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 Reporter |
Summary: This is an easy leg stretcher relatively close to the Visitor Center on the NC side of the park. The trail follows an old roadbed for two miles to a backpacking shelter. There are five footbridges along this trail. The last three are typical log footbridges found on trails all over the Park. The old building ruins are all that remains of a former Civilian Conservation Corp Camp that was here from 1933-42. You'll also see old railroad remains that were left when Champion Fiber Company logged the area in the 1920s. Great views of the Kephart Prong can be found all along this trail so make sure to bring a camera and a bathing suit in the summer. This trail may be packed on the weekends, but is pretty empty during the week in the off season. Trailhead: This trail is located on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enter the park on HWY 441 from Cherokee, NC. Approximately 5.0 miles past Smokemont Campground look for a small parking area on the right side of the road. You'll also find a large footbridge over the Oconaluftee River where the trail begins. (Lat:35.58564 Lon:-83.3587) Trail Guides for Kephart Prong Trail: North Carolina Hiking Trails by Allen de Hart (Appalachian Mountain Club Books) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 865-436-1200 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Tim Johnson, who has posted 15 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by adele on 12/25/2007 This is a great hike for beginners and kids. We always take visitors who aren't "hikers" and they love it. 
Reviewed by Brian on 3/28/2006 Great hike if you enjoy seeing pieces of history, before and during the early creations of the park. Go during the week to avoid the weekend crowds. I hiked it mid March on a Wedns. and met only 2 other people. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: North Carolina Hiking, North Carolina Trails, North Carolina Hikes, Swain County Hiking, Swain County Trails, Swain County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||