Kephart Prong Trail

Kephart Prong Trail is a wonderful trail, regardless of your skill level! It’s a beautiful walk along the noisy Kephart Prong, framed by the surrounding trees and plants. It’s not difficult – the trail is wide and not too steep. And it’s easy to get to.

Here’s what we found when we hiked it…

Published November 14, 2024

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Five Things to Like About Kephart Prong Trail

Kephart Prong Trail has a lot going for it! Here are our five favorite things about this hike…

Kephart Prong Trail Has an Interesting History

Kephart Prong and Kephart Prong Trail were named for Horace Kephart, who moved to the area from St. Louis in 1904 following a nervous breakdown (some say it was more a mid-life crisis). He left his family and fully embraced life in the Smokies. By trade, Kephart was an academic, an author, and a librarian. He put those skills to work after moving to the area, writing about his love of the land and about the people who settled there.

An old chimney standing in the woods along Kephart Prong Trail

Later, this area was logged and became a Civilian Conservation Corps Camp from 1933 to 1942. The camp lodged conscientious objectors during World War II. Though they chose not to fight, the objectors still contributed at home by filling many of the CCC jobs and teaching school-aged children. Look to the right for the old stone sign marking the spot just 0.2 miles into the hike and the stone fireplace just beyond that.

The Trail is Relaxing

Kephart Prong Trail is 3.9 miles out and back. AllTrails rates it as a “Moderate” hike. The trail is uphill, but it only gains 836′ of elevation – you’ll barely notice the climb.

This was once a paved Jeep road. You may notice patches of asphalt as you walk. It is now wide and covered with gravel (and leaves if you’re hiking in the fall).

Mary Ellen walking up the leaf-covered Kephart Prong Trail, surrounded by large rhododendrons

Trees and rhododendrons frame the trail. To the left, the Oconaluftee River parallels the path, but as you continue walking, the trail shifts, and you begin following Kephart Prong. Both are noisy and beautiful.

The view looking down Kephart Prong Trail at the mountains in the distance

Kephart Prong flowing alongside the hiking trail

The Bridges of Kephart Prong Trail

Several bridges cross over the river and the prong on this trail. In fact, the trail begins with a large bridge across the Oconaluftee River. The views both upstream and downstream from the bridge are wonderful. This is a great way to begin your hike!

Jeff standing on the bridge at the trailhead of Kephart Prong Trail, looking out at the prong below

You will cross four more bridges on this hike, all of which are foot-log bridges. You’ll find them at…

Bridge #1 – 0.4 miles
Bridge #2 – 0.85 miles
Bridge #3 – 1.1 miles
Bridge #4 – 1.6 miles

All of the bridges look just alike, and they all have very nice views of the water flowing beneath. And…they are all just a little wobbly and bouncy…

Kephart Prong is a Beautiful Creek

Kephart Prong is really the star of this show. The creek is just beautiful. One cascade after another creates the noisy gurgling that accompanies you on your walk.

Cascades of water flowing down Kephart Prong

At 1.0 miles into the hike, you will come to a Foot Log sign instructing you to turn right towards the next foot log bridge. But before you do…

Wooden trail sign pointing to a foot log bridge

…look straight ahead, and you will see the prettiest spot on the trail – Kephart Prong cascading down into a large pool.

The pool is long, large, and crystal clear. On a hot day, it’s the perfect spot to take off your shoes and cool off your feet.

Large pool of very clear water beneath a Kephart Prong cascade

The next half mile or so becomes rocky, rooty, muddy, and a little bit steeper, but you’re almost there.

Kephart Shelter

The “out” portion of this trail ends at Kephart Shelter, a camping shelter at the junction of several trails, including Sweat Heifer Creek Trail, Grassy Branch Trail, and Dry Sluice Trail. You can even get to the Appalachian Trail from here.

The shelter has two sleeping platforms, enough for up to a dozen people. Along the front of the shelter, there is a table and bench. It’s a great spot to eat a snack, drink some water, and rest for a bit before beginning the walk back to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my dog hiking on Kephart Prong Trail? Sorry, no. Dogs are only allowed on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. Fines up to $5,000 (that’s not a typo) may be levied for having your dog on any other trails.
When is the best time to hike the Kephart Prong Trail?
- The best day to avoid the crowds is a weekday. Weekends are usually quite busy, especially holiday weekends.
- The best time of day is as early as possible. This avoids the crowds and makes parking much easier. The trail is also quieter at this time, and your odds of seeing an animal are better in the morning.
- The best season is fall, when the temperatures are cooler, and the leaves are showing off their fall colors.
What about parking? There is limited parking at the trailhead on both sides of Newfound Gap Road.
How do I get to the trailhead? The trailhead is on Newfound Gap Road/US 441, 10.5 miles north of Cherokee, NC, and 24.5 miles south of Gatlinburg, TN.

The Wrap – Kephart Prong Trail – A Great Trail for Hikers of All Levels

We are “all in” on Kephart Prong Trail. It’s appropriate for almost everyone, regardless of skill level. It’s not too difficult. The running prong is your constant companion. The surroundings are beautiful. It’s easy to get to.

We suggest putting this hike at the top of your “To Do” list.

Happy Hiking!