Ready to explore this trail?
View Trail Map in AppReservations must be made for backcountry campsites. For more information, the GSMNP backcountry office can be contacted at (865) 436-1297 between the hours of 8 and 5 Eastern Time. Backcountry permits can also be purchased online.
Path Type
Point to Point
The best way to access this trail is to leave from the Twentymile Ranger Station, and make your way up a short section of the Twentymile Trail.
From the fork that connects to Twentymile Trail, the trail is broad and will lead to the Twentymile Loop Trail in 1.1 miles. The stream crossings that are described as needing to wade or rock hop in the Little Brown Book now all have log bridges that can be used to cross the creek easily. Laurel lines the trail through this section providing shade on sunny days. At the junction with the Twentymile Loop Trail, visitors can opt to switch over, or continue northbound towards Campsite 95. From the campsite, it's all uphill through the woods and mountain laurels for roughly 5.2 miles until reaching Campsite 13 (Sheep Pen Gap). Many choose to stay at the site, where they can take a much shorter, roughly half a mile trail to Gregory Bald to catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset.
Be wary of several fallen trees along the way. It's a bit of a challenging trail with a frequently steep incline, but both the campsite and Gregory Bald are well worth the effort.
Some Issues
Looking for more condition reports?
Gregory Bald + Shuckstack Fire Tower via Twentymile Loop
Gregory Bald + Shuckstack Fire Tower via Twentymile Loop
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