There are a lot of photo opps along the way.

Mile 15.2 – Rock hop or wet crossing Middle Prong below a 15-foot waterfall with an … The trail on the left leads to a large, excellent campsite perched above Middle Prong. The Middle Prong Trail was originally a railroad bed used by the Little River Railroad & Lumber Company, based in Townsend, Tennessee, which was one of the largest commercial logging operations in southern Appalachia, in operation for 38 years until 1939, with 150 miles of railroad.Visitors can find more information available at the Little River Railroad Museum web site. There's a sign as the trail begins that states this as a gentle quiet walk not requiring hiking shoes.

After the camp, the trail continues the climb, and starts to switchback. Looking for a great trail in Middle Prong Wilderness, North Carolina? The Middle Prong Trail is located 8.9 miles from Townsend, Tennessee (TN) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Plus, this trail offers a look back into the history of the Smokies.

We are fit but not great climbers so the gradual elevation gain on the trail was perfect for us. A few miles up, a small side trail leads to a clearing that holds a rusting old car.

Starting at FR 97, Haywood Gap Trail climbs alongside the Middle Prong of the West Fork of the Pigeon River all the way up to the Mountains to Sea Trail about 75 yards from where it crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway at Haywood Gap. Climbing along the Middle Prong for 2.3 miles, the trail meets Panther Creek Trail.

Thankfully someone was nice enough to Sharpie in an arrow to the left trail indicating it as the Middle Prong. Best trails in Middle Prong Wilderness.

This hike is the grand loop of the entire wilderness, following the long, rugged Fork Ridge to high elevations and big views before diving down into the remote headwaters of the Middle Prong of the West Fork Pigeon River. Download the free Thunderhead Mountain topo map. At 3.5 miles, you cross a bridge that traverses Indian Flats Prong before the trail starts to turn away from the creek and climb a steepening series of switchbacks. Parts of the trail... 5.8mi, Climbs Steeply, Very Rough It appears to be from around the 1930s. Indian Flats Falls is a nice place for lunch before heading back. Middle Prong Trail is a difficult day hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that features incredible history, scenery and stunning waterfalls. Though the whole trail is a 8.2 mile round-trip, the rewards come early for this beautiful hike.

165 Reviews. Download the free Thunderhead Mountain topo map. Zoom in, mouse over a trail to highlight it and click for the trail …

Some of those special places are on the Middle Prong trail.