Grassy Branch Trail

Grassy Branch Trail is a 2.6-mile point-to-point climb from Kephart Shelter to the Dry Sluice Gap Trail junction. It gains about 1,800 feet, mostly on repeated switchbacks; allow around three hours one way. This isn't a loop. Decide how you'll continue from Dry Sluice Gap or return before you start. The 2.6 miles cover Grassy Branch itself, not the roughly two-mile approach from Newfound Gap Road.

The climb works around steep slopes on a rocky tread that can feel loose and wet after rain. It crosses several creeks and passes a stone wall, then briefly widens and eases before switchbacks resume. Higher up, grassy openings and breaks in the trees give filtered views of Smokies peaks, clearest after leaves fall. Near the end, an eroded stretch reaches the Dry Sluice Gap Trail junction; the Appalachian Trail is about 1.3 miles farther on.

Park at Kephart Prong Trailhead, a small paved pull-off on US 441. Parking is limited, so the park suggests using a shuttle; a parking tag is required for stays over 15 minutes. From the road, Kephart Prong Trail climbs about two miles to Kephart Shelter, where Grassy Branch begins. The access walk is four miles round trip and crosses several log footbridges. The nearest restrooms are at Collins Creek Picnic Area, open seasonally, or Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Overnight stays at Kephart Shelter need a reservation and backcountry permit.

If you want the streams and history without Grassy Branch's harder climb, walk Kephart Prong Trail to Kephart Shelter and return. It's a four-mile outing with about 830 feet of gain, following an old paved jeep road past the remains of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp.