Kephart Shelter via Kephart Prong Trail(edit)

Overview

This is a easy one way trail to Kephart Shelter in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

This trail is marked for both horses and hiking by the National Park Service. The National Park Trail Map may be found here.

This is a wide, well maintained trail that parallels Kephart Prong climbing steadily as you go and terminating at Kephart Shelter.

As you begin your hike at the trailhead you pass ruins of an old Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) base camp in the first quarter (1/4) of a mile. These ruins are dated between 1933 to 1942. Most of the ruins are on your right but you will find some to the left as well.

As you make your way up the trail to the shelter you find four footbridges along the way. Near the foot bridges there are fords for horses to cross Kephart prong. You will see more of the CCC construction on one of footbridge’s buttresses.

The trail is flat and wide with a moderate 850 feet of ascent. As you approach the shelter the trail becomes rocky and your pace may slow. There is plenty of room around the shelter to relax by Kephart Prong and have a snack or a meal.

Please be aware that the National Park Service asks you to not eat in or near the shelter. This attracts nuisance visits from mice and bears.

Kephart Prong Trail terminates at Kephart Shelter. You may continue hiking on either Sweat Heifer Creek Trail or Grassy Branch Trail.

Remember to check the weather for this area and prepare accordingly, dress correctly and carry water and food (or at least snacks).

Please remember to practice “Leave No Trace” – Take out what you take in.

Getting Started

The trailhead is 8.4 miles from Newfound Gap parking area or 3.8 miles from Smokemont Campground or 6.9 miles from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. There is parking on both sides of the US 441 at the trailhead and there are no facilities.

Taking Children

This can be a fun hike for families. As with all the trails in the Smoky Mountains there are always sections that parents should be aware of the dangers. For example, the four foot bridges are somewhat high over Kephart Prong and you will not want anyone to accidentally fall from them. If the weather is warm there are fords for horses near each of the bridges, wading may be refreshing and fun.