About Rocky Top (via AT from Kuwohi)
Rocky Top is a rocky knob near Spence Field on the Tennessee side of the park, made famous by the song. From Kuwohi, getting there by the Appalachian Trail is a long point-to-point walk of about 15 miles one way, mostly along the state-line ridge. That makes it a two-day backpack, not a day hike.
The route
From the Kuwohi lot the AT drops from the park's highest point and runs west past Silers Bald and Derrick Knob. Along the way there are backcountry shelters and several high grassy balds with views. Spence Field is the last big bald before Rocky Top, a short side trip from the AT. The route gains about 2,100 feet in total, with similar amounts of descent, so it is a lot of up and down.
A shorter way
Most day hikers climb to Rocky Top from the Cades Cove side. The Bote Mountain Trail is about 7 miles to Spence Field from Laurel Creek Road; the Anthony Creek Trail from the Cades Cove campground is another popular approach. Either way expect a hard 12 to 14 mile day.
Permits and conditions
Overnight stays need a backcountry permit from recreation.gov; the fee is $8 per person per night, and shelters are reserved ahead. Kuwohi Road is seasonal, open April 1 to Nov. 29 in 2026. Weather on the ridge can be harsh even in summer, so carry a stove, rain gear and warm layers. Parking at Kuwohi is limited, and a multi-day trip needs a parking tag of $5 a day or $15 a week; federal passes are not accepted.
Pair it with
Other hikes in the same part of the park:
- Andrews Bald: a 3.6-mile round trip to a grassy bald
- the Kuwohi tower walk: a steep paved mile round trip
- Charlies Bunion: an 8-mile round trip on the Appalachian Trail
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 Rocky Top (via AT from Kuwohi)?
- Rocky Top (via AT from Kuwohi) is 15 miles one way, with about 2,100 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.
