Goshen Prong Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is part of a popular loop hike, in which hikers leave the Jakes Creek Trailhead parking area, taking Little River Trail to Goshen Prong Trail, heading west along the Appalachian Trail (AT), then turning north again on Miry Ridge Trail to Jakes Creek Trail and returning to the parking area. The loop on a map resembles a peanut. There are plenty of campsites and sources of water along the loop.

Branching off of Little River Trail, Goshen Prong Trail slowly gains in elevation as it makes its way south to the Appalachian Trail (AT). Shortly into the trail, hikers will cross an iron bridge that goes over Little River. Along the way, there are ample opportunities to catch a beautiful view of the rolling forests of the Smokies. A good portion of this trail was once used as a railroad for logging companies.
There's a small spur trail that branches off towards Camp Rock (Campsite #23). From there, it's only 4.4 miles to the Appalachian Trail (AT).

The Smokies are home to more than 1,600 species of plants, most of which produce an abundance of flowers in the spring. These species include mountain laurel, rhododendron, azalea, and many others. Spring wildflowers peak from early April through late May. To learn more about the plants of the Smokies and even get a trees and shrubs checklist, visit the park's website.

As for local fauna, black bears are common in the area, along with white-tailed deer and 31 species of salamanders. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, notably the northern flicker (Colaptes auratus) and red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus). For more information on black bears, refer to this webpage.