Hike the Little River, Cucumber Gap, Jakes Creek Loop

This loop starts easy and stays pleasant — the kind of hike where you forget you're exercising. You'll begin on the old Elkmont road along Little River, a wide, flat stretch where the water runs clear over smooth stones and the canopy keeps things cool even in July. After peeling off onto Cucumber Gap Trail, the path narrows and climbs gently through a hardwood forest that absolutely erupts with wildflowers in April and May — trillium, phacelia, violets carpeting the forest floor. The Jakes Creek descent brings you past remnants of the old Elkmont summer colony, stone chimneys and foundations slowly being swallowed by moss. Stream crossings are minor — rock-hop territory, nothing dramatic. This is a perfect loop for hikers who want variety without punishment, and anyone chasing peak wildflower season in the Smokies will find this trail hard to beat.