komoot tour of the Nolan Creek Trail is rated as 'easy' and is well-suited for beginners. The path generally follows an old service road, offering a gentle grade. While the full Noland Creek Trail can be much longer and more challenging, this segment provides an accessible introduction to the area's natural beauty.
The trail generally follows an old service road, providing a relatively gentle grade. You'll find sections of the route covered by concrete plates. While generally well-maintained, some parts can be muddy or rough, and occasional wet crossings of the creek are possible. The path meanders alongside Noland Creek, offering a pleasant, natural surface.
The Nolan Creek Trail offers beauty year-round. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers like trilliums and lady slippers, while autumn transforms the landscape with stunning reds, oranges, and yellows. The dense canopy of hardwoods and evergreens provides shade in summer and a serene environment in winter. Consider visiting in spring or fall for the most picturesque scenery.
You'll be enveloped by a dense canopy of hardwoods and evergreens, with the soothing sound of Noland Creek accompanying you. The trail offers picturesque views of the creek and surrounding forests, with small, rocky waterfalls. Wildlife is abundant; keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, various bird species, and potentially black bears.
Yes, the Noland Creek Trail is rich in history. As you hike, you can discover remnants of early Appalachian settlements, including stone foundations, old home sites, and former orchards. You might also find cemeteries with gravestones from displaced families. The trailhead itself is accessed via Lakeview Drive East, also known as the 'Road to Nowhere,' which has its own poignant history.
The Noland Creek Trail is located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While dogs are generally allowed on paved roads and in campgrounds, they are typically not permitted on most hiking trails within the park to protect wildlife and natural resources. Please check the latest park regulations before bringing your dog.
The Nolan Creek Trail is located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is no entrance fee to access the park itself. However, as of March 1, 2023, a 'Park It Forward' parking tag is required for any vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes in the park. This trail is not located in Liberty Park.
The trailhead for the Noland Creek Trail is accessed via Lakeview Drive East, also known as the 'Road to Nowhere,' near Bryson City, North Carolina. There is parking available at the end of this road. Remember that a parking tag is now required for vehicles parked in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Be prepared for potential wet crossings of Noland Creek, especially after rain. While this komoot tour is shorter, the full Noland Creek Trail offers various options, including longer routes and is also suitable for horseback riding. It's known for its tranquility, offering a peaceful experience away from more crowded areas of the park.
Yes, approximately 23% of this route follows sections that are characterized by concrete plates, which can be part of other paths or service roads in the area.