Welcome to

Tennessee

Tennessee’s stretch of the A.T., with its sun-dappled forests, broad unobstructed balds and high elevation summits carpeted in native grasses, helped inspire the Trail’s congressional designation as a National Scenic Trail.

74.7 MILES
A.T. Miles in State
217.8 MILES
A.T. Miles NC/TN Border
RATING:
1-7
Easy to Challenging
1326′-6625′
Elevation Range in Feet
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Cool to know

There are approximately 75 miles of the A.T. in Tennessee, but the Trail runs along the Tennessee/North Carolina border for approximately 220 additional miles. As the A.T. ascends to the High Country of the state line, hikers traverse the highest mountains along the Trail, including several above 6,000 feet.

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Need to know

You’ll need an advance permit for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and depending on the length of your hike, shelter reservations as well. All backpackers are required to stay at designated sites.

Tennessee Image Gallery

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laurelforkfalls-by-adamcollins
roanhighlandstn-by-mattbuchan
roanmountaintn-by-jacksonmoody

Get Involved

CMCCarolina Mountain Club(CMC)

The Carolina Mountain Club (CMC), the oldest Hiking and Trail Maintaining Club in Western N.C., fosters the enjoyment of the mountains of Western North Carolina and adjoining regions. CMC maintains 92.6 miles of the Appalachian Trail from Davenport Gap to Spivey Gap.

SMHCSmoky Mountain Hiking Club

The Smoky Mountains Hiking Club, founded in 1924, is one of the oldest and largest hiking clubs in the southeastern United States. The SMHC has a long tradition of hiking, fellowship, volunteerism, and conservation, following in the footsteps of our famed and influential early leaders Harvey Broome, Carlos Campbell, Jim Thompson, Dutch Roth, and many others. Learn more and become a member today by clicking here.

TEHCCCTennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club

Within our 134 miles of Appalachian Trail there are numerous opportunities to volunteer. This distance has been broken into 36 sections of typically four miles each. An individual, couple, or even small group of friends will adopt and care for their piece of the Trail. These ‘Maintainers’ will visit several times throughout the year to repaint blazes, remove tree branches and blowdowns blocking the path, haul out trash, clean waterbars, etc.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy

ATC Volunteer Program

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is always looking for dedicated volunteers to help maintain the A.T. and assist in our visitor center and headquarters. Opportunities range from greeting visitors and providing information about local hikes to joining a Trail crew for week-long maintenance trips, gaining first-hand experience in what it takes to keep the A.T. open and enjoyable for millions each year. Learn more at appalachiantrail.org/volunteer.