The Appalachian Trail is a famous hiking route that spans multiple states, and while many AT thru-hikers have completed this incredible feat, anyone can hike a portion of the trail when they visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Read on to learn about the trail’s rich history and find out more about hiking portions of the Appalachian Trail in the Smoky Mountains!
Appalachian Trail History
Benton MacKaye, an American forester, planner, and conservationist, came up with the idea for the Appalachian Trail in 1921. He wanted people to experience the beautiful scenery and peacefulness of the mountains as they hiked on a footpath that stretched from New England to Georgia. In 1925, the Appalachian Trail Conference (known as the Appalachian Trail Conservancy today) was founded, and the project began. Development first started in the northern region then made its way down to Virginia and West Virginia. The trail was deemed a continuous footpath in 1937, as it stretched from Georgia to Maine. It was the first scenic trail under the National Park Systems Act, which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. It ensured the federal protection of the trail so many generations will be able to enjoy the Appalachian Trail for years to come.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail
The entire Appalachian Trail is over 2,000 miles long, and the portion in Great Smoky Mountains National Park stretches for about 72 miles altogether. The route begins at Fontana Dam and ends at Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome). You can hike part of it when you take the Mount Cammerer Trail. The whole route is 11.2 miles and you will reach the Appalachian Trail at around 2.9 miles from the trailhead. Another part of the Appalachian Trail is the 7.5 miles from Newfound Gap to Kuwohi. Keep in mind that both of these routes are ideal for experienced hikers. Plan to hike multiple days? There are backcountry campsites along the way. They close in the winter, so plan your hike during the warmer months.
Appalachian Trail Highlights
There are many great things to see when you hike the Appalachian Trail in the Smoky Mountains. Sever highlights along the trail include Mt. Cammerer, and of course, Kuwohi. This peak is the highest point of the Smoky Mountains as well as on the Appalachian Trail at 6,643 feet. Take a welcome break from your hike as you go up to the observation tower to see stunning views. Visitors can see for up to 100 miles on a clear day! Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Mount Cammerer fire tower is also quite impressive at 4,928 feet high. When you go inside, enjoy the panoramic views of Mt. Sterling, Snowbird Mountain, and other tall peaks of the Smokies. A couple of other popular hikes that contain a portion of the Appalachian Trail include Charlies Bunion and Rocky Top (Thunderhead Mountain).
Now you know more about the Appalachian Trail in the Smoky Mountains and some highlights along this iconic trail. Want to explore other difficult but rewarding trails? Read more about challenging Smoky Mountains National Park hikes!
