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REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



GSMNP AT to Mount Kephart and Icewater Spring Shelter + Jump Off




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Newfound Gap Parking Lot   Hike: GSMNP AT to Mount Kephart and Icewater Spring Shelter + Jump Off  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Tue, Oct 20 2026  10:00 am >> Tue, Oct 20 2026 3:00 pm
Registration Opens: Wed, Jul 1 2026 7:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Oct 16 2026 12:00 pm
Event Duration:5 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Distance:8 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Linda L
Ann
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:10
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 3 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

This is the first of three fall color hikes scheduled for October 20th-22nd in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Each hike will be posted separately, and you may register for one, two or three of these hikes. In addition, you may elect to stay overnight at the lodging of your choice. Trip leaders will be staying in Gatlinburg. Please contact us if you would like to stay at the same location and carpool. We will also plan dinners together during the trip.  The evening before this hike, trip leaders will be staying in Cherokee.

The hike starts at the Newfound Gap parking lot. We will follow the AT to Mount Kephart and the Icewater Spring Shelter. The Icewater Spring Shelter is named for the cold spring that flows out of the mountain. We will also hike to the "Jump Off" for great views.  We will have a lunch break during the hike.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/ appalachian-trail-to-mount-kephart-and-icewater-spring- shelter?u=i&sh=pebdiv

Our pace will be moderate 2.5+ mph.

This is a high end D4 hike, 8 miles with 1500+ elevation. Please have recent and strong D4 or above experience to signup for this hike.  If you do not have this experience, you will be moved to the waitlist.  Please send trip leaders screenshots of comparable hikes if you do not have the required AOC experience.


Required Items to Bring:

Trail hiking shoes

Wear appropriate clothing with layers

Water (2 to 3L)/hydrating drinks/electrolytes

Lunch/Snacks

GSMNP Parking Pass

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Hiking Poles

Hat/Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Poncho or Rain Jacket, in case of rain


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Newfound Gap Parking Lot

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
35.610840, -83.425090

From Cherokee, NC, drive north on US 441 about 19-20 miles until reaching the Newfound Gap Parking lot. This parking lot will be on the right, and the trailhead is located on the northeast end of the parking lot, between the restrooms and the Rockefeller Memorial.

Please arrive by 9:45 a.m. so we can start hike promptly at 10:00 a.m.

https://maps. app.goo.gl/5tfTPGKQYS7pASmi9


Notes:

There is a bathroom at the trailhead.

Fee Information:

While there is no entrance fee, a paid parking tag is required for those who park for longer than 15 minutes. You may purchase a daily, weekly, or annual tag online or at the visitor center.


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.


Registration for this event opens at 7/1/2026 7:00:00 PM