Camel Gap Trail is a moderately challenging hike located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee. The trail climbs steadily through thick hardwood forests before reaching open ridge tops that provide expansive views of the surrounding mountains. This route is favored by hikers seeking a quieter alternative to more crowded trails. The trail’s elevation change and terrain make it best suited for those with some hiking experience looking for rewarding vistas.
The trail passes through part of the ancient Appalachian Mountains, which formed over 300 million years ago during the collision of tectonic plates. Its name likely comes from a rock formation along the way that early settlers thought resembled a resting camel. The area is rich with diverse flora and fauna typical of the Southern Appalachians, including dense rhododendron thickets and mature hardwoods. Historically, the region was used by the Cherokee people and later by early European settlers for hunting and travel routes.
Hikers on Camel Gap Trail often enjoy the solitude that comes with its less-traveled path. The dense canopy provides cool shade in warmer months, while the ridge tops offer sweeping views that are especially striking at sunrise or late afternoon. Wildlife sightings including deer and various bird species are common. Because the trail is less maintained than some others in the park, hikers should be prepared for occasional obstacles such as roots and rocks along the way.
The trail is approximately 3.5 miles one way, with a steady elevation gain of about 1,000 feet.
Due to its elevation gain and uneven terrain, the trail is better suited for hikers with some experience.
Pets are not permitted on trails within Great Smoky Mountains National Park to protect wildlife and ecosystem health.
Cell reception is limited or nonexistent in many parts of the trail due to the remote and mountainous terrain.
The trailhead is accessible from roads near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, which offers lodging and amenities.
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Field Notes
Last reported Bigfoot sighting near Camel Gap Trail: On September 14, 2024, a group of hikers reported spotting a large, shadowy figure near the ridge just before sunset. The creature was described as tall and covered in dark fur, moving silently through the rhododendron thickets. No physical evidence was found, but the sighting has become a new tale among local trail enthusiasts.
