Date: Saturday, April 5th
Time: Starting at 10:00 am
Where: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Distance: 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Difficult (7/10), several steep inclines are present on the trail
Cost: Free, though pre-registration is required
Join Us for a Guided Hike at Great Smoky Mountain NP – Saturday, April 5th
Our previously-planned hike along The Kephart Prong Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 5 due to inclement weather. This trail offers a scenic and historically rich hike, leading to the Kephart Shelter. We’ll begin with a footbridge crossing the Oconaluftee River and then navigate past the remnants of a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp from the Great Depression era. Here, you’ll find the chimney of the camp barracks, rock framing for a signboard, and remnants of a water fountain. The CCC camp, which operated between 1933 and 1942, played a significant role in the construction of park roads, footbridges, and other structures, some of which are still visible today.
Continuing along the trail, hikers will cross several more footbridges and climb steadily up the southern slopes of Mount Kephart. At 2.1 miles, you’ll reach the Kephart Shelter, located at the junction of multiple trails, where you can enjoy beautiful views and historical insights. This area is named for Horace Kephart, a key advocate for the Smoky Mountains National Park, whose contributions to the park’s preservation and mountain culture are celebrated here. Whether you’re exploring the rich history or simply soaking in the natural beauty, the Kephart Prong Trail is a rewarding hike for outdoor enthusiasts
While the Kephart Prong Trail is open to the public, pre-registration is required for this guided hike. Upon registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email along with detailed information about the meeting location and event specifics 24-48 hours prior to the hike. Please note that this hike is not wheelchair accessible, so participants should be prepared for a moderate trail experience.
For more information and resources on Kephart Prong Trail, visit: NPS Kephart Prong Resource
Registration for this event will close at end of day on Thursday, April 3rd. If you have any questions, please reach out to justin@appalachian.org.
