Allen Gap on the Appalachian Trail in Madison County, NC
Allen Gap Access Point is right on the North Carolina and Tennessee border on a busy highway. Parking is limited to one car and it’s rather dangerous to back out of the spot onto a busy highway with limited sight access. From Allen Gap on the Appalachian Trail, Rich Mountain Fire Tower is 8.8 miles and Devils Fork Gap is 20.2 miles. There are a few interesting things to see in the portion to Devils Fork Gap–see information below.
Sites on the Trail from Allen Gap to Devils Fork Gap:
- 6.2 miles from Allen Gap hiking north toward Devils Fork is Viking Mountain or Camp Creek Bald
- 8 miles from Allen Gap toward Devils Fork are the White Rock Cliffs and Blackstack Cliffs which you will see as you approach them
11.7 miles from Allen Gap toward Devils Fork is Jerry’s Cabin Shelter. For almost 26 years until his death in 2005, Sam Waddle was the caretaker of this shelter and the section of Trail from Round Knob to Big Butt. This shelter was “the dirtiest shelter on the entire Trail” until Sam’s efforts transformed it into one of the cleanest,” by hauling out an estimated 20 bushels of litter.” He was devoted to the A.T. and serves as an inspiration to all volunteers who share the commitment to maintaining the beauty of the Trail.-
- 15.2 miles from Allen Gap are the Shelton Graves. Just north of Big Butt are the gravestones of William and David Shelton. They were uncle and nephew who lived in Madison County, N.C., but enlisted in the Union army during the Civil War. When returning to a family gathering during the war, they were ambushed near here and killed by Confederate troops. This story of divided loyalties is a common one in the remote mountains.
Driving Directions: GPS location: N35° 59.2’ W082° 47.2’
From Hot Springs: Take US Highway 25 south for 5 miles to where it joins the NC 208. Turn left on 208 and go 6 miles (turning left at the junction with NC 212). Just past the Tennessee state border (marked by Greene County sign), look for the Cherokee National Park sign for Parking Access. Note that there is only parking space for one car and somewhat dangerous pull off onto a busy state highway.
From Mars Hill or Marshall: Take US Highway 25/70 to the point where it meets with NC Highway 208. Continue through so that you are now on Highway 208 for 6 miles (turning left at the junction with NC 212). Just past the Tennessee state border (marked by Greene County sign), look for the Cherokee National Park sign for parking access.
Hiking the Trail:
- To hike north to Devils Fork Gap (20.2 miles), enter the path at this side of the highway.
- To hike south to Tanyard Gap (8.8 miles), enter the path across the highway NC 208.
To hike north to Devils Fork
