About Appalachian Trail (AT) - Various Sections
The Appalachian Trail crosses the park for about 71 miles, mostly along the Tennessee-North Carolina state line, and it is the high road of the Smokies. It passes Kuwohi, the highest point on the entire AT, and crosses Newfound Gap Road, which is the easiest place to step onto it. The route is one of the most hiked stretches of the whole trail.
Day hikes
Most visitors sample short sections. From Newfound Gap, Charlies Bunion is an 8-mile round trip. From Kuwohi, a short stretch of AT can be combined with the observation tower. Fontana Dam offers a climb toward Shuckstack. Check the NPS hiking page for current trail conditions.
Thru-hikers and overnights
Overnight stays need a backcountry permit and shelter reservations. Backcountry permits cost $8 per person per night; thru-hikers have a separate permit at $44.50. Bears are active, and food must be hung. Pets are not allowed on the AT inside the park.
Getting there
The usual access points are Newfound Gap on US-441, Kuwohi at the end of Kuwohi Road (seasonal, April 1 to Nov. 29 in 2026), Fontana Dam on the south end and Davenport Gap on the northeast. Parking over 15 minutes needs a parking tag: $5 a day, $15 a week, $40 a year, and federal passes are not accepted.
Pair it with
Other hikes in the same part of the park:
- Andrews Bald: a 3.6-mile round trip to a grassy bald
- the Kuwohi tower walk: a steep paved mile round trip
- Charlies Bunion: an 8-mile round trip on the Appalachian Trail
Planning and safety
Plan on a long day and pack accordingly: more water than seems reasonable, real food, a warm layer, a rain shell and a headlamp. Start at first light if you can, and turn around if the weather or your energy changes.
Check conditions the morning you go. The park posts trail and road closures and cautions, and storms, ice and Hurricane Helene repairs can change access with little notice. Carry water, a rain layer and a map, keep a safe distance from bears and elk, and pack out everything you bring in.
Good to know
- How long is Appalachian Trail (AT) - Various Sections?
- Appalachian Trail (AT) - Various Sections is 71 miles one way. It is rated strenuous.
- Are dogs allowed on this trail?
- No. Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, dogs are allowed only on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.
- Do I need a parking tag to hike here?
- A Park It Forward parking tag ($5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year) is required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Entry is free, and federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace the tag.
