Fork Ridge Trail,
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Located 41.6 miles from Hot Springs, North Carolina (NC)
4 Stars
11,872 Steps 1  (5.2 mi)
Trails National Parks Great Smoky Mountains Fork Ridge Trail

Elevation

The Fork Ridge Trail has a maximum elevation of 5,932 ft., a minimum elevation of 3,140 ft. and an elevation range of 2,792 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
5.2 mi3,140 ft5,932 ft2,792 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
3.5 hrs231.02,772 ft0 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
2.4 hrs0.00 ft2,772 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 Fork Ridge 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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9
  1. Northwest Topo Map: Gatlinburg, TN
  2. North Topo Map: Mount Le Conte, TN
  3. Northeast Topo Map: Mount Guyot, TN
  4. West Topo Map: Silers Bald, NC
  5. Topo Map: Clingmans Dome, NC
  6. East Topo Map: Smokemont, NC
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Noland Creek, NC
  8. South Topo Map: Bryson City, NC
  9. Southeast Topo Map: Whittier, NC

FAQ

What is the length of the Fork Ridge Trail?
The length of the trail is 5.2 miles (8.4 km) or 11,872 steps.

How long does it take to hike the Fork Ridge Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 3.5 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.