About Lumber Ridge Trail
Lumber Ridge Trail is a quiet connector near Tremont. It runs about 4.1 miles from the West Prong trailhead to a junction with the Meigs Creek and Meigs Mountain trails, climbing roughly 1,270 feet. It is a good choice if you want a longer outing without crowds.
The hike
The trail climbs through hardwood forest on an old logging route. It is mostly an access trail rather than a destination, so plan it as part of a loop.
When to go
Spring and fall are best.
Getting there
Follow Tremont Road from Townsend to the West Prong trailhead area. You need a parking tag for any stop over 15 minutes in the park. It costs $5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year, and federal passes such as America the Beautiful are not accepted. Buy it at a visitor center or on recreation.gov, and display the physical tag.
Know before you go
Pets are not allowed. Bring water and a map.
Pair it with
Other hikes in the same part of the park:
- Middle Prong Trail: an easy railroad-grade walk to Lynn Camp Prong Cascades
- West Prong Trail: a 5.4-mile round trip along the river
- Little River Trail: a gentle railroad grade through old Elkmont
Planning and safety
Give yourself more time than the mileage suggests. Rocks, roots, stream crossings and short climbs all slow the pace, and most people stop often. An early start gives you the quietest trail and the best chance at a parking space.
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 Lumber Ridge Trail?
- Lumber Ridge Trail is 4.1 miles one way, with about 1,270 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.
