About Wolf Ridge Trail
Wolf Ridge Trail is a long, steady climb from the Twentymile area up to the Gregory Bald Trail. It covers about 6.2 miles with roughly 3,100 feet of climbing, which makes it a hard day or an overnight. It is one of the quieter ways to reach the high country on the west end.
The hike
The lower trail follows Twentymile Creek, then climbs a ridge through hardwood and then higher forest. The upper end meets the Gregory Bald Trail, which leads to the well-known flame azalea balds in June.
When to go
Spring and fall are best; azalea season on Gregory Bald is usually mid- to late June.
Getting there
Twentymile is off NC-28 near Fontana Dam. 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. Overnights need a backcountry permit.
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
- Twentymile Loop Trail: a quiet connector near the Twentymile trailhead
- Hazel Creek Trail: a remote, boat-access backcountry route
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.
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 Wolf Ridge Trail?
- Wolf Ridge Trail is 6.2 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.
