Injun Creek Trail
Great Smoky Mountains
National Park
Narrative and Photos by G.J. Acquaviva
For those wanting to avoid the crowded trails and highways this will make a good trip. The trailhead is in the Greenbrier region of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park four (4) miles east of Gatlinburg on state road 321. If you need hiking supplies or supplies for a picnic there are two grocery stores on the highway on the left, going east. As you approach four miles look to the right for a small sign identifying Greenbrier, GSMNP on the right. As you enter Greenbrier the road parallels the beautiful Little Pigeon River. There are two parking areas on the right and if you merely wish to picnic, then you may park you car, carefully cross the narrow road and find a flat rock next to the river to enjoy the day. To go to the trailhead continue on the narrow road, carefully as it is a bit bumpy and has some potholes. But, it is not far, about 1.5 miles until you come to a Rangers Station on the right. Facing the station, to the left there are some parking spaces for about four or five cars. A few yards down the road a small trail is seen on the right. This is Injun Creek trail.
It is a less known trail due to the fact that it is not on the park map. However, it is a well-maintained trail with a few log bridges over the creek – unlike some other trails, such as Grapeyard Ridge. Injun creek is mistakenly thought to be a misspelling of "Indian." Ironically, it is a misspelling of the word "engine." The drive is less driving get to the starting point The trail is considerably easy with some interesting sights along the way. There are some old homes sites, (insert Stone Wall) two cemeteries, Ownby’s (insert) and McCarter’s (insert), and just beyond the campsite #32 there is a trail sign (insert trail sign). In order to see the old "injun" you must hike east on the Grapeyard Ridge trail toward Greenbrier road. Carefully looking at the creek when it appears on the left. A friend hiking too fast walked past it. The old engine used to pull logs out of the park. Only the turbine a couple wheels remain. You can hike on toward Greenbrier road and you will find another cemetery on the left just before the road. However, I wouldn’t recommend hiking on the road during dry summer days, because of the dust stirred up by cars. Enjoy!
good trip. The trailhead is in the Greenbrier region of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park four (4) miles east of Gatlinburg on state road 321. If you need hiking supplies or supplies for a picnic there are two grocery stores on the highway on the left, going east. As you approach four miles look to the right for a small sign identifying Greenbrier, GSMNP on the right. As you enter Greenbrier the road parallels the beautiful Little Pigeon River. There are two parking areas on the right and if you merely wish to picnic, then you may park you car, carefully cross the narrow road and find a flat rock next to the river to enjoy the day. To go to the trailhead continue on the narrow road, carefully as it is a bit bumpy and has some potholes. But, it is not far, about 1.5 miles until you come to a Rangers Station on the right. Facing the station, to the left there are some parking spaces for about four or five cars. A few yards down the road a small trail is seen on the right. This is Injun Creek trail.
drive is less driving get to the starting point The trail is considerably easy with some interesting sights along the way. There are some old homes sites, (insert Stone Wall) two cemeteries, Ownby’s (insert) and McCarter’s (insert), and just beyond the campsite #32 there is a trail sign (insert trail sign). In order to see the old "injun" you must hike east on the Grapeyard Ridge trail toward Greenbrier road. Carefully looking at the creek when it appears on the left. A friend hiking too fast walked past it. The old engine used to pull logs out of the park. Only the turbine a couple wheels remain. You can hike on toward Greenbrier road and you will find another cemetery on the left just before the road. However, I wouldn’t recommend hiking on the road during dry summer days, because of the dust stirred up by cars. Enjoy! 
