Appalachian Trail
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Along the way #113 Birch Spring Gap Beechnut Gap Big Abrams Gap Birch Spring Gap Buck Gap Buckeye Gap Camel Gap Collins Gap Coppers Gap Double Spring Gap Dry Sluice Gap Ekaneetlee Gap and 47 more
Trailheads Appalachian Trail Trailhead 5,272 ft Drive there · Appalachian Trail Trailhead 1,745 ft Drive there · Appalachian Trail Trailhead 5,043 ft Drive there · Appalachian Trail Trailhead 1,881 ft Drive there · Fork Ridge Trail Trailhead 5,884 ft Drive there · Fork Ridge Trail Trailhead 5,881 ft Drive there
Hike to Charlies Bunion 8 mi round trip · the Park Service's write-up
no dogs · entrance fee applies
Start Expect full parking at Newfound Gap Overlook—consider a shuttle
Overview
Hike a popular section of the Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for 8 miles (12.9 km) roundtrip through hardwood and high-elevation, spruce-fir forest to enjoy panoramic mountain views and a unique rocky outcrop surrounded by steep cliffs.
This wide, firmly packed trail narrows as it ascends to Mount Ambler before descending to Masa Knob and Charlies Bunion.
Always exercise caution near exposed cliffs. In cold weather, prepare for ice on the trail. Microspikes (chains or small spikes to slip on shoes for better traction) recommended in winter.
Length
8 miles (12.9 km) roundtrip
Parking & Trailhead
Please consider a shuttle or park at Newfound Gap Overlook on US 441/Newfound Gap Road. The hike begins on the Appalachian Trailhead at the end of the parking area to the left of the overlook. Don't forget your parking tag .
Nearest Restroom
Near trailhead at Newfound Gap Overlook
Alternate Hikes
Andrews Bald : 3.6 miles (5.8 km) roundtrip
Alum Cave Bluffs : 4.6 miles (7.4 km) roundtrip
Chimney Tops Overlook : 3.5 miles (5.6 km) roundtrip
Pets The Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail are the only two park trails where pets are permitted. Pets are also allowed in picnic areas, in campgrounds, and on roads.
Accessibility Hike has many steep sections plus roots and rocks on the trail.
Hike to Mount Le Conte on the Appalachian Trail and Boulevard Trail 16.2 mi round trip · the Park Service's write-up
no dogs · entrance fee applies
Start Expect crowds and full parking at Newfound Gap Overlook—consider a shuttle
Overview
Expect extreme crowding and limited parking—consider a shuttle and alternate hikes listed below
The longest of the five routes to Mount Le Conte, this strenuous hike—16.2 miles (26.1 km) roundtrip—offers a variety of views in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and includes part of the Appalachian Trail. Charlies Bunion , a rocky outcrop, is a short but rewarding detour. High-elevation forest lines the trail and visitors might spot red squirrels or other wildlife.
In cold weather, prepare for ice on the trail and potential falling icicles. Microspikes (chains or small spikes to slip on shoes for better traction) recommended in winter.
Length
16.2 miles (26.1 km) roundtrip
Parking & Trailhead
Please consider a shuttle or park at Newfound Gap Overlook on US 441/Newfound Gap Road. From the Appalachian Trailhead (left of the overlook), hike for 2.7 miles (4.3 km) to intersect the Boulevard Trail which then leads to the summit. Don't forget your parking tag .
Nearest Restroom
Pit toilets at Newfound Gap Overlook
Alternate Hikes
Charlies Bunion : 8 miles (12.9 km) roundtrip
Bullhead Trail to Mount Le Conte : 13.6 miles (21.9 km) roundtrip
Trillium Gap Trail to Mount Le Conte : 13 miles (20.9 km) roundtrip
Rainbow Falls Trail to Mount Le Conte : 13 miles (20.9 km) roundtrip
Alum Cave Trail to Mount Le Conte : 10 miles (16.1 km) roundtrip
Pets The Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail are the only two park trails where pets are permitted. Pets are also allowed in picnic areas, in campgrounds, and on roads.
Accessibility Trail is steep with occasional obstacles like roots and rocks.
Walk Cable Mill Area Trails 0.3 mi round trip · the Park Service's write-up
no dogs · entrance fee applies
Start Expect crowds at Cades Cove Visitor Center
Overview
Cades Cove Visitor Center is approximately 5.5 miles (8.5 km) around the Cades Cove Loop Road. The paths and trails near the visitor center that access the gift shop, restrooms, and the Cable Mill Historic Area , which includes the Becky Cable House, Cable Mill , blacksmith shop, and barns, are primarily paved or hard-packed gravel and relatively flat. The path beyond the Becky Cable House has a step that transitions to a dirt path. There are restrooms, a bookstore and gift shop, and multiple historic buildings including a gristmill that operates spring through fall.
Length
0.3 miles (1.6 km) roundtrip
Parking & Trailhead
Park at the Cades Cove Visitor Center. Don't forget your parking tag .
Nearest Restroom
Restrooms available at Cades Cove Visitor Center.
Pets The Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail are the only two park trails where pets are permitted. Pets are also allowed in picnic areas, in campgrounds, and on roads.
Accessibility Paths are primarily paved or hard-packed gravel and relatively flat.