Appalachian Trail - AT Hiking Guide for the Smokies

Key Points Along the Appalachian Trail

Mileage is measured from Fontana Dam, the entry point for the Appalachian Trail into the Smokies from the south, and is listed just next to each key point. The numbers in parenthesis measure total mileage from the starting point of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain in Georgia.

Fontana Dam - 0.0 (165.3 miles from Springer Mountain)

Elev: 1800

Shuckstack Tower – 4.0 (169.3)

Elev: 3800

> Be sure to check out the views from the Shuckstack Fire Tower which is on a short side trail just east of the AT. Outstanding views of Fontana Lake and the North Carolina Smokies.

Birch Spring Gap - 5.3 (170.6)

Elev: 3680

> Water

> There is no longer a shelter here. It’s now backcountry campsite #113.

Doe Knob - 7.6 (172.9)

Elev: 4520

> Trail junction give you access to Gregory Bald (spectacular flame azaleas bloom on the summit from mid to late June)

Ekaneetlee Gap – 8.9 (174.2)

Elev: 3842

> Water

Mollies Ridge Shelter – 10.6 (175.9)

Elev: 4570

> Water

Russell Field Shelter – 13.1 (178.4)

Elev: 4360

> Water

Spence Field Shelter – 16.0 (181.3)

Elev: 4915

> Water

> Must travel 0.2 miles south on Eagle Creek Trail to reach shelter

> Awesome displays of mountain laurel at Spence Field in late spring

Rocky Top – 17.2 (182.5)

Elev: 5440

> Spectacular views here at Rocky Top - great place for a lunch break.

Thunderhead, east peak – 17.8 (183.1)

Elev: 5527

Beechnut Gap – 18.1 (183.4)

Elev: 4920

> Water

Derrick Knob Shelter – 22.3 (187.6)

Elev: 4880

> Water

Sam's Gap – 22.5 (187.8)

Elev: 4995

> Water

Buckeye Gap – 25.1 (190.4)

Elev: 4817

> Water

Siler's Bald Shelter – 27.8 (193.1)

Elev: 5460

> Water

Double Spring Gap Shelter – 29.5 (194.8)

Elev: 5505

> Water

Clingmans Dome – 32.0 (197.3)

Elev: 6643

> Water

> Highest elevation point on the entire Appalachian Trail, in the Smokies, and is the state highpoint for Tennessee. There’s an observation tower open to the public at the top of the mountain.

> Clingmans Dome has a parking lot 0.6 miles from the peak, so emergency access is available as well as a way to leave the trail if needed. Shuttles can be arranged to take you to Gatlinburg. This is also a good place to be re-supplied. There’s also a real restroom here.

Mt. Collins Shelter – 35.8 (201.1)

Elev: 5870

> Water

> Must travel 0.5 miles north on the Sugarland Mountain Trail to reach shelter.

Indian Gap - 37.6 (202.9)

> Access to Clingmans Dome Road

Newfound Gap, US 441 – 30.3 (205.6)

Elev: 5046

> Water

> This is the only place where the AT crosses a road within the Smokies, making it an easy place to be re-supplied or to cut the trip in half. This is also a good place to leave the trail if needed. Shuttles can be arranged to take you to Gatlinburg. There’s also a real restroom here.

Icewater Spring Shelter – 43.3 (208.6)

Elev: 5920

> Water

> Because it's so close to Newfound Gap this is one of the most crowded shelters in the park.

Charlies Bunion – 44.1 (209.4)

Elev: 5905

> Outstanding panoramic views from a large rock out-cropping at Charlies Bunion. Great lunch/ break area. (very short side trail)

Pecks Corner Shelter – 50.7 (216.0)

Elev: 5280

> Water

> Must travel 0.5 miles south on the Hughes Ridge Trail to reach shelter.

Mt. Sequoyah – 53.4 (218.7)

Elev: 6069

Mt. Chapman – 54.9 (220.2)

Elev: 6417

Tri-Corner Knob Shelter – 55.9 (221.2)

Elev: 5920

> Water

Guyot Spring – 57.7 (223.0)

Elev: 6150

> Water

Mt. Guyot Side Trail – 57.8 (223.1)

Elev: 6395

Cosby Knob Shelter – 63.6 (228.9)

Elev: 4700

> Water

Mt. Cammerer Side Trail – 66.4 (231.7)

Elev: 5000

> This is an excellent 0.6 mile side trip to a “western” style octagonal rock and glass fire tower.

Spring – 66.9 (232.2)

Elev: 4300

> Water

Spring – 68.5 (233.8)

Elev: 3700

> Water

Davenport Gap Shelter – 70.7 (236.0)

Elev: 2600

> Water

Davenport Gap - 71.6 (236.9)

Elev: 1975

> TN 32, NC 284; eastern boundary, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

> If you have to park at this end of the park, be sure to park at the ranger station. In the past there have been problems with vehicles getting broken into in this area. (There are no showers here)