Horse Creek

Total Miles
4.9

Elevation

1,376.57 ft

Duration

3 Hours

Technical Rating

6

Moderate

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

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Horse Creek
10

Trail Overview

Horse Creek is one of the many hidden gems of East Tennessee. This is an epic trail filled with multiple water crossings, rock ledges, steep grades, and scenic views. You will encounter a few switchbacks that are pretty tight toward the top of the mountain. This is an out-and-back trail that will take you on a journey from the campground/recreation area to the top of the mountain range that connects to "Big Butt" and "Gravel Knob" ~4800ft elevation. There is a great overlook and camp spot near the top of the trail that is worth checking out! Cell reception is spotty in some areas of the trail. There are multiple waterfalls along the way as well!

Photos of Horse Creek

Horse Creek
Horse Creek

Difficulty

The trail is mostly a 5, but there are a few features that warrant a 6 rating.

Technical Rating

6

Status Reports

Cody Parris
Nov 12, 2024
Dirt Bike
Open
Washboard
Muddy/Wet
Rough/Deteriorated
Trail is very rocky, majority being loose rocks and bigs rocks sticking out. multiple creek crossing up to a foot deep. With it being fall the trail is covered wet leaves making it more difficult. Been here multiple times, well worth the struggle.
Jason Cole
Nov 01, 2024
SxS
Temporarily Closed
Roads leading to the trail were still closed from the storm.
Christian Studer
Sep 21, 2024
2006 Lexus GX
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Great trial but definitely harder than last year. Got pretty narrow with a steep drop. Brought my gx470 and would not recommend a full size truck unless you want scratch’s or possibly be ready to back the way down if you can pass the narrow ledge. It’s about 3/4 of the way up. Had to air down for this trip as well. Last time I didn’t need to. But if you’ve never been up there it is gorgeous
Tim Goelzer
Aug 10, 2024
4x4
Open
Normal
Muddy/Wet
Trail is a little gem. Glad we made the trip. Definitely want to air down on this trail. Lots of small rocks. It’s an out and back trial which I normally avoid. But this trail I would do again! About 3/4 through the trail is a tree leaning over the trail. I barely got under it with a Jeep Rubicon on 37” with a slight lift. Actually rubbed the top slightly. So if you’re on anything bigger than 37’s , you’ll probably not make it?

Access Description

Pass by the recreation area and campgrounds and continue straight into the trail at the end of the parking lot.

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