Fern Branch Falls tumble from an unassuming tributary along the Porters Creek Trail in a remote section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The short hike follows Porters Creek past the Messer farm site, Ownby Cemetery and Smoky Mountain Hiking Club Cabin to the falls, and continues on to Backcountry Campsite #31, one of the most isolated in the Park. Hikers will enjoy good fishing on Porters Creek, historic sites and deep forest travel en route to Fern Branch Falls.

Fern Branch Falls - a 35' cascade nestled deep within the Porters Creek Trail

The Porters Creek Trail is wide, flat and easy before gaining in elevation to the falls

A snail waits patiently on the Porters Creek Trail

Pay close attention - the falls can be easy to miss and require a brief side trip to reach their base

The base of Fern Branch Falls features a broad wall which disperses water in all directions

Rock stairs can be found along the Porters Creek Trail - evidence of the Messer Family farm site

Side view of Fern Branch Falls - slick walls make climbing dangerous

The lush forest can envelop the creek at times

Water goes its separate ways at the base of Fern Branch Falls

Rock walls from early settlers stand the test of time on the Porters Creek Trail

Building from the old Messer Family farm (1875) - various structures exist from these early settlers

Several smaller falls on top of Fern Branch Falls lead to its larger cascade

A well-preserved cabin from the Messer farm

The Porters Creek Trail is known for its spring wildflower display

Looking down the Fern Branch Falls chute

The lower portion of Fern Branch Falls lit by the sun

Porters Creek rushes over water-polished river rocks

Fern Branch Falls partially obscured from the side trail

A long wood bridge takes hikers over the creek on the way to Fern Branch Falls

Near the Messer farm site is a cabin built between 1934 - 1936 by the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club