About Huskey Gap Trail
Huskey Gap Trail is a quiet connector in the Gatlinburg end of the park. It runs about 4.1 miles from Newfound Gap Road over Huskey Gap to the Little River Trail in the Elkmont area, with roughly 1,200 feet of climbing in this direction.
The hike
The forest is open hardwood with some rhododendron, and the trail is pleasantly quiet. It makes a good shuttle hike if you can leave a car at Elkmont. Note that the Sugarland Mountain Trail, which meets this trail at the top, is closed between Fighting Creek Gap Road and the Huskey Gap Trail junction.
When to go
Spring and fall are best. Winter may be icy.
Getting there
The trailhead is on Newfound Gap Road about 3 miles south of Sugarlands Visitor Center. The park charges for parking rather than entry: a parking tag is $5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year, required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes. America the Beautiful and other federal passes are not accepted.
Know before you go
Pets are not allowed. Bring water and a map. See the Sugarlands page.
Pair it with
Other hikes in the same part of the park:
- Gatlinburg Trail: an easy 4-mile round trip that allows dogs and bikes
- Grotto Falls: a 2.6-mile round trip to a waterfall you can walk behind
- Rainbow Falls: a 5.6-mile round trip to an 80-foot waterfall
Planning and safety
Allow about two miles per hour on rolling mountain trail, then add time for photos, snacks and rest. Start by mid-morning at the latest so you finish with daylight, and decide on a turnaround time before you leave the car.
Weather in the Smokies changes fast, and it is noticeably cooler as you climb. Bring a rain layer even on a sunny morning, wear shoes with good traction, and carry more water than you expect to need. Black bears live throughout the park, so stay at least 50 yards away, never feed wildlife and store food properly. The park's hiking safety guidance is worth a read before any trip.
Good to know
- How long is Huskey Gap Trail?
- Huskey Gap Trail is 4.1 miles one way, with about 1,200 feet of climbing. It is rated moderate.
- 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.
