Outbound Collective logo

Kephart Prong Trail, Great Smoky Mountains NP

Bryson City, North Carolina

5.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

3.92 miles

Elevation Gain

850 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Joshua Contois

Cross multiple rivers on five different foot bridges along this scenic 4-mile hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Kephart Prong is a pretty easy hike in close proximity to the Visitor Center on the North Carolina Side of GSMNP. 2 miles up the trail, you'll arrive at Kephart Shelter, where you can rest and enjoy vies of the Kephart Prong. Once you've had your fill, head back down the way you came. 

During the rainy months, you'll see small streams form near the trail that flow into the Kephart Prong. You may even get a chance to see a few small waterfalls. 

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app
Download GPX File

Features

Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Food Nearby
Forest
River
Scenic

Reviews

After reading Kephart’s book, Our Southern Highlanders, I had to hike this trail, which is a steady uphill walk to the Kephart shelter. If you’re hiking midsummer as we did, take bug spray, a cap, and a handkerchief as it is quite humid. Lovely walk in the woods with multiple trail access and four footbridge stream crossings.

Stayed overnight in the shelter, would and will do it again! Beautiful, yet simple hike to take on.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Charlies Bunion via Kephart Loop

Hike to Clingman’s Dome via Newfound Gap

Hike to the Jump-Off

Mount LeConte Lodge via the Boulevard Trail

Catch a Sunrise at Newfound Gap

Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail