Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 23: Noland Divide Trail junction to Smokemont Campground
~2 days · 15.9 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 23: Noland Divide Trail junction to Smokemont Campground is known for
Section 23 of Benton MacKaye Trail is an official 26.7 km point-to-point section from Noland Divide Trail junction (Upper Sassafras Gap) to Smokemont Campground (US 441).
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 7,461 ft to 16,565 ft over 15.9 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 6.1 mi · 39%
- Downhill 8.7 mi · 56%
- 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 23: Noland Divide Trail junction to Smokemont Campground?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 23: Noland Divide Trail junction to Smokemont Campground scores 17/100, 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 23: Noland Divide Trail junction to Smokemont Campground take?
Most backpackers hike the Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 23: Noland Divide Trail junction to Smokemont Campground in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 15.9 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 23: Noland Divide Trail junction to Smokemont Campground?
The Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 23: Noland Divide Trail junction to Smokemont Campground climbs roughly 3,061 ft total — about 193 ft per mile, topping out near 5,062 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.