Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 19: Tapoco Lodge to Fontana Dam, north end
~2 days · 13.9 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 19: Tapoco Lodge to Fontana Dam, north end is known for
Section 19 of Benton MacKaye Trail is an official 23.8 km point-to-point section from Tapoco Lodge (US 129) to Fontana Dam, north end (Visitor Center parking).
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 3,757 ft to 10,410 ft over 13.9 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 7.5 mi · 54%
- Downhill 5.7 mi · 41%
- Flat 0.8 mi · 5%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 19: Tapoco Lodge to Fontana Dam, north end?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 19: Tapoco Lodge to Fontana Dam, north end scores 25/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 19: Tapoco Lodge to Fontana Dam, north end take?
Most backpackers hike the Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 19: Tapoco Lodge to Fontana Dam, north end in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 13.9 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 19: Tapoco Lodge to Fontana Dam, north end?
The Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 19: Tapoco Lodge to Fontana Dam, north end climbs roughly 4,226 ft total — about 304 ft per mile, topping out near 3,235 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — 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.