Did you know that 13.3 million people visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2023? While millions of people visit the park each year, a majority of them never get within a couple of hundred feet of their cars.
One of the best ways to experience the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is to get off the beaten path and take a hike!
The serenity of the trail allows for a deep connection with the surroundings, creating a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you are looking for a hiking trail in the park that is quiet, peaceful, and avoids massive crowds, you should consider hiking the twenty-mile loop trail in Western North Carolina.
The twenty-mile loop trail is a beautiful trail that features a cascading river, several small waterfalls, and stream crossings. This trail connects to several other trails in the national park, so it is perfect for starting a backpacking trip.
“Twenty-mile Loop Trail is a great trail for someone who wants to go on a long hike but doesn’t want too much elevation change.”
Do you want to learn more about hiking the twenty-mile loop trail? If so, keep reading to learn what to expect.
Visitor trends indicate that park attendance remains high, particularly during spring and summer months. Weekends see the largest crowds, while weekdays are comparatively quieter, offering a more serene hiking experience. Some popular trails may experience temporary congestion, so hikers are advised to start early in the day and check for current trail alerts before heading out.
Editor’s note: We ensure the accuracy of our guides through thorough fact-checking. The information in this guide reflects the most current details available as of September 2025.
Twenty Mile Loop Trail: Hike Overview
Starting Point: Twenty Mile Ranger Station
Stopping Point: Twenty Mile Ranger Station
Miles: 7.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Total Elevation Gain: 1,204 feet (1,318 minimum, 2,522 maximum)
Map Of Twenty Mile Loop Trail
Twenty Mile Loop Trail: Hike Summary
Getting to the Trail
Before heading out on your hike, be sure to pack the right day hike essentials. You will need a reusable water bottle, water filter, snacks, lunch, your camera, a small first aid kit, and a backpack. It also never hurts to carry an emergency shelter.
To get to the twenty-mile trail, start by driving on NC HWY 28. You will see a large sign to the Great Smoky Mountains Park Entrance—Twenty Mile Ranger Station.
Turn onto the dirt road and drive until you reach the small parking lot. The dirt road is bumpy, so make sure you drive slowly to avoid damaging your vehicle. If the parking lot is full, you can park anywhere on the side of the road.
2025 Updates:
Parking: Parking availability can vary throughout the year. Weekends and holidays are typically more crowded, with limited parking at popular trailheads. It’s advisable to arrive early to secure a parking spot and enjoy a more peaceful hiking experience.
Road Conditions: Newfound Gap Road (US 441), which was closed between Sugarlands Visitor Center and Newfound Gap due to a washout caused by heavy rainfall, is now open.
Access: Some roads and facilities may be temporarily closed or under construction. For the most current information on road conditions and closures, please refer to the park’s Current Conditions page
Twenty Mile Trail
Once you park your car, you can get out and start walking up the trail. You will walk approximately 0.5 miles until you come to your first intersection.
If you stick to the right, you will stay on the twenty-mile trail. If you head to the left, you will be on the Wolf Ridge trail. The twenty-mile loop trail connects the two trails so that you can go either way. As reported, when many travelers hike this trail, they head to the right on the twenty-mile trail.
Twenty Mile Loop Trail
Once you hike about 3.1 miles (2.6 miles from the twenty-mile/Wolf Ridge intersection), you will come to another intersection.
Staying to the right will keep you on the twenty-mile trail, going straight will take you on the long hungry ridge trail, and going to the left will take you on the twenty-mile loop trail.
Go to the left to get on the twenty-mile loop trail. If you packed your lunch, this intersection is a great place to eat it because there is a bench.
Wolf Ridge Trail
After getting on the twenty-mile loop trail, you will hike around 2.9 miles to reach the Wolf Ridge Trail. This trail crosses over multiple streams and is a beautiful part of the hike.
This trail is great for taking pictures, enjoying a snack, or admiring plants. The World Ridge Trail section is 1.1 miles long, so you should be at mile 7.1 when you reach the first intersection again.
Once you get back to the intersection, head back towards the twenty-mile ranger station. This will take you back to your car!
Alternate Routes
The directions to the trailhead are as timeless as the mountains themselves. To get to the Twenty-Mile Ranger Station and trailhead, drive on NC HWY 28 until you see the large sign for the Great Smoky Mountains Park Entrance. From there, turn onto the dirt road and drive slowly to the parking lot. You can park on the side of the road if the lot is full.
For your day hike essentials, be sure to pack:
- A reusable water bottle and a water filter
- Snacks and lunch
- Your camera
- A small first aid kit
- A backpack
- An emergency shelter (it’s always smart to have one)
Crucial 2025 Updates You Need to Know
The park has implemented some important changes to be aware of.
Roads Are Open, But Check First: The widely reported closure of Newfound Gap Road (US 441) due to a washout is now outdated. The road has been fully reopened ahead of schedule as of September 12, 2025. This is great news for accessibility across the park, but remember that other sections of the road can close for maintenance or weather at any time. For instance, Clingmans Dome Road is only open seasonally from April 1 to November 30. Always check the National Park Service’s official Current Conditions page before your trip.
You Must Buy a Parking Tag: This is a major update. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park now requires all vehicles parked for more than 15 minutes to display a valid parking tag. This is a parking fee, not an entrance fee, and it directly supports park maintenance.
- You can buy a tag for a daily ($5), weekly ($15), or annual ($40) duration.
- You must display a physical tag in your vehicle.
- They are available online through Recreation.gov or at visitor centers and automated kiosks in the park.
Trail Status and Connections: The trails that intersect the Twenty-Mile Loop are open and offer opportunities for extended hikes, but they come with important considerations:
- Appalachian Trail (AT): The AT is open and can be accessed from the Twenty-Mile Trail. Be aware that the park issues periodic alerts for bear activity in this region.
- Gregory Bald Trail: This trail is open and leads to the famous bald known for its stunning flame azaleas in early summer.
- Shuckstack Fire Tower: The trail to the fire tower is open, but very strenuous. The tower itself has fallen into disrepair, so exercise extreme caution if you plan to climb it.
- Deep Creek Trail: This popular trail is open and is known for its beautiful waterfalls. Visiting on a weekday morning is a good strategy to avoid crowds.
Hiking Safely and Responsibly
- Overnight Permits: If you plan to turn your day hike into an overnight trip, you must obtain a backcountry permit. You must have a printed copy of your permit with you at all times.
- Check Official Sources: Your single best source for up-to-the-minute information is the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website. They provide real-time updates on road closures, facility changes, and safety alerts.
Before embarking on any hike, especially overnight trips, ensure you have the latest trail maps and information. Registering your hike with the park service is mandatory for overnight stays. Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Alerts page for the most current updates on trail conditions and closures.
2025 Safety & Hiking Updates:
Trail & Park Updates: Stay informed about temporary trail closures or maintenance that could affect your route. Visit the official park alerts page for the latest 2025 updates before heading out.
Safety Reminders: Always carry adequate water, a first aid kit, and navigation tools. Ensure your phone is fully charged and let someone know your hiking plans.
Weather Alerts: Spring and fall are the best seasons to hike the loop, offering mild temperatures and lower crowds. Summer can bring heat and sudden thunderstorms; winter may have icy patches, so check current park alerts before visiting.
Are You Ready to Hike the Twenty Mile Loop Trail?
While it’s possible to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by car, the best way to do it is to take a hike. There are hundreds of amazing trails in the national park, so be sure to check out several during your visit.
The twenty-mile loop trail is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the park off the beaten path, take a peaceful hike, or go on a backpacking trip.
So, lace up your hiking boots, embrace the call of the wilderness, and immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of this extraordinary trail. The Twenty Mile Loop is not just a hike; it’s an exploration of the soul in one of the most captivating landscapes nature has to offer.
