About Tricorner Knob (via AT)
Tricorner Knob rises on the high spine of the eastern Smokies, where the Tennessee-North Carolina line meets a long ridge. It is not a day hike. The Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap reaches the Tricorner Knob Shelter after roughly 15 miles, with about 3,100 feet of total climbing, so most hikers treat it as a two- or three-day trip.
The route
The AT leaves Newfound Gap, passes the spur to Charlies Bunion, and continues along the main crest through spruce-fir forest, with exposed rocky sections and views toward both states. The tread is mostly rocky and root-crossed. Water is limited on the ridge, so plan your fill-ups carefully. The final stretch drops to the shelter, which is among the most remote in the park.
Permits and rules
Every night in the backcountry needs a permit and a reservation for AT shelters. Permits are sold on recreation.gov and cost $8 per person per night. Bears are active, and food must be hung on the cable system. Pets are not allowed.
Getting there
Newfound Gap is on US-441 between Gatlinburg and Cherokee. A multi-day stay uses the weekly parking tag ($15), and federal passes are not accepted. Arrive early, since the lot fills on weekends. Check the NPS closures page for ridge and trail cautions before your trip.
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
Treat this as a full-day commitment. Steep mountain trail often takes closer to one mile per hour on the climbs, so build in extra time. Start early, set a firm turnaround time, carry a headlamp, and tell someone your plan before you lose cell service.
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 Tricorner Knob (via AT)?
- Tricorner Knob (via AT) is 15.6 miles one way, with about 3,100 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.
