West Prong Trail

West Prong Trail is a 5.4-mile out-and-back in Tremont, following 2.7 miles of trail from Tremont Road to the Bote Mountain Trail junction. It climbs the side of Fodderstack Mountain through hardwood forest, with creek crossings and a riverside campsite near the end. Allow about 3 to 3.5 hours. The climb is steady, with roughly 1,000 feet of elevation gain, and the finish is a backcountry junction rather than a summit.

The soil tread passes through hardwoods, with pines, sourwoods and chestnut trees among the forest. West Prong Little River runs below the route, and seasonal wildflowers add color. Deer, black bears and wild hogs are among the wildlife visitors may see, though sightings are never guaranteed.

At about mile 0.3, the right fork leads roughly 100 yards to Walker Valley Cemetery; stay left to continue on West Prong Trail. The small cemetery holds several residents of the area from the late 1800s and early 1900s. If you visit, the straightforward way back is to retrace the spur to the fork. An unmaintained connector can rejoin the trail farther on, but it is not the maintained route.

The trail crosses a creek around mile 2.0, where the park describes a rock-hop, then reaches Campsite 18 at about mile 2.1. The large group site has a fire ring, bear cables and access to West Prong Little River. The trail continues through the campsite: cross the foot-log bridge on the right, then turn left at the hemlock. The sign for Campsite A means you have gone past the trail. At mile 2.7, turn around at the Bote Mountain Trail junction for the full 5.4-mile walk; continuing onto Bote Mountain Trail is a different, longer route.

The parking area is on Tremont Road opposite the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. From the lot, the trail begins behind the pump house uphill to the left. Accessible spaces are available, with surplus and large-vehicle parking just beyond the main lot. A park parking tag is required for stays over 15 minutes. Horses use this trail, but dogs are not allowed. Overnight camping at Campsite 18 requires a backcountry permit and advance reservation.