Exploring the Tremont Area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Exploring the Tranquil Beauty of Tremont in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tremont is a peaceful, lesser-known section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park that offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, and scenic driving. This area is a haven for nature lovers looking to escape the crowds and enjoy the quiet splendor of the Smokies. With its abundance of natural beauty and outdoor opportunities, Tremont is an ideal destination for those seeking a more immersive experience in the park.

Getting There: The Tremont Road Drive

Tremont Road branches off from Laurel Creek Road shortly after passing the Townsend Wye, just before the turnoff to Cades Cove. While many visitors continue on to the more crowded areas of the park, taking a left onto Tremont Road leads to a serene and scenic route that follows the Little River and eventually the Middle Prong.

Along this paved road, several pull-offs allow for easy access to the river. Visitors often stop to explore, take a swim in natural pools, or simply enjoy the sounds of flowing water. The light traffic on this road makes it ideal for a leisurely drive or walk, offering a peaceful alternative to more traveled park routes.

Hiking and Nature at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont

A few miles along Tremont Road sits the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, a residential education center dedicated to environmental learning. The Institute is a valuable resource for visitors, providing restrooms, a gift shop, and expert staff who can offer tips and information to help you make the most of your park visit.

Near the Institute, hikers can access the Spruce Flats Falls Trail, a relatively short but rewarding hike leading to a beautiful and secluded waterfall. For those seeking a moderate challenge, the West Prong Trail, located just before the Institute, leads to backcountry Campsite 18—considered by many to be among the most picturesque in the park. Even if you don’t plan to camp overnight, the hike is a scenic and satisfying journey into the forest.

The Upper Tremont Experience

Continuing past the Institute, Upper Tremont Road begins. This maintained gravel road follows the route of an old railroad and stretches for about three miles, ending at the Middle Prong Trail trailhead. The drive is narrow and rustic, with several pull-offs where visitors can stop to enjoy the surrounding wilderness. Whether walking, cycling, or driving slowly, this stretch offers an immersive experience of the park’s quieter side.

Upper Tremont Road is open to bicycles, making it one of the few gravel roads in the park suitable for mountain biking. Bicycles can be rented nearby in Townsend, where outdoor outfitters such as Smoky Mountain Outdoor Center provide rentals—and even complimentary bikes for guests of select cabin accommodations.

Middle Prong Trail and Indian Flats Falls

At the end of Upper Tremont Road, the Middle Prong Trail offers one of the park’s most rewarding hikes. This scenic trail follows Lynn Camp Prong along a historic railroad bed and is renowned for its waterfalls, cascades, and quiet natural beauty.

Roughly half a mile in, hikers will encounter two notable waterfalls and a series of smaller cascades. The trail leads deeper into the forest, eventually reaching Indian Flats Falls, a four-tiered waterfall that serves as an excellent spot for a rest or picnic. The falls may not be towering, but their charm lies in their serene, layered descent and peaceful setting.

For those looking for a lighter excursion, the West Prong Quiet Walkway, accessible from this trail, offers a short, easy stroll into the woods. Quiet Walkways are designated by park rangers as peaceful areas ideal for a brief immersion in nature—many of which are accessible to all ages and skill levels.

Extend Your Adventure

Tremont is more than just a destination—it’s a gateway to a network of interconnected trails and scenic spots. From here, hikers can connect to areas like Elkmont, the Little River Trail, and even reach The Sinks via less-traveled paths. With a good map and a sense of adventure, it’s possible to explore much more than what initially meets the eye.

Whether you're seeking a quiet stroll, a challenging hike, or a peaceful place to cast a line or dip your toes in a cool mountain stream, Tremont offers a rich and rewarding experience that showcases the quieter side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Planning Tips:

• Restrooms and visitor services are available at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute.
• Bring water, snacks, and proper gear for hiking.
• Trails are not pet-friendly and are located in bear country—stay alert and follow park guidelines.
• Bicycles are allowed on paved roads and Upper Tremont Road, but not on trails.

For those staying in Townsend or the surrounding area, Tremont is an easy and enriching day trip filled with discovery, solitude, and the kind of scenery that makes the Smokies so beloved.

TIP: Also see our Insider’s Visual Guide to the National Park – and with an abundance of different cabins close to the park to choose from, check out our tips on How to Find an Affordable Gatlinburg Cabin, How to Find a Gatlinburg Cabin With Spectacular Views and How to Find a Secluded Gatlinburg Cabin.