Sunkota Ridge Trail,
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Located 38.7 miles from Hot Springs, North Carolina (NC)
4 Stars
19,876 Steps 1  (8.8 mi)
Trails National Parks Great Smoky Mountains Sunkota Ridge Trail

Elevation

The Sunkota Ridge Trail has a maximum elevation of 4,813 ft., a minimum elevation of 2,359 ft. and an elevation range of 2,454 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
8.8 mi2,359 ft4,813 ft2,454 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
5.0 hrs198.42,381 ft23 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
4.2 hrs1.923 ft2,381 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 Sunkota 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: Silers Bald, NC
  2. North Topo Map: Clingmans Dome, NC
  3. Northeast Topo Map: Smokemont, NC
  4. West Topo Map: Noland Creek, NC
  5. Topo Map: Bryson City, NC
  6. East Topo Map: Whittier, NC
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Wesser, NC
  8. South Topo Map: Alarka, NC
  9. Southeast Topo Map: Greens Creek, NC

FAQ

What is the length of the Sunkota Ridge Trail?
The length of the trail is 8.8 miles (14.2 km) or 19,876 steps.

How long does it take to hike the Sunkota Ridge Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 5.0 hours in one direction and in 4.2 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.