Highlights
- Named for Horace Kephart (September 8, 1862-April 2, 1931), educated author and explorer who proposed and pushed for creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Routes
7 summits • 8.8 mi • 1,865 ft gain • 3 hr 59 min
2 summits • 5.1 mi • 323 ft gain • 3 hr 31 min
1 summit • 19.5 mi • 2,753 ft gain • 8 hr 8 min
Latest summits
"Part of a 5-peak trail run that started at Newfound Gap. My first trip to the Smokies was epic. Five summits, 10 miles, and near 3,000 feet of climbing. The views were breathtaking, and the trails were gnarly with sections of ice. Legs felt phenomenal and I can't wait to return. Bagged Mt. Ambler twice (once from both sides), Charlies Bunion, Mt. Kephart and Masa Knob." — runshigleyrun • Nov 18, 2022
"Brought crampons and encountered a ton of ice! Good thing I came prepared! Took the AT and then followed the sign to the jump off. Shortly after, I hiked to Charlie’s Bunyon. " — reaganlegrand01 • Mar 7, 2020
"Quick side trip before heading to Charlies Bunion. We were the first to break through the blanket of clean snow on the trail that morning. Beautiful hike, windy, sunny. Trekking polls and gaiters really came in handy." — gooner • Apr 17, 2018
"Many people cross over this mountain top on a side trail to the "Jump Off." Many probably never even realize this fact as the Jumpoff is their destination. From the Boulevard trail in Great Smoky Mountains National park you take a steep side trail up to the summit. From there the trail dips down and takes you to trails end at the Jumpoff overlook. My blog on this days hike: http://gosmokies.knoxnews.com/profiles/blogs/to-the-top-of-the-mountain" — grsmguy • Jul 29, 2013