This section of the Appalachian Trail traverses half of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and includes stops at Fontana Dam, Millies Ridge, Russell Field, Spence Field, Derrick Knob, Silers Bald, Double Spring Gap, and Mt. Collins shelters. Be sure to check on permits before planning a hike through Smoky Mountains NP - shelter reservations book early!<br />
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This section runs between Fontana Dam (near NC 28) and Newfound Gap (US 441).<br />
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Recommended parking spots:<br />
See Google Map to the right<br />
"US 441 (Newfound Gap)" lat=35.6110766333, lon=-83.4248355122
From Bryson City, take US 74 West to NC 28 North/West. Follow NC 28 through Almond to Fontana Village near the TN border. Trail crosses NC 28.
http://www.tripleblaze.com/trail.php?c=3&i=675