West Prong Trail - Hike West Prong Trail in the Smoky Mountains

West Prong Trail
Trail Features:		Quiet Forest Hike, Stream
Trail Location:		Tremont
Roundtrip Miles:		5.4 miles
Total Elevation Gain:		1375 feet
Avg. Elev Gain / Mile:		509 feet
Highest Elevation:		2087 feet
Trail Difficulty Rating:		8.15 (moderate)
Parking Lot Latitude:		35.64095
Parking Lot Longitude:		-83.69116

Directions to Trailhead:

From the Townsend "Y" intersection, drive west on Laurel Creek Road towards Cades Cove. At 0.2 miles, turn left to go towards the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. Drive another two miles before turning right into the parking area for the West Prong Trail, which is located just before reaching the Institute.

Trail Description:

The West Prong Trail begins as a steady climb of roughly 625 feet over the course of the first 1.4 miles before descending towards the West Prong of the Little River.

At roughly 0.3 miles from the trailhead you'll reach a somewhat confusing trail sign at the junction of an unmarked spur trail. Stay left here (towards campsite 18) to continue on the West Prong Trail. The side trail heading downhill will take you to an old cemetery that's still used by the families who once lived in this area.

This first section of the hike is very peaceful and quiet. However, after the trail begins descending, the rush of the stream below becomes louder and louder.

Roughly 2 miles from the trailhead you'll reach a creek crossing - without the benefit of a footbridge - only a few rocks and logs. If your balance isn't all that steady you may want to bring some hiking poles along with you, or you could just use a stick if the flow of the creek requires it.

Just beyond the creek crossing is backcountry campsite 18, which sits along the side of the West Prong. There are three campsites here that are situated in an outstanding place to spend a night or two under the stars. There are large logs and boulders in and around the stream that also make this a great place for a picnic lunch as well.

To continue on towards the Bote Mountain Trail you'll need to cross the footbridge in the middle of the campsite. It's a little difficult in determining which way the trail goes after crossing the bridge because there are campsites on either side, however, hikers should walk towards the right from here. After about 30 feet or so you'll easily pick up the trail again as it heads up the hillside.

At 2.7 miles you'll reach the Bote Mountain Trail junction. You'll notice this to be a very wide path. It was actually used as a roadway by the Civilian Conservation Corp. Near the junction we could see the snowy summit of Thunderhead Mountain through the trees.