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Appalachian Trail: Newfound Gap to Davenport Gap (AT, Appalachian Trail, Newfound Gap)
Hiking Trail
Hard
32.5 mi
6,063 ft
The second half of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Newfound Gap Road, also referred to as US-441, is the southern terminus for this popular segment. Given that the road is maintained year-round, this serves as a popular trailhead and resupply point for the weary thru-hiker. A large bus, trailer, and RV parking area also make it extremely popular among tourists. For those expecting to turn this into an overnight trip, Icewater Spring Shelter is only 3 miles into this segment, though its popularity and proximity to the trailhead mean it is frequently near its capacity. The Tricorner Knob Shelter lies directly in the middle, roughly 15.5 miles north of Newfound Gap. For those looking for a shorter hike, Charlies Bunion, a rare and picturesque rock outcropping, is an 8-mile round trip from Newfound Gap. According to Wikipedia, this rock formation, resting at 5,565' above sea level, "..comprises the western wing of the Sawteeth, a series of narrow, jagged cliffs connecting the high peaks of the Central Smokies with the high peaks of the Eastern Smokies." Heading north, an incredibly difficult stretch of trail lies between Charlies Bunion and Tricorner Knob. Your reward for completing this rugged piece of the Smokies is the view from atop Mount Guyot, the 4th highest mountain in the Eastern United States. The final portion of this loop is a long, and often steep, descent down to the Davenport Trail Shelter, just before reaching the Pigeon River and Interstate 40 intersection. Worth noting, this portion of the Appalachian Trail falls almost entirely within the boundaries of the National Park Service, meaning dogs are not allowed to use the trail. If you are completing a thru-hike with your dog, research your options for this segment, as you do have some alternatives. Sources: Written by Brendon Voelker
Newfound Gap Road, also referred to as US-441, is the southern terminus for this popular segment. Given that the road is maintained year-round, this serves as a popular trailhead and resupply point for the weary thru-hiker. A large bus, trailer, and RV parking area also make it extremely popular among tourists. For those expecting to turn this into an overnight trip, Icewater Spring Shelter is only 3 miles into this segment, though its popularity and proximity to the trailhead mean it is frequently near its capacity. The Tricorner Knob Shelter lies directly in the middle, roughly 15.5 miles north of Newfound Gap. For those looking for a shorter hike, Charlies Bunion, a rare and picturesque rock outcropping, is an 8-mile round trip from Newfound Gap. According to Wikipedia, this rock formation, resting at 5,565' above sea level, "..comprises the western wing of the Sawteeth, a series of narrow, jagged cliffs connecting the high peaks of the Central Smokies with the high peaks of the Eastern Smokies." Heading north, an incredibly difficult stretch of trail lies between Charlies Bunion and Tricorner Knob. Your reward for completing this rugged piece of the Smokies is the view from atop Mount Guyot, the 4th highest mountain in the Eastern United States. The final portion of this loop is a long, and often steep, descent down to the Davenport Trail Shelter, just before reaching the Pigeon River and Interstate 40 intersection. Worth noting, this portion of the Appalachian Trail falls almost entirely within the boundaries of the National Park Service, meaning dogs are not allowed to use the trail. If you are completing a thru-hike with your dog, research your options for this segment, as you do have some alternatives. Sources: Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee 71 Climb | 0.61 mi | 308 ft | 9.4% |
| Newfound Gap Parking Lot to Charlie's Bunion Sign | 3.93 mi | 1,079 ft | 2.3% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 1.04 mi | 581 ft | 10.5% |
| Tennessee 71 Climb | 0.22 mi | 157 ft | 13.4% |
| Tennessee 71 Climb | 0.19 mi | 148 ft | 14.1% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.41 mi | 217 ft | 9.9% |