About Road Prong Trail
Road Prong Trail branches off the Chimney Tops Trail and climbs a long drainage to the Appalachian Trail. It is about 2.2 miles with roughly 1,270 feet of climbing and follows part of the old road over Indian Gap.
The hike
You start on the Chimney Tops Trail from the trailhead on Newfound Gap Road, then the Road Prong Trail leaves the crowds behind and climbs by the stream. It ends at the AT near Indian Gap. It makes a good shuttle hike if you arrange a ride, or a long out-and-back.
When to go
Spring and fall are best. Winter can be icy at the top.
Getting there
The trailhead is on Newfound Gap Road about 7 miles south of Sugarlands Visitor Center. Plan on a parking tag ($5 daily, $15 weekly, $40 annual) if you will be parked longer than 15 minutes. Federal passes do not substitute for it, and a screenshot will not do; the tag must be displayed in the vehicle.
Know before you go
Pets are not allowed. Bring water and traction in winter. See the closures 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
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.
Cell service is spotty across much of the park, so download a map ahead of time and tell someone where you are headed. Stay on the trail, keep dogs and other pets on the few trails where they are allowed, and give wildlife plenty of room. Trail conditions are posted on the park's closures page.
Good to know
- How long is Road Prong Trail?
- Road Prong Trail is 2.2 miles one way, with about 1,270 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.
