Great Smoky Mountains Big Loop (NC, TN)

Swain County, North Carolina, United States

116.5 miles (187.5 km) · 25,966 ft elevation gain · Loop · trail · Route

Great Smoky Mountains Big Loop (NC, TN) is a 116.5 mile loop route located in Swain County, North Carolina, United States. The route climbs 25,966 feet and descends 25,911 feet. The most significant ascent covers 13.5 miles and gains 3,906 feet. Vertical rate measures 225 feet of gain per mile. 50% of the route can be run, with walking required on steeper grades. Surface conditions are primarily trail. Technical difficulty: mountainous. This route ranks at the 96.5th percentile for difficulty among similar distances. This route serves both trail runners training for ultras and hikers exploring North Carolina.