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Tricorner Knob Shelter — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Perched at 5,900 feet elevation in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tricorner Knob Shelter sits at the convergence of multiple hiking trails, requiring a multi-mile hike to reach. This backcountry shelter operates on a reservation system through the National Park Service, with permits required for all overnight stays except Appalachian Trail thru-hikers.

The three-sided log shelter accommodates hikers in a high-elevation setting that runs 10-15 degrees cooler than park headquarters. A reliable water source flows just feet from the shelter, while bear cables provide necessary food storage in this active wildlife area. Campers report seeing black bears regularly in the vicinity. The privy receives heavy use during peak hiking seasons, and maintenance varies with the high volume of visitors.

Space presents the primary challenge here. The surrounding terrain slopes significantly, making tent sites scarce and difficult to level. During busy periods, particularly when northbound thru-hikers pass through, finding adequate camping spots becomes competitive. "There isn't a space for even a two person tent outside this shelter," notes Kevin G.. Some campers must walk 500 feet uphill to the horse hitching area to find suitable ground.

Cell service reaches the area outside the shelter and along the Appalachian Trail. Reserve well in advance, as only ten backcountry permits are issued for tent camping around the shelter.

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Location

Public Campground

Tricorner Knob Shelter — Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in North Carolina

Coordinates

35.69383037 N
83.25663955 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Access

Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Fires

Contact

General Info

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Drive Time

2 hrs 37 min from Asheville, NC
3 hrs 29 min from Knoxville, TN
3 hrs 36 min from Morristown, TN

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4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the well-maintained shelter and convenient water source in this remote, high-elevation location. Overcrowding during thru-hiker season creates significant challenges with limited tent space and noise. The shelter serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby 6,000+ foot peaks.

Asher K.

Legend

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2023

Crowded

Our visit to Tricorner Knob Shelter marked the third night of our backpacking trip. As we arrived at this Appalachian Trail(AT) shelter, it became evident that it was bustling with AT thru-hikers who were embarking on their journey northward. Unfortunately, the shelter and its surrounding camping areas were not able to accommodate the influx of hikers. Space was at a premium, and it felt exceptionally crowded. The terrain posed an additional challenge, as the site was highly sloped. Finding a suitable spot to set up a tent without the constant risk of sliding proved to be a significant challenge.

While the shelter itself was inviting and well-maintained, it filled up rapidly, even though we had arrived fairly early, around 2 p.m. Those who arrived later faced a struggle to secure a comfortable spot. Some unfortunate campers were left with no choice but to set up their tents near the pit toilet, a less-than-ideal arrangement.

Speaking of the toilet, it was clear that the facility was not designed to handle the high volume of traffic it receives. It was brimming with waste due to the site's popularity and suffered from inadequate maintenance. To safeguard against bear encounters, bear cables were available and necessary to hang all food overnight. Additionally, there is a water source available at the site.

Despite the crowded conditions, it was nice to interact with fellow hikers, and most people were friendly and accommodating. However, the noise from so many people made it challenging to sleep in. To ensure we got to our next site early enough to secure a good space, we decided to rise early the next morning.

Overall, Tricorner Knob Shelter can be a challenging stop for hikers, especially during peak thru-hiker season. While the shelter itself is pleasant, the limited space, sloped terrain, and crowded conditions can make for a less-than-ideal experience. Despite these challenges, it's still a good experience to stay here, and its location at the intersection of multiple trails makes it an ideal stop for hikers. Campers should be prepared for the possibility of overcrowding and limited camping options, and be sure to adhere to the bear safety measures in place.

Month of VisitApril

(15) View All

Kevin G.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 14, 2020

No Room at the Inn

So my title is a little odd...I’ll explain. Normally thru-hikers get first dibs on shelters...also they stink really bad and shelters are tight. However, in the Smokies you can get a permit backcountry permit and camp outside (very clear on the reservation website) the shelter. They sell 10 permits to do this. Problem is, there isn’t a space for even a two person tent outside this shelter. I had to go 500 feet back up the hill to the horse hitching post to find a good spot. There are a few locations that a one person tent could fit, but certainly not ten.

It’s a tough hike in to this shelter as it sits just below Mt Guyot, one of the highest peaks east of the Mississippi. The privy was clean and the water source was running well. Always fun to hang out with the thru-hikers and hear their stories for a while. No views despite the elevation.

Christina Z.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 12, 2019

Clean and quiet.

My first shelter experience, and I really enjoyed it. Most times, the people you are huddled with are what make or break a shelter stay, and I was very lucky to have awesome campmates. The shelter was surprisingly clean. The privy was too, shockingly. Water source was very close to the shelter. We had zero issues with bugs or critters bothering us at night. I was also able to get cell/satellite service outside the shelter and up on the AT.

(4) View All

Cal L.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 22, 2018

Stopping point

Great half way point between Cosby Shelter and Newfound Gap. Outhouse needs cleaned out though.

Bill S.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 7, 2017

Classic AT shelter

The shelter is a classic three-sided AT shelter. Remember that all overnight stays (other than AT thru-hikers) must be reserved through the GSMNP backcountry office or online. Excellent water source a few feet from the shelter.

The area around the shelter is high, rocky, and remote. Expect 10-15 degrees less than the Park headquarters. There are no less than seven peaks over 6k feet an easy hike from the shelter, which is why this is often used as the base camp for folks hiking the southern 6ers challenge.

Kimberly S.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 9, 2016

Great site but crazy bear activity!

The site was well kept but during the night I stayed, there was a 450lb black bear as well as a 250 black bear circling the shelter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Tricorner Knob Shelter located and how do I access it?

Tricorner Knob Shelter is located in a high, rocky, and remote area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the Appalachian Trail. The shelter serves as a midway point between Cosby Shelter and Newfound Gap. Access requires a significant hike, with most visitors reaching it via the Appalachian Trail from either direction. The remote nature of the shelter means you should be prepared for a challenging 10-15 mile hike depending on your starting point. The high elevation creates a rugged alpine environment, so proper preparation for mountain conditions is essential.

What hiking trails connect to Tricorner Knob Shelter?

The primary trail connecting to Tricorner Knob Shelter is the Appalachian Trail, which passes directly by the shelter. Hikers can access the shelter from either the northern section of the AT coming from Cosby Shelter or the southern section coming from Newfound Gap. These routes involve significant elevation change and distance. The shelter's location makes it an ideal stopover for multi-day hikers traversing this section of the Smokies. Wildlife is abundant in this area, with multiple bear sightings reported, so proper food storage is essential when hiking to and staying at this shelter.

What amenities are available at Tricorner Knob Shelter?

Tricorner Knob Shelter is a classic three-sided Appalachian Trail shelter with basic accommodations. It features an excellent water source located just a few feet from the shelter, making water collection convenient. The shelter also has an outhouse/privy, though its cleanliness can vary. There are no electricity, showers, or other modern conveniences. The shelter area includes some space for camping outside the structure itself. As with most backcountry shelters, visitors should pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste.

Do I need reservations or permits for staying at Tricorner Knob Shelter?

Yes, permits are required for staying at Tricorner Knob Shelter. All overnight stays must be reserved through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park backcountry office or online reservation system, except for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers who get priority shelter access. The park issues 10 permits for each shelter, allowing camping outside the shelter if the structure is full. Make reservations well in advance, especially during peak hiking seasons, as this is a popular stop on the Appalachian Trail and fills up quickly.

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