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Kephart Trail Shelter — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Kephart Trail Shelter is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near North Carolina. The terrain consists of forested mountains and valleys. Temperatures range from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Nearby attractions include Clingmans Dome and the Appalachian Trail, offering opportunities for hiking and exploration.

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Location

Kephart Trail Shelter — Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in North Carolina

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.56933829 N
83.32290718 W

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Detours Nearby

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Timberlake Campground

Timberlake Campground

20 min away

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FS 289 Pull Off

1 hr 5 min away

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Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

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General Info

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2 Reviews

Reviewed Mar. 1, 2021

Woodland Shelter

My wife and I stayed at the shelter while doing a backpacking loop in the smokies. We started at Newfound gap and followed the AT north towards Charlie's Bunion then headed down to the shelter at the split. The views along the ridge are incredible and this is some of the best hiking in the area. I highly recommend this loop and the distance works out nicely for a single night. The shelter itself is nothing too special but has all the amenities of the shelters in the area. There is a bear cable set up so you can hang your gear and multiple fire pits along with a fireplace in the shelter itself for very cold nights. Normally you are required to stay within the shelter but due to COVID concerns, you are temporarily allowed to set up a tent in the area surrounding the shelter. This was a nice option and there were already several established sites. Overall it's not as nice a view as you get staying up on the ridge but it's a quieter area with more privacy and will probably have more space available if you need to book last minute.

  • Review photo of Kephart Trail Shelter — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Asher K., March 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Kephart Trail Shelter — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Asher K., March 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Kephart Trail Shelter — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Asher K., March 1, 2021
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Oct. 30, 2019

Basic Trail Shelter for Overnights on the Way to Appalachian Trail

This is the second time I have been to Kephart Prong Shelter. The first time was over thirty years ago, and it seemed dreary. This time, however, was a much better experience. To stay here, you have to get a permit from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park since it is within the park boundaries. To get to the shelter, you have to hike two miles starting from Hwy. 441 through the national park between Cherokee and Gatlinburg. The trail is not as steep as some trails, but it is rocky! It is so rocky that my trail shoes didn't quite seem adequate... because the trail was rocky. It was rocky all the way after the first of four foot bridges. After the first footbridge it became"rockier." Large rocks, small rocks, medium sized rocks. It was rocky. Did I mention that the trail was rocky? BTW, I finally decided to take a break at the fourth foot bridge because my feet hurt from the rocky trail. Once you get to the shelter, the trail continues up to the Appalachian Trail. In my opinion, the main reasons for staying at this shelter are(1) that it is on the way to the AT, or(2) you just want to get into the woods for a night. The“bathroom” is a short trek into the woods to the seventh big tree on the left. You have to hoist your food up at night via one of two cable systems. Otherwise, you risk of your food being taken by mice/rats, bears, or other critters. The only water source is from the creek, which is a pleasant sound at night while you’re sleeping. Make sure to take a good inflatable pad. You can take a closed cell foam pad, but they don’t provide a whole lot of cushion on a wood platform. Overall, Kephart Trail shelter is good for a night’s sleep, but I have been to better shelters.

  • Review photo of Kephart Trail Shelter — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Myron C., October 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Kephart Trail Shelter — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Myron C., October 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Kephart Trail Shelter — Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Myron C., October 30, 2019
  • (21) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I see on the Kephart Prong Trail?

The Kephart Prong Trail offers incredible ridge views, particularly when approaching from Newfound Gap along the Appalachian Trail. The trail features some of the best hiking in the Smokies with beautiful mountain vistas. As you hike through this section of the park, you'll experience the natural beauty that makes the Great Smoky Mountains famous. The journey to the shelter itself is scenic and rewarding for backpackers seeking an authentic mountain wilderness experience.

Where is Kephart Shelter located in the Great Smoky Mountains?

Kephart Shelter is located within the boundaries of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It sits along the trail from Newfound Gap heading north toward Charlie's Bunion, at a trail split. The shelter is accessible via the Kephart Prong Trail and requires backpacking to reach. A backcountry permit from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is mandatory for overnight stays at this shelter.

Are there historical photos of Kephart Shelter available?

Historical photos of Kephart Shelter may be available through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park archives or visitor centers. The shelter has existed for many decades, with visitors noting experiences spanning over thirty years. For those interested in historical documentation of the shelter, contact the Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitor center or check the National Park Service website for archival resources. The park maintains historical records of its backcountry structures and facilities.