Palmer Creek Trail,
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Located 26.7 miles from Hot Springs, North Carolina (NC)
4 Stars
7,655 Steps 1  (3.4 mi)
Trails National Parks Great Smoky Mountains Palmer Creek Trail

Elevation

The Palmer Creek Trail has a maximum elevation of 4,521 ft., a minimum elevation of 3,038 ft. and an elevation range of 1,483 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
3.4 mi3,038 ft4,521 ft1,483 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
2.0 hrs123.61,483 ft0 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
1.6 hrs0.00 ft1,483 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 Palmer Creek 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: Jones Cove, TN
  2. North Topo Map: Hartford, TN
  3. Northeast Topo Map: Waterville, NC
  4. West Topo Map: Mount Guyot, TN
  5. Topo Map: Luftee Knob, NC
  6. East Topo Map: Cove Creek Gap, NC
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Smokemont, NC
  8. South Topo Map: Bunches Bald, NC
  9. Southeast Topo Map: Dellwood, NC

FAQ

What is the length of the Palmer Creek Trail?
The length of the trail is 3.4 miles (5.4 km) or 7,655 steps.

How long does it take to hike the Palmer Creek Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 2.0 hours in one direction and in 1.6 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.