Hike Bradley Fork Trail

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