Originally Posted by
HooKooDooKu
As you approach the campsite, the trail stays on the hillside, passes the campsite, and then drops to creek level and makes a U-Turn.
Cabin Flats is a horse camp, but the horse stalls are located at the start of the campsite. Keep going down stream and you should be able to get away from the horse stalls and find a nice spot right at creek side.
Since this is going to be an in-and-out hike, may I suggest you consider taking Smokemont Loop on your way in and remain creek side on Bradley Fork on your way out.
Smokemont Loop starts at the front end of the campground... crossing an old bridge. The loop will add an extra 1,000' climb/decent to the hike, and about 3 extra miles. There are a few nice views thru the trees, but mainly the path is just so different from the monotony that is Bradley Fork.