About Middle Prong Trail
Middle Prong Trail is wide, gentle and especially good for families in Tremont. The National Park Service lists the walk to Lynn Camp Prong Cascades at 1.4 miles round trip, following an old railroad bed along a mountain stream to a dramatic cascade. The whole Middle Prong Trail is about 4 miles one way.
The hike
Past the cascades the trail continues beside the stream through rhododendron and hardwoods, with some rocky sections and gradual climbing; it gains about 1,200 feet from the trailhead to its end near Greenbrier Ridge. It also links to the Panther Creek Trail, so you can build longer loops.
When to go
Late spring and early summer bring wildflowers and strong flow. Fall is beautiful, and winter is quiet.
Getting there
From Townsend, follow Tremont Road to Upper Tremont Road and drive to the end. Parking is limited. 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 wear shoes with grip near the cascades. See the Cades Cove area page for road status in the western end of the park.
Pair it with
Other hikes in the same part of the park:
- West Prong Trail: a 5.4-mile round trip along the river
- Little River Trail: a gentle railroad grade through old Elkmont
- Jakes Creek Trail: a climb past historic Elkmont sites
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 Middle Prong Trail?
- Middle Prong Trail is 4.1 miles one way, with about 1,220 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.
