- When
- Where
- Appalachian Trail at Low Gap
11615 Hwy 421 North,, Johnson County, TN 37688, US
Directions to parking - Trail
- Low Gap via Appalachian Trail · Out and back · 3.7 mi · 740 ft of climbing
- Meet at
- Low Gap Parking Area. From Bristol parking on the left the trailhead and meeting area is on the right. From Mountain City the parking is on the right and the trailhead is on the left.
- Parking
- Park in the large gravel area on the opposite side of the road from the trailhead.
- Price
- $40
- Ages
- 13 and up (under 18 must come with an adult in their sign-up)
- Spots
- 10 of 10 spots left
Appalachian Trail at Low GapParkingTrail
Trail at a Glance
- Location
- Located off of HWY 421 between Bristol, TN and Mountain City, TN. Low Gap is a crossing point for the Appalachian Trail.
- Route
- This route does not seek to lead anywhere. It's only destination is enjoyment. Much of the trail is spent in think forest.
- Terrain
- The terrain is uneven with some loose rocks and roots.
- Water
- Water is available at the beginning from a spring just behind the trailhead.
- Seasonal considerations
- This trail can become slick in wet or colder weather.
What to bring
Half Day Hike @ Low Gap – October 30, 2026, 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm
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Required
Recommended
Optional
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 3.73 miles |
| Route Type | Out-and-Back |
| Elevation Gain | 830 ft |
| Elevation Loss | 843 ft |
| Net Elevation Change | −13 ft |
| Highest Elevation | 3,634 ft (mile 1.9) |
| Lowest Elevation | 3,379 ft (mile 3.73) |
| Average Elevation | 3,539 ft |
| Eremos Roughness | 0.75 |
| Estimated Trail Time | 2–2.5 hours |
| Water | 1 source; longest dry stretch 3.7 mi (miles 0–3.73) |
| Shelters | 0 |
| Camping | 2 locations |
| Biggest Climb | +241 ft over 1.90 mi (miles 0–1.9) |
Walking the Trail
This section of the Appalachian Trail is beautiful and secluded once you leave the highway behind. A popular camping area lies just beyond the trail head.
This trail asks you to begin with effort as the trail turns up from the trailhead. After a short climb the trail flattens out as it passes by the camp sites.
Views of the mountains and valleys surrounding you peek through the trees as you continue to follow the trail.
The trail dips and rises over and over again as you move deeper into the Appalachian Wilderness. There are sections of sustained climb followed by descents.
A final climb brings you to a beautiful mountain meadow with breathtaking views. Here you can rest and allow the wilderness to surround you.
