Appalachian Trail — NC/TN section
~28 days · 388.3 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Appalachian Trail — NC/TN section is known for
This Appalachian Trail section runs point-to-point from the Georgia-North Carolina line at Bly Gap to Damascus, Virginia — about 386 miles along the NC/TN border highlands, including the Great Smoky Mountains and the Roan Highlands. Shelters are spaced roughly every 8-12 miles, and most backpackers take around four weeks for the full section.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 4,833 ft to 21,161 ft over 388.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 162.6 mi · 42%
- Downhill 158.4 mi · 41%
- Flat 66.4 mi · 17%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Appalachian Trail — NC/TN section take?
Most backpackers hike the Appalachian Trail — NC/TN section in about 28 days (27 nights out) over its 388.3 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Appalachian Trail — NC/TN section?
The Appalachian Trail — NC/TN section climbs roughly 94,459 ft total — about 243 ft per mile, topping out near 6,624 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.