The Metcalf Bottoms Trail is a short, easy hike located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Spanning just 0.7 miles, the trail connects the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area to the Little Greenbrier School, a preserved one-room schoolhouse from the 1880s. This trail is suitable for hikers of all ages and fitness levels, making it an ideal family-friendly outing. Along the way, visitors enjoy peaceful forest scenery and a glimpse into the region’s rural past.
The Little Greenbrier School served the local mountain community for decades, offering education in a simple one-room setting. The schoolhouse has been carefully restored and is open for visitors to explore, providing insight into 19th-century Appalachian life. The area around Metcalf Bottoms was once a small farming community, and the trail passes through terrain shaped by ancient geologic forces typical of the Smoky Mountains. Today, it stands as a quiet reminder of the region’s cultural and natural heritage.
Visitors often start their hike at the shaded picnic area, which is a perfect spot for a pre- or post-walk meal. The trail itself is well-maintained and mostly flat, winding through hardwood forests filled with native plants and wildlife. Upon reaching the Little Greenbrier School, guests can step inside to see original furnishings and interpretive displays. The easy access and educational value make this trail popular among families and history enthusiasts alike.
The trail is 0.7 miles one way, making it a short and easy hike.
Yes, the trail is mostly flat with minimal elevation change, perfect for families and beginners.
Yes, the schoolhouse is open to visitors and features original furnishings and displays.
Yes, the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area has tables and grills, making it a great spot to relax before or after your hike.
There is a designated parking area at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area with ample space for visitors.
Branded LocaleTrips sticker set arriving soon. Use the trail cam Bigfoot sticker, the heritage benchmark, and the editorial portrait on your water bottle, laptop, or Instagram story.
Field Notes
Last reported Bigfoot sighting near Metcalf Bottoms Trail: On March 14, 2025, a hiker reported seeing a large, shadowy figure near the dense woods beside the trail. The figure disappeared quickly, leaving only broken branches behind. Whether it was Bigfoot or a tall bear remains a mystery among locals.
