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  5. Mount Kephart

6,218 ft · Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee

Mount Kephart

Mount Kephart is a 6,218 ft peak in the Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee. The standard route is the Appalachian Trail and Jumpoff Trail: 6 mi, 1,300 ft of gain, Class 1.

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Mount Kephart in the Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee

Mount Kephart at a glance

  • Elevation6,218 ft1,895 m
  • RouteAppalachian Trail and Jumpoff TrailClass 1
  • Distance6 mi1,300 ft gain
  • Time4 – 6 hrsEasy effort
  • SeasonYear‑round
  • RangeGreat Smoky MountainsNorth Carolina/Tennessee

Climbing the Appalachian Trail and Jumpoff Trail

From Gatlinburg or Cherokee, drive US 441 (Newfound Gap Road) to the large Newfound Gap parking area. Hike the Appalachian Trail east 2.7 miles along the crest to the Boulevard Trail junction, turn onto the Boulevard and almost at once take the signed Jumpoff path, which crosses the wooded summit in a few minutes. This Class 1 path is unofficial but easy to follow. Continue to the Jumpoff cliff for views; it has no railing. US 441 can close for snow and ice in winter. A parking tag is required, and the lot fills early. Add Mount Le Conte via the Boulevard for a big day.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 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

  • High winds
  • Slippery terrain
  • Steep exposure
  • Rapid weather shifts

Quests with Mount Kephart

Peaks near Mount Kephart

  1. Mount Le Conte

    Mount Le Conte

    6,595 ft · 3.1 mi away

  2. Mount Collins

    Mount Collins

    6,191 ft · 5.6 mi away

  3. Mount Chapman

    Mount Chapman

    6,435 ft · 7.7 mi away

  4. Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)

    Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)

    6,643 ft · 7.7 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Kephart?

Mount Kephart is 6,218 feet (1,895 m) tall. It is in the Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee.

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

At 6,218 feet, Mount Kephart is the 21st highest of the 40 peaks of the South Beyond 6,000. The highest is Mount Mitchell.

How hard is it to hike Mount Kephart?

The Appalachian Trail and Jumpoff Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 6 miles with 1,300 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Kephart?

Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Appalachian Trail and Jumpoff Trail, covering 6 miles with 1,300 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Mount Kephart?

Usually, if you are fit. The Appalachian Trail and Jumpoff Trail is a common first summit for hikers ready for 4 – 6 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike Mount Kephart?

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

Climb Mount Kephart 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

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