Skillern Hot Springs

Skillern Hot Springs is one of the finest backcountry soaks in the Smoky Mountains: a solid rock-walled, waterfall-fed pool with a log dam, reached by a roughly 2-hour hike in the Sawtooth National Forest in the Fairfield/Featherville area. Crystal-clear water at 100–106°F, a trailhead campground, and seasonal riverside pools below make it worth every step.

Pool Condition

The main pool is solid rock-walled and waterfall-fed, with a log dam and a gravel/solid rock bottom. The seasonal river pools at Skillern feature rock walls and gravel/sand/silt bottoms. All of the pools are shallow and seat approximately 2–4 people each. The water is crystal-clear with a slight odor.

Seasonal Notes

The forest road is typically snowbound from late fall into spring; it opens once the snow melts, which can run into early summer. The Forest Service describes the Fairfield District springs as accessible in the summer. Prime soaking season runs from late July through fall.

Camping

There are great primitive campsites up and downstream of the hot springs, and an official campground with toilets at the trailhead, plus plenty more campgrounds and primitive sites in the surrounding Sawtooth National Forest.

Skillern Hot Springs Soak Stats

• Season: Spring, summer, fall
• Access Type: Hike (about 2 hours)
• Public Land: Sawtooth National Forest
• Elevation: 5,900 ft
• GPS: 43.647, -114.816
• Water Temperature: 100–106°F (cliff pool; seasonal riverside pools vary)
• Water Clarity: Crystal-clear
• Visibility: Low
• Odor(s): Slight
• pH: 6.5
• Nearest Area: Fairfield / Featherville / Big Smoky Mountains
• Wildlife: Deer, elk
• Usage Level: Moderate