Eagle Creek Trail

Eagle Creek Trail is an 8.6-mile one-way, point-to-point backcountry route from the Lakeshore Trail junction near campsite 90 to the Appalachian Trail at Spence Field. It follows a wooded creek valley, then climbs steadily and steeply toward the ridge. Expect about 3,100 feet of net climbing and roughly six to seven hours on the named trail; the remote access and onward travel add more. This is a serious through-hike, not a short walk from a roadside trailhead.

There is no road at the south end. Reach the Lakeshore junction near campsite 90 by boat across Fontana Lake, or hike in on Lakeshore Trail from Fontana Dam; published approach estimates range from about 5.5 to 6.1 miles. Eagle Creek ends at the Appalachian Trail near Spence Field. From there, a short walk east along the AT opens onto Spence Field, with a view toward Cades Cove. Arrange a boat, a connecting hike, or a return along Eagle Creek: retracing the named trail makes the Eagle Creek portion about 17.3 miles round trip, before the access walk. Overnight stays at the park's designated backcountry sites and shelters need an advance reservation and permit.

The lower trail stays close to Eagle Creek. About half a mile beyond campsite 90 it reaches a footlog crossing with a handrail; near 0.7 mile is the Pinnacle Creek junction, followed about a quarter mile later by another Eagle Creek crossing without a bridge. The first 4.6 miles include at least 15 stream crossings. Campsite 89 is around mile 1.6; beyond it, Ekaneetlee Creek is a rock hop. Campsite 96 sits on an island around mile 2.6, and reaching its bathroom means fording back across the creek. These crossings are the main challenge here, especially after high water.

The trail keeps following the creek before turning uphill toward the Appalachian Trail. The grade gets steeper in the upper section, and the rock hop at Gunna Creek around mile 6.2 is described as difficult. The route passes Spence Field Shelter near its upper end; continue about 0.1 mile east on the AT to the open field and its view across toward Cades Cove. High water can make the crossings unsafe, so check current trail conditions before committing to this remote route.