AT Section Hike: Fontana Dam to Kuwohi (Clingman's Dome)

Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike: Fontana Dam to Kuwohi (Clingman's Dome)
Event Dates: October 10-12, 2025
Group Limit: 6-8 people
Location: 35.55637723483931, -83.49520401775008 (end of Kuwohi/Clingman's Dome Road)

This is a strenuous 3-day, 2-night backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail (AT) through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The itinerary is designed for above-average backpackers, covering approximately 33 miles with significant and consistent elevation changes each day. A good level of fitness and backpacking experience is required.

Itinerary:
Day 1: Fontana Dam to Mollies Ridge Shelter

• Distance: 10.8 miles / Elevation: 5,000' ascent, 2,055' descent / Estimate: 6.25 hours
• A solid first day with a substantial climb out of Fontana Dam, designed to get the group into a steady hiking rhythm.

Day 2: Mollies Ridge Shelter to Derrick Knob Shelter

• Distance: 11.9 miles / Elevation: 3,500' ascent, 3,200' descent / Estimate: 5.75 hours
• Another consistent day of hiking along the ridgeline, with a well-balanced mix of climbs and descents.

Day 3: Derrick Knob Shelter to Kuwohi (Clingman's Dome) Parking Lot

• Distance: 10.3 miles / Elevation: 3,371' ascent, 2,008' descent / Estimate: 5.25 hours
• The final day is a significant push to the highest point on the Appalachian Trail, followed by a short walk to the parking area.

Cost & Reservations:

• Campsite Fee: The cost for the two nights of shelter reservations will be $16 per person ($8/night). This fee is non-refundable.
• Shuttle Fee: The shuttle fee is estimated to be around $45 per person (based on one quote), it could be more or less.

Payment Process:

• Upon joining the event, you will be placed on a waiting list.
• Approximately one week (9/5) before the park reservations open, I will vet and contact those on the waiting list in the order they joined.
• To secure your spot, you must pay me the $16 campsite fee at that time or I will pass you up for the next in line. I will then make the official shelter reservations.
• Once the camping reservations are confirmed, I will finalize the shuttle. You will pay the shuttle fee in cash directly to the driver at the time of service.

Important Notes:

• Meet-up Time & Location: We will meet on October 10, 2025, at 6:45 AM sharp at the Kuwohi (Clingman's Dome) parking lot 35.55637723483931, -83.49520401775008
• Shuttle Information: The shuttle ride to the trailhead at Fontana Dam will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The plan is to leave at 7:00 AM.
• Shelter-Only Trip: We will be staying in the designated backcountry shelters. Tents and hammocks are not needed.
• Bear Safety: Bear cables are provided at each designated shelter for food storage.
• Dogs are not permitted in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on this trail.
• Parking Pass: A parking pass is required to park in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You will need to purchase a pass for three days or a weekly pass. You will need to purchase your own pass online at https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm#basics and PRINT it out ahead of time to display it in your dash.
• Know Your Abilities: This is a difficult hike with some strenuous sections. Please be honest with yourself about your ability to handle the distance and elevation gain.

Disclaimers:

• Hike organizers are in no way responsible for you, your health, or safety. By attending this event, you acknowledge that the organizers assume no liability for you or your gear.
• Ensure you are prepared with the appropriate gear and skills for a challenging multi-day backpacking trip, as you will be responsible for your own needs on the trail.
• We will hike together as a group, but all participants must be capable of navigating independently and should be prepared to stay with the group.