The Jump Off Trail

The Jump Off is a marked, rough spur to a cliffside viewpoint on Mount Kephart, reached from Newfound Gap by the Appalachian Trail and a short Boulevard Trail connector. Allow about 6.5 miles round trip, roughly 1,275 feet of ascent, and around four hours. Follow the AT east for about 2.7 miles, turn left on Boulevard for about a tenth of a mile, then take the signed spur on the right for about half a mile to the overlook. Retrace the same route. The hike suits people comfortable with a sustained climb and rough footing; the wide mountain view is the payoff.

The approach rises steadily over rocky tread threaded with roots; the first two miles do most of the climbing. Brief openings look south into the North Carolina Smokies, then toward Mount Le Conte before the Sweat Heifer Creek Trail junction. This section also carries hikers bound for Charlie’s Bunion, so the first part is a shared Appalachian Trail approach rather than a secluded walk.

At the Boulevard junction, turn left and watch for the Jump Off sign on the right after about 0.1 mile. The spur is rough and obstructed. It crosses high ground, descends, then opens at a flatter stretch with a view toward the thin Boulevard ridge and Brushy Mountain. The end is a steep cliffside overlook, so keep well back from the drop. The spur is signed but is not identified as an official National Park Service trail; its maintenance responsibility is unclear. Follow current park closure signs.

From the overlook, Charlie’s Bunion sits across the mountain gulf, with the jagged Sawteeth and higher peaks such as Old Black, Mount Chapman and Mount Guyot beyond. Frame Charlie’s Bunion with the distant ridges for the clearest sense of the view.

Start at the Newfound Gap parking area and cross US 441 to the Appalachian Trail trailhead. A valid park parking tag is required when a vehicle is parked longer than 15 minutes. Dogs are allowed on only two park trails, neither of which is part of this route.