Trail Description

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The Kephart Prong Trail ('prong' means a bend in the river) is a four-mile roundtrip hike that crosses the Oconaluftee River six times, with narrow footbridges provided at each crossing. The trail itself is an old road-bed with broken and exposed pavement at the beginning of the trail and eventually leads to a backcountry shelter.

From the first footbridge near the trailhead, the trail begins to rise steadily in elevation. The trail passes through typical Smokies forest as it crosses the Oconaluftee River. *At about 1.75 mile into the hike, you might find yourself on a disappearing trail offshoot that runs into the river. Turn around walk about 100 yards and look for a large Oak tree that is blocking the trail. Climb over this tree and you'll be back on the trail.

Along the trail, you will see some ruins that are the remains of a former Civilian Conservation Corp Camp that was there from 1933-42. An old sign and chimney are just a few of the remnants visible along the way.

At the end of the trail, a newly remodeled backcountry shelter awaits which can accommodate up to eight people for overnight camping. It also includes a stone fireplace that comes in handy during the winter. A backcountry permit is required to camp overnight. The shelter was remodeled in 2005 and is very popular so expect to see other hikers especially on weekends.

Worth Noting

• Horace Kephart was a writer, and one of the most vocal advocates for the preservation of the park.



• The shelter is popular so you may want to arrive early and reserve your spot.



• Because of its popularity, the small parking area can fill up quickly, especially in the spring and summer months, so again arrive early.



• Some of the foot-bridges (also called foot logs) can be wet and slippery so it is recommended that one hiker cross at a time.

Directions to Trailhead

The trailhead is marked as the Kephart Prong Trail, but the sign is not visible from the road.

Directions: From the Oconaluftee Visitors Center in Cherokee, drive 7 miles into the park, and look on the right for a small parking area and a footbridge. From Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg, drive 25 miles into the park and look on your left for the trailhead and footbridge.

Contact Information

Great Smoky Mountain National Park Headquarters
865-436-1200

Oconaluftee Visitor Center (North Carolina side)
828-497-1904

Sugarlands Visitor Center (Tennessee side)
865-436-1291

Backcountry Office: Reservations and Information
865-436-1297 for Backcountry Volunteer Office
865-436-1231 for Backcountry Camping Reservations