AT & Lost Cove Overnight Backpacking Loop

AT & Lost Cove Overnight Backpacking Loop
November 14–15, 2026

Camping & Parking
A backcountry permit is required for Campsite #90. The camping fee is $8 per person for the night — paid to me by Venmo to reserve your spot

Everyone parking at the trailhead will need a valid Great Smoky Mountains National Park parking tag, you can also park at the marina and Fontana Dam for free and carpool to the trailhead https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm.

When you join the event, you’ll initially be placed on the waiting list. Text me at 770-500-9306 and Venmo me $8 for your campsite fees. Once payment is received and I have secured the required campsite reservations, you’ll be moved to the attendee list.
Refund Policy: The $8 campsite payment will be refunded only if I am unable to obtain the required campsite reservations. Once the campsite reservations have been secured, the payment is non-refundable.

About
Join us for a one-night backpacking loop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park featuring the Appalachian Trail, Shuckstack Fire Tower, Lost Cove Trail, and Lakeshore Trail.
Saturday we'll climb the A.T. to Shuckstack, visit the fire tower, then descend Lost Cove Trail to Backcountry Campsite #90 — Lost Cove. Sunday we'll follow the Lakeshore Trail back to Fontana Dam.

Technical Details
Views: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Challenge: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Trip Length: 2 Days / 1 Night
Distance: Approximately 12 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Itinerary
Day 1 — Saturday
Distance: Approximately 6.5–7 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,800 feet
We'll hike north on the Appalachian Trail to Shuckstack, taking the short spur to Shuckstack Fire Tower, where climbing the tower is optional.
From there we'll continue to Lost Cove Trail and descend toward Fontana Lake. Lost Cove is steep and includes multiple creek crossings.
We'll camp Saturday night at Campsite #90 — Lost Cove.

Day 2 — Sunday
Distance: Approximately 5.6 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 900 feet
After breakfast we'll follow the Lakeshore Trail back toward Fontana Dam. The trail includes a number of rolling climbs and descents rather than staying flat along the lake.
We should finish by early afternoon.

Water
Water is available along Lost Cove Trail and near camp, but water can be limited during the climb toward Shuckstack. Bring adequate carrying capacity and filter or treat all backcountry water.

Important Notes

• Everyone should carry their own navigation and be capable of navigating independently if separated.
• November weather can range from mild to cold or potentially freezing overnight. Bring appropriate layers, rain protection, and sleeping gear.
• Food and scented items must be properly stored using the campsite's food-storage system.
• Dogs are not permitted on this route.
• Practice Leave No Trace and pack out everything you bring in.
• This trip will generally proceed in light rain. Severe weather may require changes to the itinerary or cancellation.

Mileage and elevation figures are estimates and may vary slightly depending on the exact route and mapping source.
Current trail conditions, water crossings, campsite status, bear activity, and weather will be checked before the trip.

More details and any last-minute updates will be shared closer to departure.