Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Highlights

>>Detailed Information about The Appalachian Trail

The Appalachain Trail, which streches over 2,000 miles, from Maine to Georgia, was first proposed by Benton MacKaye as an effort to connect various parks nationally. The 2,175 mile trail crosses six national parks, including the Smokies, and it is said that to walk the length of the Trail would take over five million foot steps, a feat that over 10,000 people claim to have over the past 83 years.

The Trail does follow along parts of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest mountains along this path, some over six thousand feet. Clingmans Dome is the highest point on the 2,175 mile trail at 6,625 feet. Due to the high elevation, many people along the trial are struck unaware by the lower temperatures and the snow that can be caused by higher elevations, and some can become stranded from suddedn snow storms which can fall as late as April and early May. Permits are required for overnight stays in the Smokies, and unless you are thru-hiking, reservations are needed as well .

This part of the Appalachian Trail is 293 miles and it is suggested to go in Late May through October as the winter months will have much snowfall and Spring time brings lots of rain. Where the Trail runs through the Smokies is known as the Roan Highlands which is home to wide open views of grassy balds, such as Hump Mountain and plentiful Rhododendron gardens. These balds are also spots which can harbor serious and dangerous weather and lightning is quite common in the summer months.

For more information on hiking the Appalachian Trail, and getting your backpacking permit for overnight stays, call the Backcountry Office at (865) 436-1297 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and noon daily. To make reservations for shelter use, call the Backcountry Reservation office at (865) 463-1231 between the hours of 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Reservations can be made as soon as one month in advance of the first day of your trip.