Welch Ridge Trail,
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Located 51.8 miles from Hot Springs, North Carolina (NC)
4 Stars
15,083 Steps 1  (6.8 mi)
Trails National Parks Great Smoky Mountains Welch Ridge Trail

Elevation

The Welch Ridge Trail has a maximum elevation of 5,479 ft., a minimum elevation of 4,488 ft. and an elevation range of 991 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
6.8 mi4,488 ft5,479 ft991 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
3.2 hrs44.0528 ft978 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
3.4 hrs81.5978 ft528 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 Welch 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: Wear Cove, TN
  2. North Topo Map: Gatlinburg, TN
  3. Northeast Topo Map: Mount Le Conte, TN
  4. West Topo Map: Thunderhead Mountain, NC
  5. Topo Map: Silers Bald, NC
  6. East Topo Map: Clingmans Dome, NC
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Tuskeegee, NC
  8. South Topo Map: Noland Creek, NC
  9. Southeast Topo Map: Bryson City, NC

FAQ

What is the length of the Welch Ridge Trail?
The length of the trail is 6.8 miles (10.9 km) or 15,083 steps.

How long does it take to hike the Welch Ridge Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 3.2 hours in one direction and in 3.4 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.