About Mount Sterling Trail
Mount Sterling Trail is the short, steep way to a fire tower that looks out over the North Carolina side of the park. It runs about 2.3 miles one way from Mount Sterling Gap, with roughly 1,700 feet of climbing, so it is a hard 4.6-mile round trip. The tower rewards you with wide views.
The hike
The trail climbs steadily through hardwood and then spruce-fir forest to the summit area and the tower. It is a good fall color trip. The trailhead is at the end of a rough road, so check conditions before driving up.
When to go
Fall color is the main draw. Spring and summer are good for views; winter is icy.
Getting there
The trailhead is at Mount Sterling Gap, reached by a gravel road from the Waterville/Cataloochee 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 warm layer. Camping at the top requires a backcountry permit.
Pair it with
Other hikes in the same part of the park:
- Big Creek Trail: an easy walk to Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls
- Little Cataloochee Trail: a quiet walk through old settlement sites
- Flat Creek Trail: a short high-country route on Balsam Mountain
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 Mount Sterling Trail?
- Mount Sterling Trail is 2.3 miles one way (4.6 miles round trip), with about 1,700 feet of climbing. 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.
