About the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina and Tennessee
Overview
320.4 miles*
The Appalachian Trail’s route through Tennessee and North Carolina spends so much time traversing the border that it’s easier to describe as one 370 mile stretch.
* 2006-2011 data compiled by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Selected Highlights on the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina and Tennessee
North Carolina
Traveling south to north, the Trail enters North Carolina and stays within the “Tar Heel” state until it reaches Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail in this section is spectacular. It’s one great ridge walk across the Nantahala National Forest. Many of the peaks offer tremendous views, either from rock outcroppings or from fire towers on their summits. One of my favorites is from Wesser Bald, just south of the Nantahala River. (I took the sunset photo to the left from the wooden Wesser Bald fire tower.)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
After crossing the Nantahala River, the Trail heads toward (and crosses) Fontana Dam (from which I took the photo to the left) before entering Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 72-mile stretch of the AT through GSMNP generally follows the NC/TN border and includes the highest point on the entire trail, 6625’ Clingmans Dome. The backpacking here is among the best in the east, where the Trail frequently climbs above 5000’ and tops 6,000’ a handful of times. Important note: You need to obtain a permit from the National Park Service and camp only in designated campsites or shelters. The NPS takes violations seriously. If you are caught camping without a permit, you can be fined up to $5000 and/or spend 6 months in jail.
Tennessee
After leaving GSMNP, the trail continues to flip-flop along the North Carolina/Tennessee border for about 90 miles until it enters Tennessee for good just north of Hump Mountain, near US Route 19E. From here, the Trail stays within Tennessee the final 75 miles to Damascus Virginia. The highlights of the Trail in this part of Tennessee are Laurel Fork (see left), a beautiful gorge featuring 40-foot waterfalls, and the adjacent Pond Mountain, featuring expansive views from its bald flanks. From here the Trail follows the ridgeline of Holston Mountain, then descends into the welcoming Trail town of Damascus, Virginia.
Best Section Hikes on the North Carolina and Tennessee Appalachian Trail
Nantahala Gorge, NC to Davenport Gap, TN (S to N) - 101 miles
Big mountain hiking right along the spine of the Great Smoky Mountains — what’s not to like? You’ll want to be in shape for this one. There are a lot of ascents and descents along the route. We went in late fall to avoid the crowds, which worked out spectacularly. Plan your trip well in advance. NOTE: To qualify for an AT Thru-Hiker Permit, you must begin and end your hike at least 50 miles outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park and only travel on the AT in the park. (This section starts 30 miles outside the boundary, so you need to obtain a backcountry permit.)See regulations here.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 72 miles
Get Ready to Hike the AT
Interested in hiking the AT? You may find Appalachian Odyssey a useful resource. I section-hiked the AT over nearly three decades with a good friend and we learned a lot! Includes profile maps of all 28 section hikes, 80+ color photos and a great feel for what it’s like to hike the various sections.
Interested in the history of the AT? How the trail came into being is the subject of my book, Blazing Ahead.
If you have any questions about trip planning, please contact me by email at jeff@jeffryanauthor.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
More about the AT
If you are interested in hiking the trail, you may find my book Appalachian Odyssey: A 28-year hike on America’s trail a useful resource. I section-hiked the AT over nearly three decades with a good friend and we learned a lot!
If you are interested in the history of the Appalachian Trail — how the trail came into existence in the first place and the powerful personalities that got it built — you may enjoy my book, Blazing Ahead: Benton MacKaye, Myron Avery and the Rivalry that Built the Appalachian Trail.
If you have any questions about trip planning, please contact me on Twitter (@JeffRyanAuthor) or by email (jeff@jeffryanauthor.com). I look forward to hearing from you.