If you're a hiker searching for trails in the North Carolina Smoky Mountains, you should definitely check out the Twentymile Trail and Cascades. Don’t let the name fool you; it’s not actually a 20-mile hike! Keep reading to learn more about how to find the trailhead and what to expect along the route.
| Trail Length | 10 Miles |
| Trail Difficulty | Strenuous |
| Trail Highlights | Solitude, Cascades, Views |
Directions to Trailhead
The Twentymile Trailhead is located in the Fontana Dam area off of North Carolina State Route 28 near Lake Cheoah. It is named after a nearby ranger station, which is an excellent place to go if you have questions about the trail or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in general. Before you head out, make sure that you have a Smoky Mountain parking pass for your vehicle!
Helpful Tip: Because this is a longer trail, it is a good idea to start your hike in the morning. You will be out in the cooler temperatures, and you don't have to worry about running out of daylight.
Twentymile Trail Description
The Twentymile Trail is a strenuous route that is 5 miles one-way (10 miles round-trip) with an elevation gain of about 2,300 feet. Walk 0.5 miles from the trailhead before arriving at the junction for the Wolf Ridge Trail off to the left. You can walk down this trail for a short distance to see the Twentymile Cascades, where you’ll hear the sound of rushing water as it drops down moss-covered rocks. Take a moment to relax and enjoy the water, and keep your eyes peeled for salamanders! At this point, you can turn around for a shorter hike (about 2.5 miles) or continue on to explore more of the area.
If you keep going, you’ll reach a backcountry campsite (#93) after another 2.6 miles. This is where the trail junctions for the Twentymile Loop Trail and the Long Hungry Ridge Trail are located. Again, you can choose to take the Twentymile Loop Trail back towards Wold Ridge Trail, or continue for only 1.9 miles until you reach the end of the Twentymile Trail, where it intersects the Appalachian Trail near the Shuckstack Fire Tower. Fun Fact: GSMNP contains 71 miles of this 2,190+ mile trail!
Twentymile Loop & Wolf Ridge Trail
Many hikers take the Twentymile Trail and combine it with the Twentymile Loop and Wolf Ridge Trail for an all-day hike through the North Carolina Smokies. The route contains narrower sections with some rocky and muddy areas, as well as multiple stream crossings.
Top Tips for Day Hikes
- Wear sturdy, close-toed shoes to keep your feet dry and maintain your balance.
- Pack more water than you think you’ll need, especially during the warmer months.
- Don’t overexert yourself; take breaks, eat snacks, and admire the scenery.
Keep Exploring the North Carolina Smoky Mountains!
Now you know all about the Twentymile Trail and hiking to Twentymile Cascades in the Great Smoky Mountains of NC. There are plenty of other nearby trails on the North Carolina side of GSMNP; read about hiking the Goldmine Loop Trail!
