0

0 1
10 Miles
10 Kilometers
1
North
40
40
40
143
143
416
28
28
28
32
32
73
73
73
19
74
74
19
23 74
23
19
129
129
441
441
441
441
276
321
321
411
441
441
321
441
321
321
411
321
321
129
411
129
M
ountains-To-Sea
T
ra
il
Benton
M
acKaye
Tra
il
Benton M
a
cK
a
y
e
Trail
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
33
32
31
21
30
53
68
69
70
64
65
67
74
75
98
76 77 81
86
88
85
84
90
91
93
95
92
12
14
15
1
17
16
2
11
3
5
6
89
96
97
82
63
62
60
59
58
56
54
52
28
26
27
18
19
20
35
39
40
34
44
48
49
41
00
42
A
p
p
a
la
c
h
ia
n
Trail
A
p
p
a
la
c
h
ia
n
Trail
A
ppalach
ia
n T
r
a
i
l
Appalachian Trail
00
87
78 73
72
66
36
38
29
50
24
23
10
9
13
113
61 55
57
71
83
47
37
Davenport
Gap
Laurel Gap
Cosby
Knob
Tricorner Knob
Pecks Corner
Mount Le Conte
Campres Prohibited
Icewater
Spring
Kephart
Mount Collins
Double Spring
Gap
Silers Bald
Derrick
Knob
Rocky
Top Spence Field
Russell Field
Mollies Ridge
00
Fo
rn
ey
Creek
Pigeon
R
iver
WATERVILLE
LAKE
Big
Creek
C
a
t a
l o
o
ch
e
e
Creek
Jo
n
ath
an
C
re
e
k
T
u
ck
asegee River
Soco Creek
Indian
Creek
Falls
Ramsey
Cascades
Grotto
Falls
Laurel Falls
Abrams
Falls
The Sinks
Rainbow
Falls
Hen Wallow Falls
Raven
Fork
Oconaluftee
River
R
a
ven
Fork
B
rad
le
y
Fo
rk
C
o
sb
y
C
reek
Little Pigeon
River
Middle Prong
Little
Pigeon River
W
est
P
ro
n
g
Little
Pigeon
R
ive
r
W
Prong
Little
Pig
eo
n
R
iver
N
olan
d
Creek
Tuckasegee
River
Little
T
e
n
n
e
s s e
e
River
D
eep
C
reek
C
o
ve
C
re e
k
Little River
M
id
d
le
Prong
Little River
Hazel
Creek
FONTANA
LAKE
Nantah
a
la
R
ive
r
SANTEETLAH
LAKE
Cheoah
R
iv
e
r
LAKE CHEOAH
Eagle
Creek
CALDERWOOD
LAKE
CHILHOWEE
LAKE
TEN
N
ESSEE
R
I V
E R
Little
River
Little
R
iv
e
r
Abrams Creek
Abrams Creek
TENNESSEE
NORTH CAROLINA
TENNESSEE
NORTH CAROLINA
T
E
N
N
E
S
S
E
E
N
O
R
T
H
C
A
R
O
L
IN
A
Newton
B
ald Trail
Deeplow
Gap Trail
B
ra
d
le
y
Fork
Tra
i l
Enloe Creek
Trail
H
u
g
h
es
R
idge
Trail
Kanati Fork
Tr
Thom
as
D
ivid
e
T r a
i l
S m
o
kem
ont Loop
Tr
Big
Cove
Road
Straight
Fo
rk
Road
Newfound Gap Road
K
ep
h
art
Pro
n
g
Tr
M
in
g
u
s
Creek Tr
4.7
2.9
2.8
2.8
2.9
2.0
3.9 2.2
2.2
4.4
2.3
3.3
Beech
G
ap
Tra
i l
D
ry
Sluice
Gap
Trail
Balsam Mtn Tr
H
y a
t t
Ridge
Tr
Cabin
Flats
Trail
Grassy
Branch
Trail
1.7
2.9
2.5
1.3
0.6
2
.2
2.5
6.0
L o
n
g
Bunk
Trail
Baxter
C
r e
e k
T r a i l
Mount
Sterling
Ridge
Trail
Little
Cataloochee
Trail
Pretty
H
o
llo
w
G
ap
Trail
Low
Gap
Trail
Camel Gap Trail
Balsam Mtn Trail Gunter Fork
Tr
Sw
allow
Fork
Trail
Mt Sterling Tr
Big
Creek Trail
0.9
4.9
4.1
4.1
2.4
2.3
1.0
2.1
Lo
w
er
M
ount Cammerer Trail
Sn
ake
Den Ridge Tr
Gabes Mountain Trail
M
a d
d
r o
n
Bald
Tr
Mount
Cammerer
Trail
Albright Grove
Loop Trail
7.4
2.5
1
.2
6.6
6.1
4.6
0.7
3.7
Inadu Knob
Albright Grove
Mount Chapman
Ramsey Cascades Trail
O
ld
Settlers
Trail
5.3
4.0
15.8
Greenbrier
Grapeyard
R
idge
Trail
Brushy Mountain
Trail P
o
r t e
r s
Creek
Trail
Roaring
Fork Moto
r
N
atu
re
Tra
il
Trillium
Gap
Trail
Rainbow
Falls Trail
Bull
Head
Trail
The
Boulevard Trail
A
lu
m
C
ave
Trail
Chimney
Tops Trail
Tw
in
Creeks Tr
Baskins
Creek
Trail
3.5
0.4
0.4
1.9
1.7
0.6
2.7
7.6
1.0
4.5
2.7
3.6
2.9
6.0
5.9 0.5
0.9 5.0
5.4
O
ld
Su
garlands Trail
H
u
sk
e y
Gap
Trail
N
ew
fo
u
n
d
G
ap
R
oad
Sugarland
Mountain
Tra
i l
Little
River
Tr
Cove Mountain Trail
Cucumber Gap Tr
Gatlinburg
Trail
2.0
3.1
4.1
2.1
2.8
1.0
0.8
2.4
2.9
2.4
1.1 1.0
1.7 3.7
Historic
Nature
Trail
R
ough Creek Tr
Middle Prong
Tr a
i l
Greenbrier
Ridge Trail
G
o
sh
en
Prong
Trail
Miry
R
i d
g
e
T r a i l
Lum
ber Ridge Trail
Meigs Mountain
Trail
Jakes
Creek Trail
Panther Creek Tr
Lynn Camp Prong Tr
W
est
Pro
n
g
Tr
Blanket
Mountain
Cold Spring
Knob
Buckeye Gap
Jakes
Gap
Sweat Heifer Cr Trail
R
o
a d
Prong Trail
Newfound Gap
SUGARLAND
M
O
U
N
T
A
IN
8 .
1 2.5
4.8
5.1
3.3
2.4 0.9
3.1
1.9
4.1
3.3
1.4
4.2
1.8
2.3
2.3
2.5
2.5
2.4
2.4
1.7
3.5
4.4
Little Greenbrier
School
Roundtop Trail
Laurel
Falls Trail
Little River Road
Chestnut
Top Trail
M
eigs
Creek
Tr
Curry
M
t n
T r a i l
Scott
M
tn
Tr
Little
Greenbrier
Trail
Little
Brier
Gap Tr
Metcalf
Bottoms Tr
T u
r k
e
yp
en
R
id
g
e
Tr
Schoolhouse
Gap
Trail
Rich
M
tn
Tr
Indian Grave Gap Tr
Crooked
Arm
Ridge Tr
Finley Cane
Tr
3.4
1.0
1.1
1.2
2.7
7.5
8.4
3.5
4.1
4.3
1.9
3.6
2.2 2.9
1.8
Townsend
Visitors Center
Thunderhead
Mountain
Ace
Gap
Rabbit
Creek Trail
Little
Bottoms
Tr
Russell
Field
Tr
B
o
t e
M
tn
Trail
Ace
G
ap
T ra
il
Cooper Road
Trail
Beard
Cane
Tr
Abrams
Falls
Tr A
nthony
Creek
Tr
Cane
Creek
Trail
Hatcher M
tn
Tr
Wet
Bottom
Tr
Crib Gap Tr
L e
a
d
Cove Tr
6.2
2.5
2.9
1
.7
1.9 1.2
1.8
2.8
1.6
1.6
3.5
1.0
5.1
0.8
1.1
2.3
5.6
4.2
5.5
2.1
0.8
1.7 1.8
1.9
4.2
2.6 2.3
H
A
TC
H
ER
M
O
U
N
TA
IN
Laurel Creek
Rd
one-way
o
n
e
-w
a
y
(closed
in winter)
R
ich
Mountain
R
d
Cades Cove Loop Road
Rich Mtn
Loop Tr
R
IC
H
M
TN
CADES COVE
Fo
rg
e
Creek
R
o
a
d
B
O
T
E
M
TN
Gregory
Bald
Trail
Lo
n
g
H
u
ngry
Ridge
Tr a i l
Gregory
Rid
g
e
Trail
H
a
n
n
ah
Mountain
T ra
il
P a
r s o
n
Branch
Road
( c l o
s ed
in
winter)
(closed
in
winter)
one-way
6.4 7.6
4.1 5.0
1.2
4.6
2.0
3.1
2.7
0.4
0.9
Deals Gap
Gregory
Bald
Parson
Bald
Doe Knob
Shuckstack
one-way
H
azel
C
re
ek
Tr
Lakeshore Trail
W
o
l f
Ridge
Tr a i l
Tw
entymile
Trail Twent ymile Loop Tr
Lost Cove Trail
5.2
1.1 2.9
2.6
0.5
1.9
2.7
3.7
5.2
8.7
4.4 4.5
Twentymile
Jen
kin
s
R
i d
g
e
Trail
C
old
Spring Gap Trail
Bear Creek
Trail
Hazel
Creek
Trail
W
elch
Ridge
Trail
Lakeshore Trail
Bone Valley
Trail
Eag
le
Creek
T r a
i l
JE
N
K
IN
S
T
R
A
IL
R
ID
G
E
1.8
1.3
0.8
8.9
3.5
12.3
8.7
5.9
0.9
1.3
1.2
Forney
Ridge
Trail
Noland Creek
Trail
Jonas Creek
Tra
i l
Fo
rney Creek
Trail
Springhouse Branch
Trail
Whiteoak
Branch Tr
Goldmine
Loop
Trail
Tunnel
Bypass
Trail
High Rocks
Cold Spring
Gap
WELCH
R
ID
G
E
4.5 7.4
8.1 0.7
1.7
1.9
4.1
3.9
3.3
0.6 1.3 1.0
1.8
0.4
1.2
2.0
4.2
1.0
0.4
1.1
Fork
Ridge
Trail
D
e e p
Creek
T r a
i l
N
o
la
n
d
D
ivid
e
T r a
i l
Pole Road
Cr
Tr
Su
n
ko
ta
Rid
g
e
Trail
Clingmans Dome
Bypass Trail
Indian
Creek
Tra
il
Clingmans
Dome
3.9
1.9
3
.6
3
.7
0.5
2.2
4.9
3.3
FO
R
N
E
Y
RIDG
E
N
O
L A
N
D
D
IV
ID
E
Loop
Trail
Martins
Gap Trail
C
ling
m
an
s
D
om
e
Road (closed
in
w
inter)
1.8
3.7
Observation tower
Auto-access horse camp
Hiker only campsite
Shelter (Hiker only) Shelter (Horse and hiker)
Horse and hiker campsite
Boat-in only campsite
Ranger station
Developed campground
Hiking only (top)
Horse and hiking
Unpaved road
Hiking trail
Horse and hiking
trail
Trail distances are
shown in miles be-
tween intersections
Mountains-To-Sea
Trail
Benton MacKaye
Trail
Roads in park are closed
to commercial vehicles.
SYLVA
2014
Dellwood
Maggie Valley
WAYNESVILLE
Soco Gap
To Asheville
To Asheville
Plott Balsam
Waterrock Knob
Blue
Ridge
Park
w
a
y
OLD
BALD
RID
G
E
P
LO
T
T
BALSAMS
Polls Gap
Black Camp Gap
CATALOOCH
EE
D
IV
ID
E
( c l o
s e
d
in
w
in
ter)
NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST
To Atlanta
Wesser
Stecoah Gap
Cheoah Bald
NANTAHALA MOUNTAINS
ROBBINSVILLE
SNOW
BIRD
MOUNTAINS
FONTANA
VILLAGE
YELLOW
CREEK
MOUNTAI NS
JOYCE KILMER - SLICKROCK
WILDERNESS AREA
The
Cherohala Scenic Skyway
CHEROKEE
NATIONAL
FOREST
Fontana
Marina
Fontana
Dam
BRYSON CITY
Lakeview
Drive Deep Creek
Juney Whank
Falls Trail
Deep Creek
Horse Trail
Stone Pile
Gap Trail
Cooper
Creek
Trail Indian
Creek
Motor
Trail 2.1
2.0
0.7
1.0
0.9
1.1
7.8
4.1
5.1
2.8
3.8
1.5
4.3
1.5
0
.7
Whittier
Ela
CHEROKEE INDIAN RESERVATION
(Qualla Boundary)
CHEROKEE
Oconaluftee
Visitor Center
Oconaluftee River Trail 1.5
2.4 0.5
1.8
Appalachian Highlands
Science Learning Center
Balsam Mountain
Blue
Rid
g
e Parkway
Hemphill
B
ald
T r
Rough
Fork
Trail
C
a
ta
lo
ochee
D
ivide
Trail
Boogerman
Trail
Caldw
ell
Fork
Trail
H
e i n
t o
o
g
a
R
idge
R
o
ad
Flat
C
re
ek
Tr
Big
Fk
Ridge Tr
M
cKee
Br Tr
Spruce Mountain
Trail
Balsam
M
o
u
n
tain
R
d
Spruce Mountain
Double Gap
Purchase Gap
( c l o
s e
d
in
w
inter)
5.5
3.0
1.7
3.5
2.9
1.2
2.6
1.4
2.3
0.5
3.9
1.9
3.2
1.8
Exit 20
1.8 3.6
1.7
0.9
2.8
Pin Oak
Gap
B
A
LSA
M
M
O
U
N
TA
IN
Newton
Bald
H
U
G
H
E
S
R
ID
G
E
R
IC
H
LA
N
D
M
O
U
N
TA
IN
T
H
O
M
A
S
R
I D
G
E
Palmer
Creek Trail
Chasteen Creek Tr
Smokemont
Tow String
Round Bottom
Andrews
Bald
Charlies
Bunion
Chimney
Tops
3.1
2.4 1.5 1.8
Cades Cove
Visitor Center
Chilhowee
F
o
o
th
ills
P
a
rk
w
a
y
Happy
Valley
Ro
ad
CHILHOW
EE
M
O
U
N
TA
I N
Abrams Creek
Gold Mine
Trail Look Rock
To Chattanooga
Fo
o
th
ills
Parkway
Townsend
Walland
TUCKALEECHEE COVE
Elkmont
Huskey Gap
Fighting
Creek
Gap
Great Smoky Mountains
Institute at Tremont
Wear Valley
WEAR
COVE
Sugarlands
Visitor Center
Park Headquarters
GATLINBURG
Balsam
Point
(cl o
s e
d
in
w
in
te
r )
Cherokee
O
rchard Rd
one-way
Laurel Top
Alum Cave
Bluffs
Brushy
Mountain
Porters
Flat
GREENBRIER PINNACLE
Greenbrier
Cove
2.0
Mount Sequoyah
Mount Guyot
Balsam
High Top
Luftee
Knob
2.5
2.3
0.8
0.8
3.3
4.0
4.1
1.0
3.9
3.6
PISGAH
NATIONAL
FOREST
Cataloochee
Mount Sterling Gap
Pretty Hollow Gap
Mount
Sterling
Cove Creek Gap
Low Gap
W
a
ln
u
t
B
ottom
Palmer
House
Cove Creek Road
2.5
5.1
0
.8
1.8
1.4
4.0
4.6
MARYVILLE
To Knoxville
McGhee-Tyson
Airport
To Knoxville
CHILHOWEE
M
O
UNTAIN
SEVIERVILLE
PIGEON FORGE
Gatlinburg Welcome Center
National Park Information Center
CO
VE
M
OUNTAIN
Gatlinburg Bypass Road
Pittman
Center
WEBB
MOUNTAIN
To Newport
Exit
443
Cosby
Cosby
To Newport
Camel Gap
Foothills
Parkw
ay
(closed in winter)
Mt
Cammerer
CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST
Exit 451
Waterville
Big Creek
SNOWBIRD
MOUNTAIN
Chestnut Br Tr
6.1
2.1
1.0
0.6
2.3
1.9
1.3
To
w
S
t r i n
g
Tr
Nearly all park trails cross small streamsmaking very wet crossings
during ooding. The following trails that cross streams with no bridges
Many areas of the park, including roads, frontcountry campgrounds,
trails, and backcountry campsites/shelters are subject to closure as
environmental conditions or operational capabilities change. Please
check the parks website at www.nps.gov for the latest closure
information.
can be difcult and dangerous at ood stage. (Asterisks ** indicate the
most difcult and potentially dangerous.) This list is not all-inclusive.
Beard Cane Trail near campsite #3
Beech Gap Trail on Straight Fork Road
Cold Spring Gap Trail at Hazel Creek
Eagle Creek Trail** 15 crossings
Fork Ridge Trail crossing of Deep Creek at junction with Deep Creek Trail
Forney Creek Trail** seven crossings
Gunter Fork Trail** ve crossings
Hannah Mountain Trail** just before Abrams Falls Trail
Jonas Creek Trail near Forney Creek
Little River Trail near campsite #30
Long Hungry Ridge Trail both sides of campsite #92
Lost Cove Trail near Lakeshore Trail junction
Meigs Creek Trail 18 crossings
Noland Creek Trail** both sides of campsite #62
Panther Creek Trail at Middle Prong Trail junction
Pole Road Creek Trail near Deep Creek Trail
Rabbit Creek Trail at the Abrams Falls Trailhead
Roundtop Trail** crossing of Little River at Little River Road
Trillium Gap Trail at Grotto Falls (icy in winter)
Upper Hazel Creek Trail hiker-only portion
Wet Bottom Trail follow signs for Elijah Oliver Trail as alternate route
Stream Crossings
Facility Closures
MAP LEGEND
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
G
r
e
a
t

S
m
o
k
y

M
o
u
n
t
a
i
n
s
T
r
a
i
l

M
a
p
N
a
t
i
o
n
a
l

P
a
r
k

S
e
r
v
i
c
e
U
.
S
.

D
e
p
a
r
t
m
e
n
t

o
f

t
h
e

I
n
t
e
r
i
o
r
G
r
e
a
t

S
m
o
k
y

M
o
u
n
t
a
i
n
s
N
a
t
i
o
n
a
l

P
a
r
k
N
o
r
t
h

C
a
r
o
l
i
n
a
/
T
e
n
n
e
s
s
e
e
4 5 0 0 3 6 8 0 2 5 1 0
$1.00
51
46
Snake Den Ridge Tr
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.3
0.1
0.4
0.4
1.0
0.3
Gabes M
ountain Tr
Lo
w
er M
o
u
n
t Cam
m
erer Tr
Lo
w
G
ap
3.9
0.5
0.9
0.3
1
. 0
2.2
Smokem
ont Loo
p
T
r
Bradley
Fo
r k
To
w
strin
g
T
r
Newton Bald Tr
This trail map is not intended
to show legal boundary of the national park.
For Your Safety
Do not leave valuables in sight
inside your car. Do not leave a
note on your car indicating
how long you will be hiking.
Protect your valuables by
taking them with you or
hiding them in your car.
Leave No Trace
Your personal commitment to
ethical backcountry use is the
most important factor in
maintaining the park's wilder-
ness character. Take pride in
leaving no trace of your
presence here.
Abide by all backcountry use
regulations. They are designed
for resource protection.
Use a stove and candle
lantern to minimize the tram-
pling and destruction of
vegetation that result from
collecting firewood.
Never cook or burn food
in a campfire. Food residues
and odors remain and attract
wildlife that will become a
problem for future campers.
Keep your group small to
preserve a sense of solitude.
Camp where your campsite
already shows impacts. Don't
establish new tent sites.
Pack out all leftover food and
trash.
Avoid cutting across switch-
backs, to prevent destructive
trail erosion.
If You Get Lost
Stay calm, do not leave the
trail and do not travel at
night. Prevent getting lost
by keeping your group
together, staying on the
trail, and using a map. Let
someone know your sched-
ule and travel plans, so they
can notify park authorities
if you are overdue.
Toilet Use
Improper human waste
disposal creates one of the
most disgusting conditions
in the backcountry. Regula-
tions require that human
feces be deposited in a
six-inch-deep hole and
covered with soil. No toilet
use may occur within 100
feet of a camp or water
source or within sight of a
trail. Defecating behind a
shelter or near a spring
creates very unhealthy
conditions and is clearly bad
manners. All toilet paper,
sanitary napkins, and
tampons must be packed
out. Do not bury them.
Please, take a little extra
care!
Into the Wild: Visiting the Smokies Backcountry Trip Planning and Permits
If Someone Gets Injured
If someone is injured and can't be
moved to a trailhead, do the following:
Provide warmth and comfort; leave
someone with the injured person; note
the exact location and circumstances;
and hike out and let rescuers know
where to go and what to prepare for.
It is your responsibility to make sure you
don't get injured. Be careful and use
common sense. Getting accident victims
out of the backcountry is difficult and
often dangerous for all involved.
There are no cellular phone towers in
the park so cell phones do not work
from most locations. The tops of high
ridges near the park boundary are the
most likely spots for reception. For
emergencies only, call 911 or (865)
436-9171.
Hazards!
Wind. High winds associated with
approaching weather fronts can bring
down trees and limbs on heavily forest-
ed trails. Plan accordingly.
Hypothermia. Hypothermia is when
body temperature falls below the point
at which the body can maintain its
own heat. It is an all-season killer and
results from exposure to a combination
of wind, rain, and cold. At higher
elevations, a wet hiker can succumb to
hypothermia in mid-summer. Be
prepared for sudden weather chang-
esand learn how to take care of
yourself in extremes of cold, heat, and
wetness. Always carry raingear; storms
arise quickly. Hypothermia symptoms
can appear very rapidly, even in mild
weather.
Know its symptoms and treat them
immediately: uncontrolled shivering,
slurred speech, memory lapses, stum-
bling, fumbling hands, drowsiness, and
the inability to get up after a nap.
Victims need dry clothing, warm fluids if
conscious, and shelter from the
elements. To prevent hypothermia, drink
before thirsty, eat before hungry, rest
before tired, and stay dry. Travel and
stay with a companion. Two people can
look after each other better than one
can look after oneself! Clothing should
be worn in layers, an outer layer to ward
off wind and precipitation and inner
layers to insulate. Keep your head warm
and dry with a good hat. Other cold
weather hazards include frostbite, icy
trails, and deep snow.
Stream crossings and waterfalls. Rain
swollen streams can be unsafe to ford.
Don't cross a stream unless you are sure
you can make it. As an additional
precaution, make sure your pack can be
discarded quickly, wear shoes to protect
your feet, use a stout stick for extra
support, and, if you lose your footing,
float with your feet downstream to
protect your head. Walking near a
stream on moss- and spray-covered rocks
can be hazardous. Never camp next to a
stream swollen by high water. Water-
falls can be extremely hazardous;
climbing on them has resulted in many
fatalities.
Drinking water. All water obtained in
the backcountry should be treated
before drinking to protect you from
health hazards. The recommended
treatment is to boil it for one minute.
Many park waters are clear, cold, and
free-running. Nevertheless, they may
not be safe to drink unless boiled. Filters
may not remove certain bacteria or
viruses, and chemical disinfectants
require very long contact times for the
water temperatures found in these
mountains. Do not drink untreated
water!
Trees and Limbs. Before you set up
camp, take a moment to look up and
around you for any trees or limbs that
may pose a hazard. Camp away from any
areas that may be threatened by tree or
limb fall.
Special Equipment Concerns
Clothing. One essential piece of equip-
ment for hiking in the Smokies is a rain
jacket. Bring it along even on sunny days
when theres not a cloud in the forecast.
Sooner or later youll be thankful you
did.
If hiking in the high country between
September and May, always carry warm
clothing, including hat and gloves.
Foot Wear. Truly water-proof boots can
be a big plus in the Smokies. Not only
will they keep your feet drier during
rainy weather, they also give you a little
extra assistance when crossing shallow
streams.
Crampons. Small, clip-on crampons can
be very helpful when hiking high
elevation trails during cold weather.
Bears and You!
Bears in the park are wild, and their
behavior is unpredictable. Attacks on
humans are extremely rare, but they
have happened, inflicting serious injuries
and death. Treat bear encounters with
extreme caution and follow the guide-
lines below.
Encounters along the trail. Stay alert. If
you see a bear at a distance, do not
approach it. If your presence causes the
bear to change its behavior (it stops
feeding, changes travel direction,
watches you, etc.) YOURE TOO
CLOSE. Being too close may also
promote aggressive behavior from the
bear, like running toward you, making
loud noises, or swatting the ground. The
bear is demanding more space. Don't
run but slowly back away, watching the
bear. Try to increase the distance
between you and the bear, and the bear
will probably do the same. If a bear
persistently follows or approaches you,
typically without vocalizing or paw
swatting, try changing your direction. If
the bear continues to follow you, stand
your ground. If the bear gets closer, talk
loudly or shout at it. Act aggressively
and try to intimidate the bear. Act
together as a group if you have compan-
ions. Make yourselves look as large as
possible (for example, move to higher
ground). Throw non-food items like
rocks at the bear. Use a deterrent like a
stout stick. Dont run and dont turn
away from the bear. Dont leave food
for the bear; this only encourages
further problems.
Most injuries from black bear attacks
are minor and result from the bear
trying to get at peoples food. If the
bears behavior shows that it is after
your food, and you are physically
attacked, separate yourself from the
food and slowly back away. If the bear
shows no interest in your food, and you
are physically attacked, fight back
aggressively with any available object
the bear may consider you prey! Help
protect others: report all bear incidents
to a park ranger immediately. Above all,
keep your distance from bears!
Encounters in camp. The best way to
avoid bears is not to attract them to you.
Keep your cooking and sleeping areas
separate. Keep tents and sleeping bags
free of food odors; do not store food,
garbage, or other attractants (like
toothpaste, soap, etc.) in them. A clean
camp is essential to reducing problems.
Pack out all food and litter; don't bury it
or try to burn anything.
Regulations require proper food
storage. Secure all food and odorous
items (e.g. toothpaste, lip balm) when
not in use. Where food storage devices
are present, they must be used. Other-
wise, place all odorous items in your
pack. Select two trees, 10-20 feet apart,
with limbs 15 feet high. Using a rock for
a weight, toss a rope over a limb on the
first tree; tie one end to the pack.
Repeat this process with the second tree.
Raise the pack about six feet via the first
rope and tie it off. Then pull the second
rope until the pack is suspended at least
10 feet high and evenly spaced; it must
be four feet or more from the nearest
limb.
Camping Permits
All backcountry camping requires a
reservation and a permit. Both reserva-
tions and permits may be obtained
online at www.smokiespermits.nps.gov,
by calling (865) 436-1297, or by visiting
the Backcountry Information Office
located in Sugarlands Visitor Center,
two miles south of Gatlinburg, TN on
U.S. 441 (Newfound Gap Road). Permits
are $4 per person, per night, with a
maximum fee of $20 for up to 7 consec-
utive nights. Trips exceeding seven
nights require an additional permit.
Reservations may be made up to 30 days
in advance of the first day of your trip.
You may not stay two nights in a row in
the same shelter or campsite 113. You
may not stay more than three consecu-
tive nights at any other campsite. Using
a tent or a hammock at any shelter is
prohibited.
The maximum group size is eight
persons, except at the following camp-
sites where parties of up to 12 are
permitted: 17, 20, 46, 60, 86, and 90. For
parties greater than eight persons,
reservations for these sites must be
made through the Backcountry Informa-
tion Office.
Under Title 36, Code of Federal
Regulations, failure to abide by park
regulations may result in a fine or
imprisonment.
Planning Your Trip
For a safe and enjoyable backpacking
experience, know your limitations. A
maximum trip length of eight to 10 miles
a day is recommended. Group size,
elevation gain, weather, and availability
of good water may also affect the
success of your trip.
For trip planning assistance, visit or call
the Backcountry Information Office at
(865) 436-1297.
The following equipment is considered
essential for a safe backpacking trip:
two flashlights, water, raingear,
comfortable ankle-supporting shoes,
high-energy food, and extra clothing.
Always carry a map and know how to
use it.
Rules and Regulations
1 You must possess a valid backcountry
permit while camping in the back-coun-
try.
2 Camping is permitted only at desig-
nated sites and shelters. All sites require
advance reservations.
3 You may not stay two nights in a row
in the same shelter or campsite 113. You
may not stay more than three consecu-
tive nights at any other campsite.
4 Maximum group size is eight persons,
except at the sites noted in the Camp-
ing Permits section.
5 Open fires are prohibited except at
designated sites. Use only wood that is
dead and on the ground. Never cut live
or standing trees. Use only established
fire rings.
6 Use of tents and hammocks at
shelters is prohibited. They may not be
used inside or attached to shelters. Tents
may only be used within designated
campsites. Hammocks may be used at
campsites as long as wide or tree saver
straps are used and they are set up in
areas where vegetation will not be
trampled.
7 Food storage: When not being
consumed or transported, all food,
trash, and odorous items must be
suspended at least 10 feet off the
ground and four feet from the nearest
limb or trunk or shall be stored as
otherwise designated. See Bears and
You!
8 Toilet use must be at least 100 feet
from a campsite or water source and out
of sight of the trail, campsite, or shelter.
Human feces must be buried in a hole
that is 6 8 inches deep. All toilet paper,
tampons, and sanitary items must be
packed out.
9 All trash must be carried out.
10 All plants, wildlife, and natural and
historic features are protected by law.
Do not carve, deface, or cut any stand-
ing trees or shrubs.
11 Polluting park waters is prohibited;
do not wash dishes or bathe with soap
in a stream. Biodegradeable soap does
not break down in water and is a
pollutant.
12 Pets, motorized vehicles, and
bicycles are not permitted in the
backcountry.
13 Hunting is prohibited.
14 Feeding or harassing any wildlife is
prohibited.
Horse Use
Horses and other pack animals (i.e.
mules and llamas) are permitted in the
park, but they are restricted to trails
specifically designated for horse use (see
map on other side). Many horse trails are
very steep and narrowa challenge for
even the most experienced horse and
rider. Remoteness and difficulty of
access often make continual trail
clearing and care impractical. Expect to
encounter rugged conditions. Please
report down trees or landslides to a
ranger. Off-trail or cross-country use is
prohibited. Horse parties may use
designated campsites open to their use
(see chart). Horse parties are subject to
all backcountry regulations.
Requirements: Horse parties must
obtain a backcountry camping permit
and reservation for any overnight
backcountry camping. Horses must be
under physical control at all times; they
may not be left to water unattended;
grazing is prohibited. All food for stock
must be packed in, and unused food
must be packed out. At designated
backcountry sites where stock are
permitted, the number of animals in any
one party is limited to one per person
plus one pack animal per person, but
shall not exceed a total of ten (10)
animals for the same group or the stock
capacity for that site. See chart at right.
In campsites with no hitch posts or racks,
horses must be cross-tied so that they
cannot chew on or otherwise damage
trees or other vegetation. Tying horses
directly to trees is prohibited.
Horses are not permitted within 100 feet
of trail shelters or in cooking or sleeping
areas of campsites. Their manure must
be scattered away from the campsite.
Horses must not be tied closer than 100
feet to any stream or water source.
Carry and use a collapsible bucket to
water your horsekeep horses away
from springs. Never leave feed where
wildlife can get to itwildlife attracted
to feed can come into conflict with
people. Use processed feed to elimi-
nate introducing weed seeds into the
parkhay may contain seeds of exotic
plants, and some non-native plants can
take over the habitat of native plants.
Auto-access Horse Camps
Limited auto-access horse camps provide
ready access to backcountry trails from
April through October. Reservations are
required and may be made up to five
months in advance. For reservations call
1-877-444-6777 between 10 a.m. and 10
p.m. eastern time or visit www.recre-
ation.gov.
Auto-access Horse Camp No. of Campsites
Anthony Creek 3
Big Creek 5
Cataloochee 7
Round Bottom 5
Tow String 2
Always secure brass
clip to eye bolt in
bottom of tree
Using the Chart at Right Your Guide to the Wondrous Diversity of the Smokies
Backcountry Campsites
Backcountry campsites and shelters are listed by map
coordinates (7E, etc.), with their elevations in feet.
Backcountry campsites are numbered and grouped by
the major access areas. All sites and shelters are
available to hikers, but camping with horses and other
pack animals is allowed only at those with a bold H.
Each sites allowable capacities are shown in parenthe-
ses. For example, (12, 6H) means 12 hikers, 6 horses;
(12) means 12 hikers, no horses. See Camping Permits
for more information.
One hundred and fifty trails extend for approxi-
mately 800 miles, crossing the ridges, peaks, and
valleys of Americas most visited national park.
For those seeking more information, a variety of topographic maps and trail
guides are available, including Hiking Trails of the Smokies, the comprehensive
park trail guidebook. To order a map or guide, call (865) 436-7318 x226 or visit
www.SmokiesInformation.org.
Site
No.
Capacity
Elev.
(Feet)
Map
Key
1
2
3
5
6
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
1200
1320
1360
3400
3400
3200
3000
1530
2600
4640
2050
1550
1700
1240
2D
2D
3D
3D
4D
4E
4E
2D
3E
2F
2E
2E
2E
2D
Cooper Road (12)
Cane Creek (4)
Hesse Creek (8, 2H)
Rich Mountain (4, 2H)
Turkeypen Ridge (8)
Anthony Creek (12)
Ledbetter Ridge (8)
Beard Cane (6)
Forge Creek (12)
Sheep Pen Gap (15, 8H)
Flint Gap (8)
Rabbit Creek (12)
Scott Gap (10)
Little Bottoms (14)
Cades Cove Area
18
19
20
21
23
24
26
27
28
30
46
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
1600
2880
2520
2640
3200
2860
4400
3520
3490
3400
4D
5D
5D
6D
6D
6D
6D
5D
5D
6E
West Prong (12)
Upper Henderson (8, 2H)
King Branch (12, 4H)
Mile 53 (12)
Camp Creek (12)
Rough Creek (15)
Dripping Spring Mountain (10)
Lower Jakes Gap (12, 2H)
Marks Cove (12, 6H)
Three Forks (12)
Elkmont/Tremont Area
2870
2800
5000
3000
2600
2410
2405
2360
2360
2320
2120
8F
8F
8E
8E
8E
8E
8F
8F
8F
7F
7F
Estes Branch (12)
Georges Branch (12)
Newton Bald (8, 2H)
Poke Patch (6)
Nettle Creek (6)
Pole Road (15, 15H)
Burnt Spruce (6)
Bryson Place (10, 10H)
Nicks Nest Branch (6)
McCracken Branch (10)
Bumgardner Branch (20, 4H)
Deep Creek Area
89
90
91
92
93
95
96
97
113
1880
1760
2040
2520
1880
2360
2880
2400
3680
4F
3F
3F
3F
3F
2F
4F
4E
3F
Lower Ekaneetlee (8)
Lost Cove (12, 6H)
Upper Lost Cove (4)
Upper Flats (10, 6H)
Twentymile Creek (8)
Dalton Branch (12, 6H)
Eagle Creek Island (8)
Big Walnut (8)
Birch Spring Gap (12, 6H)
Twentymile Area
87
72
73
76
77
78
81
98
1720
1720
1720
1770
1800
1720
1800
1720
3G
6G
6G
5G
5G
5G
4G
5G
Jerry Hollow (Boats only) (6)
Gunter Branch (Boats only) (6)
Lone Pine (Boats only) (6)
Kirkland Creek (6)
Pilkey Creek (12, 6H)
Double Island (Boats only) (6)
North Shore (12, 6H)
Chambers Creek (12, 6H)
Lakeshore Area
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
3560
3160
2920
2540
2040
1720
1840
7E
7F
7F
7F
6F
6G
6G
Bald Creek (10, 6H)
Upper Ripshin (8, 6H)
Jerry Flats (8, 6H)
Mill Creek (12, 10H)
Bear Pen Branch (8)
Lower Noland Creek (Boats Only) (4)
Goldmine Branch (6)
Noland Creek Area
68
69
70
71
74
75
3960
2800
2400
2180
1720
2800
6E
6F
6F
6F
6G
5F
Steeltrap (8)
Huggins (8)
Jonas Creek (12, 8H)
CCC (12, 12H)
Lower Forney (12, 8H)
Poplar Flats (8)
Forney Creek Area
82
83
84
85
86
88
2720
2280
2160
2000
1680
1960
5F
5F
4F
4F
4F
4F
Calhoun (8, 4H)
Bone Valley (20, 10H)
Sugar Fork (6)
Sawdust Pile (10, 6H)
Proctor (20, 8H)
Possum Hollow (12)
Hazel Creek Area
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
3040
3000
5820
3040
3100
3360
5480
11C
11C
11C
11D
11D
11E
10D
Upper Walnut Bottom (20, 20H)
Lower Walnut Bottom (20)
Mount Sterling (12)
Pretty Hollow (20, 10H)
Big Hemlock (8)
Caldwell Fork (12, 6H)
Spruce Mountain (4)
Cataloochee/Big Creek Area
44
47
48
49
50
5040
3620
3320
3060
2360
10D
10D
9D
9D
9E
McGee Spring (12, 4H)
Enloe Creek (8)
Upper Chasteen (8)
Cabin Flats (12, 8H)
Lower Chasteen Creek (15, 6H)
Oconaluftee Area
29
31
32
33
34
35
4560
3400
2280
1960
3240
2680
10B
8D
8C
9B
10B
10B
Ottercreek (10)
Porters Flat (8)
Injun Creek (8)
Settlers Camp (8)
Sugar Cove (10)
Gilliland Creek (12, 4H)
Greenbrier/Cosby Area
2600
4700
5920
5280
5920
5870
5507
5460
4890
4900
4360
4570
6440
3900
5600
11B
10C
10C
9D
8D
7E
6E
6E
5E
4E
4E
3E
7D
8D
10D
Davenport Gap (12, 12H)
Cosby Knob (12, 12H)
Tricorner Knob (12, 12H)
Pecks Corner (12, 12H)
Icewater Spring (12)
Mount Collins (12)
Double Spring Gap (12)
Silers Bald (12, 12H)
Derrick Knob (12)
Spence Field (12, 12H)
Russell Field (14, 12H)
Mollies Ridge (12, 12H)
Mount Le Conte (12)
Kephart (14, 12H)
Laurel Gap (14, 12H)
Shelters
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BILL LEA PHOTOGRAPH BILL LEA PHOTOGRAPH NPS PHOTOGRAPH NPS PHOTOGRAPH
Printed by GSMA 2-2014 Printed on recycled paper.
Food storage cable systems are
available at all backcountry sites.
We recommend that you hang
your entire pack in a plastic bag to
protect from wildlife and rain.
All odorous items must be stored
on the cables when not in use.