Yak logoYAK
  1. …
  2. Yak
  3. Quests
  4. South Beyond 6,000
  5. Mount Collins

6,191 ft · Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee

Mount Collins

Mount Collins is a 6,191 ft peak in the Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee. The standard route is the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap: 9 mi, 1,650 ft of gain, Class 1.

Plan this climbView South Beyond 6,000
Mount Collins in the Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee

Mount Collins at a glance

  • Elevation6,191 ft1,887 m
  • RouteAppalachian Trail from Newfound GapClass 1
  • Distance9 mi1,650 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonYear‑round
  • RangeGreat Smoky MountainsNorth Carolina/Tennessee

Climbing the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap

From Gatlinburg or Cherokee, drive US 441 (Newfound Gap Road) to the Newfound Gap parking area. Follow the Appalachian Trail west past Indian Gap and climb through spruce-fir forest for about 4.7 miles to the wooded summit of Mount Collins, just beyond the Sugarland Mountain Trail junction. The route is Class 1 on a rocky, rooty tread with no summit view. Continue 3 miles to Kuwohi for a one-way 7.7 mile hike if you can shuttle a car. Winter brings ice and US 441 closures; fog is common. A parking tag is required for any stop over 15 minutes.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (30–40 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • Slippery terrain
  • Rapid weather shifts
  • Low visibility

Quests with Mount Collins

Peaks near Mount Collins

  1. Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)

    Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)

    6,643 ft · 2.2 mi away

  2. Mount Le Conte

    Mount Le Conte

    6,595 ft · 5.1 mi away

  3. Mount Kephart

    Mount Kephart

    6,218 ft · 5.6 mi away

  4. Mount Chapman

    Mount Chapman

    6,435 ft · 13.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Collins?

Mount Collins is 6,191 feet (1,887 m) tall. It is in the Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee.

How does Mount Collins rank among the South Beyond 6,000?

At 6,191 feet, Mount Collins is the 25th highest of the 40 peaks of the South Beyond 6,000. The highest is Mount Mitchell.

How hard is it to hike Mount Collins?

The Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 9 miles with 1,650 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Collins?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap, covering 9 miles with 1,650 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Mount Collins?

Usually, if you are fit. The Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap is a common first summit for hikers ready for 6 – 8 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike Mount Collins?

Mount Collins is open for hiking year-round. Conditions change with the seasons, so check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Mount Collins with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

App StoreGoogle Play