The Walker Sisters Cabin Trail Is A Terrific Family-Friendly Hike In The Smokies
The Walker Sisters Cabin is my family’s favorite historic site in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Today, you and the kiddos can walk the grounds of this peaceful property, sit on the front porch and listen to the quiet stillness, and explore the small rooms of the two-story restored cabin.
Add a tour of the Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse on the way to the Walker Sisters Place, and you have the perfect day in the Smokies.
It makes for a perfect afternoon outing for the family, and the kids (and you) will love walking through the cabin and imagining the lives lived here by the Walker sisters, a group of 6 sisters who were allowed to stay in their family’s homestead after the park was established in 1926.
The Walker sisters became famous after park visitors to their cabin were fascinated by their self-sufficient lifestyle.
The last two sisters who remained living at the cabin died there in 1962 and 1964. The park service has kept the cabin and the surrounding buildings as a glimpse of what settler life was like and a testament to the independence and resourcefulness of the Walker Sisters.
For more of our favorite hikes, see Favorite Hikes With Kids In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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Walker Sister Cabin History
John Walker, a Union Army veteran, and his wife, Margaret, moved onto the homestead in 1870. Over the years, his family grew to eleven children.
Over time, family members died, moved, or married leaving six of the unmarried sisters to live their remaining lives at their mountain homestead.
For over forty years after their father died, the surviving sisters would continue to raise sheep, grow crops, plow their own fields and make their own clothes.
If you’d like to learn more about the Walker sisters and their homestead, click here.
How To Get To The Walker Sisters Cabin
The shortest way to reach the Walker Sisters Cabin is to drive up Little Greenbrier Road (closed in winter) and park at the Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse parking area.
From there, you’ll walk about a mile on the Little Brier Gap Trail which is located in front of the schoolhouse.
For a longer hike to the Walker Sisters Cabin, you can park at the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area. See this option below.
Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse
Before embarking on the trail, spend some time at the Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse. Built in 1882 with the help of John Walker, the last classes in the small schoolhouse were held in 1935.
If you are here on a Tuesday, there is often a volunteer dressed as a teacher from the time period to lead classes.
See this link for more: School days at Little Greenbrier.
Otherwise, the kids will have a good time standing up front and instructing their siblings (and you).
Walker Sisters Cabin Trail (The Little Brier Gap Trail)
After visiting the school and taking turns being the teacher, you’re now ready to get the wiggles out on a fun hike.
The Little Brier Gap Trail is located at the end of the gravel road that runs behind the cemetery in front of the schoolhouse.
The trail is nice and wide and slightly uphill but overall an easy 1.1 mile stroll to the Walker Sisters homestead.
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grounds of the cabin or afterwards drive one mile to the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area where you can dine riverside and try to catch tadpoles and crawdads.
Add The Metcalf Bottoms Trail For A Longer Hike To The Walker Sisters Cabin
For a slightly longer (3.8 mile roundtrip) hike, park at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area and begin your hike on the Metcalf Bottoms Trail.
This trail is 0.7 miles in length and leads to the Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse.
From there, you’ll resume your walk to the cabin on the Little Brier Gap Trail located above the parking area (1.1. mile) as detailed above.
No Time To Plan Your Vacation to the Smokies? Check Out Our Locals Guide
No worries, we’ve already done it for you. Lodging recommendations, where to eat, favorite hikes, fun activities and more!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Kids: A Local’s Guide (Buy on Amazon)
Happy Trails! Check Out More Smokies Blogs
Favorite Hikes With Kids In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Hiking Alum Cave Trail To Mount LeConte With Kids
What Is The Best Campground In The Smoky Mountains?
Check out our Smokies page to see all of our favorite places in the park we love so much – best hikes, favorite campgrounds, biking Cades Cove, lodging, and more.
