About Twentymile Loop Trail
The Twentymile area is one of the quietest corners of the park. The Twentymile Loop Trail is a connector of about 2.8 miles between the Twentymile Trail and the Wolf Ridge Trail, with roughly 800 feet of climbing in the uphill direction. It is often used to build a longer loop from the trailhead.
The hike
The easiest walk here is to Twentymile Cascade, a 1.2-mile round trip along a wide gravel roadbed to a cascade framed by moss-covered rocks. The loop trail goes farther, through hardwood forest, with little traffic.
When to go
Spring and fall are best.
Getting there
Twentymile is off NC-28, near Fontana Dam and Tapoco. 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 map; cell service is poor.
Pair it with
Other hikes in the same part of the park:
- the Appalachian Trail from Fontana Dam: a climb toward the Shuckstack fire tower
- Wolf Ridge Trail: a strenuous climb from Twentymile
- Hazel Creek Trail: a remote, boat-access backcountry route
Planning and safety
Allow about two miles per hour on rolling mountain trail, then add time for photos, snacks and rest. Start by mid-morning at the latest so you finish with daylight, and decide on a turnaround time before you leave the car.
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 Twentymile Loop Trail?
- Twentymile Loop Trail is 2.8 miles one way, with about 800 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.
