29. Kephart Prong Trail

Kephart Prong Trail: A Historic Hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Horace Kephart

The Kephart Prong Trail is named in honor of Horace Kephart, a conservationist and early proponent of the national park. Without the foresight of Kephart and others, likely, the park would not exist today. Horace Kephart was a librarian and outdoorsman who sought refuge in the Appalachian Mountains in the early 1900s after personal struggles, including a nervous breakdown. He lived among the mountain people, documenting their way of life in his seminal book, Our Southern Highlanders, published in 1913. This work highlighted the unique culture and natural beauty of the region, drawing attention to the need for preservation amid rampant logging.

Kephart became a vocal advocate for establishing a national park in the Smokies. He collaborated with figures like George Masa, a photographer, to map and promote the area. Their efforts contributed to the park’s creation in 1934. Kephart’s writings, including The Book of Camping & Woodcraft: 1906 Edition, remain influential for outdoor enthusiasts. Tragically, he died in a car accident in 1931, just before the park’s dedication, but his legacy endures through named features like Mount Kephart and this trail.

Civilian Conservation Corps

The trail itself follows an old roadbed through areas rich in history. Soon after you begin your hike, the trail passes through the remains of what used to be a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal created the Civilian Conservation Corps to help single, unemployed, young men find work developing natural resources in rural areas of the United States.

The mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina filled up with CCC camps during the early days of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Unrestricted logging had stripped the mountains of the majority of their trees by the 1920s, leaving eroded landscapes. The CCC, established in 1933, was tasked with reforestation, soil conservation, and infrastructure development. Camps were military-style, with enrollees earning $30 a month, most sent home to families.

The CCC camp on Kephart Prong Trail was active from 1933 to 1942. This hardworking group of young men built fisheries, trails, and assisted in the creation of Newfound Gap Road. Hundreds of men lived in the camp, enduring rigorous schedules that included planting millions of trees and constructing stone walls and bridges. Their work helped restore the park’s ecosystems and made it accessible to visitors. Today, remnants like a chimney from the barracks and a water fountain evoke the era’s spirit.

The trail’s historical significance extends beyond the CCC. It parallels Kephart Prong, a tributary of the Oconaluftee River, named after Kephart. The area was once part of Cherokee lands, and later, logging operations by companies like Champion Fibre left rails and artifacts visible along the path. In spring, wildflowers bloom abundantly, while fall brings vibrant foliage. Wildlife sightings, such as black bears, turkeys, and deer, are common, emphasizing the park’s biodiversity. This 4-mile out-and-back trail, with an 830-foot elevation gain, offers a moderate hike that blends natural beauty with a tangible connection to America’s conservation history.

Getting to Kephart Prong Trail Trailhead

• From Oconaluftee Visitor Center: Drive 6.9 miles north on Newfound Gap Road (US 441) to the trailhead on the right. This route passes through scenic forested areas and crosses the Oconaluftee River multiple times, offering glimpses of the park’s diverse terrain.
• From Sugarlands Visitor Center: Drive 21.6 miles south on Newfound Gap Road (US 441) to the trailhead on the left. This longer drive takes you over Newfound Gap, where you can stop for panoramic views of the Smokies.

The trailhead is located approximately 5 miles north of Smokemont Campground, a popular base for campers.

Always check road conditions on nps.gov, as weather can cause closures. The trail is accessible year-round, but winter may require traction devices for icy sections.

Parking

You may park on either side of the road in the spaces provided at the trailhead pull-off. Kephart Prong Trail is popular among hikers, so arrive early for the best opportunity to park, especially on weekends and holidays. The parking area is paved but limited to about 10-15 vehicles, with no overflow options nearby.

If the lot is full, avoid parking on road shoulders, as it poses safety risks and may result in fines. Plan for peak times in spring for wildflowers or fall for colors, when crowds peak.

Parking Tag

A parking tag is required for any vehicle parked in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for more than 15 minutes. These can be purchased online or at visitor centers for a small fee, with proceeds supporting park maintenance.

• Daily: $5.00
• Weekly: $15.00
• Annual: $40.00 (not available online).

No entrance fee is charged for the park itself, but the tag system helps manage visitation impacts. To avoid parking stress, consider using shuttle services offered by local outfitters. These shuttles drop off and pick up at the trailhead, allowing you to focus on the hike without worrying about your vehicle. During weekends and holidays, expect crowds; mid-week hikes offer a quieter experience.

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, located 6.9 miles south of the trailhead, and at the Collins Creek Picnic Area, about 2 miles north on US 441. Both facilities are maintained by the NPS and include flush toilets and running water during operating hours.

Oconaluftee Visitor Center restrooms are accessible year-round, with additional amenities like exhibits and a bookstore. Collins Creek offers picnic tables alongside restrooms, making it a convenient stop before or after your hike.

There are no restrooms along the Kephart Prong Trail itself, so plan accordingly. Follow Leave No Trace principles for any back country needs, packing out all waste. In emergencies, use designated back country regulations.

No Pets

Pets are not allowed on the Kephart Prong Trail, in accordance with Great Smoky Mountains National Park regulations. This rule protects wildlife, prevents disturbances to other hikers, and preserves the natural environment. Dogs, cats, and other pets can transmit diseases to native animals or become prey to predators like bears.

Exceptions in the park are limited to the Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail, where leashed dogs are permitted. Service animals are allowed with proper documentation. Emotional support animals are considered pets and are not allowed on trails.

If traveling with pets, leave them at home or in pet-friendly accommodations outside the park. Violators may face fines. For pet-friendly options nearby, check Cherokee or Bryson City areas.

Kephart Prong Trail Description

This trail is an out-and-back hike, covering 4 miles roundtrip with a packed dirt, rocks, and roots surface. It takes about 2 hours for most hikers, rated easy to moderate due to the 830-foot elevation gain. Foot traffic can be crowded, and equestrians are allowed, though the trail is not popular with them.

Right next to the road, a short footbridge over the Oconaluftee River leads to Kephart Prong Trail. The trail surface is a former roadbed, so for most of the hike it is wide and smooth. However, sections of the trail are rocky with some roots, especially when you get closer to Kephart Shelter.

Some reviewers say the trail is easy to hike; however, the rise in elevation leads us, and the National Park Service, to rate it “moderate.” While it does not compare to the strenuous hikes of Rainbow Falls or Chimney Tops, it is slightly more challenging than a flat trail.

Occasionally, horses are on the trail, although it is not very popular with equestrians. Many horse-friendly trails are closer to the stables, so someone would really want to ride this trail to go to the trouble of getting a horse here.

Kephart Prong Trail parallels the Kephart Prong of the Oconaluftee River and is a nice place to enjoy the sights and sounds of the river. In addition, quite a few historical remnants remain from early 20th-century buildings.

To reach the shelter, you must cross four log footbridges over water. The last two are a bit more challenging than the first two, featuring stairs and handrails for safety. If you have young children, please proceed with caution. The bridges offer picturesque views of cascading streams amid hardwood forests.

The hike begins with a gentle incline through dense woods, where spring ephemerals like trillium and violets carpet the ground. About 0.2 miles in, you’ll encounter the CCC camp remnants: a stone chimney, rail tracks from logging days, and a water fountain. Explore off-trail carefully to avoid damaging artifacts.

Continuing upward, the path narrows slightly, following the prong’s babbling waters. Look for signs of wildlife, tracks of deer or bear scat. At 1 mile, the trail steepens modestly, with rocky sections requiring sturdy footwear. Wildflowers peak in April-May, while summer brings lush greenery and possible salamander sightings in moist areas.

The turnaround point is Kephart Shelter, a back country site for overnight campers (permit required via nps.gov). The shelter, built in the 1930s, accommodates up to 14 people and features a fireplace. From here, views of surrounding ridges inspire reflection on the park’s conservation story.

Return the same way, descending easily. Total time varies with stops for photos or history.

Safety tips: Carry water, wear layers for changing weather, and use bug spray in summer. Bears are active, store food properly and make noise. Check nps.gov for trail conditions.

Read: What to Do If You Encounter a Black Bear

Nearby Points of Interest

The Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill are near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center to the east, showcasing 19th-century farm life with preserved buildings and a working grist mill.

Newfound Gap, the trailhead for a hike to Charlies Bunion, is just 8.0 miles west, offering stunning overlooks and Appalachian Trail access.

Other attractions include:

• Smokemont Campground: 5 miles south, with tent sites and hiking loops.
• Kanati Fork Trail: Adjacent, for wildflower viewing.
• Oconaluftee River Trail: Pet-friendly path nearby.
• Deep Creek Area: 10 miles away, featuring waterfalls like on Juney Whank Falls Trail.