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A long ascent to the Appalachian Trail with plenty of creeks and streams along the way.


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Map Key

7.6

Miles

12.3

KM

84%

Runnable

5,764' 1,757 m

High

2,733' 833 m

Low

3,037' 926 m

Up

6' 2 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

20%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Great Smoky Mountain National Park closes secondary roads on a seasonal schedule due to snow. Schedules can be found here.

All campsites must be registered with the park. Backcountry rules and regulations can be found here.

Description

This is part of a popular loop run, in which runners leave the Jakes Creek Trailhead parking area, taking Little River Trail to Goshen Prong Trail, heading west along the Appalachian Trail (AT), then turning north again on Miry Ridge Trail to Jakes Creek Trail and returning to the parking area. The loop on a map resembles a peanut. There are plenty of campsites and sources of water along the loop.

Branching off of Little River Trail, Goshen Prong Trail slowly gains in elevation as it makes its way south to the Appalachian Trail (AT). Shortly into the trail, runners will cross an iron bridge that goes over Little River. Along the way, there are ample opportunities to catch a beautiful view of the rolling forests of the Smokies. A good portion of this trail was once used as a railroad for logging companies.
There's a small spur trail that branches off towards Camp Rock (Campsite #23). From there, it's only 4.4 miles to the Appalachian Trail (AT).

Flora & Fauna

The Smokies are home to more than 1,600 species of plants, most of which produce an abundance of flowers in the spring. These species include mountain laurel, rhododendron, azalea, and many others. Spring wildflowers peak from early April through late May. To learn more about the plants of the Smokies and even get a trees and shrubs checklist, visit the park's website.

As for local fauna, black bears are common in the area, along with white-tailed deer and 31 species of salamanders. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, notably the northern flicker (Colaptes auratus) and red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus). For more information on black bears, refer to this webpage.

Contacts

Shared By:

Max Willner

Trail Ratings

  3.3 from 7 votes

#13

in Elkmont

#24544

Overall
  3.3 from 7 votes
5 Star
14%
4 Star
29%
3 Star
43%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
14%
Trail Rankings

#13

in Elkmont

#482

in North Carolina

#24,544

Overall
10 Views Last Month
3,044 Since Sep 4, 2015
Difficult Difficult

0%
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17%
17%
67%
0%

Photos

The hills descend into the Goshen Prong.
Mar 1, 2016 near Gatlinburg, TN
For basically the entire lower half of the Goshen Prong Trail, the picturesque creek parallels the trail offering a steady stream of beautiful cascades to accompany your hike
Apr 22, 2019 near Gatlinburg, TN
Bluebird along the trail.
Apr 18, 2016 near Gatlinburg, TN
Goshen Prong Trail a few miles down from the terminus with the Appalachian Trail
Apr 22, 2019 near Gatlinburg, TN
I see you!
Apr 18, 2016 near Gatlinburg, TN
Water crossing on Goshen Prong off of Little River Trail, Rocks and a fallen tree handrail make it an easy crossing.
Apr 27, 2016 near Gatlinburg, TN

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