Caldwell Fork Trail,
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Located 27.5 miles from Hot Springs, North Carolina (NC)
4 Stars
12,325 Steps 1  (5.5 mi)
Trails National Parks Great Smoky Mountains Caldwell Fork Trail

Elevation

The Caldwell Fork Trail has a maximum elevation of 4,124 ft., a minimum elevation of 2,779 ft. and an elevation range of 1,345 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
5.5 mi2,779 ft4,124 ft1,345 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
2.9 hrs109.61,315 ft0 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
2.4 hrs0.00 ft1,315 ft
Data Accuracy
4 Stars
Data Reliability
5 Stars

Calories

The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.

Topo Maps

Download the PDF Caldwell Fork Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

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2
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8
9
  1. Northwest Topo Map: Luftee Knob, NC
  2. North Topo Map: Cove Creek Gap, NC
  3. Northeast Topo Map: Fines Creek, NC
  4. West Topo Map: Bunches Bald, NC
  5. Topo Map: Dellwood, NC
  6. East Topo Map: Clyde, NC
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Sylva North, NC
  8. South Topo Map: Hazelwood, NC
  9. Southeast Topo Map: Waynesville, NC

FAQ

What is the length of the Caldwell Fork Trail?
The length of the trail is 5.5 miles (8.9 km) or 12,325 steps.

How long does it take to hike the Caldwell Fork Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 2.9 hours in one direction and in 2.4 hours in the opposite direction.

Warnings

Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin. (cdc.gov)

Footnotes

  1. Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
  2. Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
  3. Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
  4. Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
  5. Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
  6. Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
  7. Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
  8. Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
  9. Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.