Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Noland Divide to Newton Bald
This 16-miler packs big vertical change and diverse landscapes (from grassy campsites to mountain summits) into a two-night trip.
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-Mapped by Peter Rives
Trail Facts
- Distance: 25.8
Waypoints
NDT001
Location: 35.567268, -83.48175
Head ESE around Roundtop Knob (5,150 ft.) and under the Noland Divide
NDT002
Location: 35.5326, -83.454353
L onto Pole Rd. Creek Trail @ Upper Sassafras Gap to pinched drainage
NDT003
Location: 35.529591, -83.422318
Cross Deep Creek. Turn L downriver for first camp (4 sites, permit required)
NDT004
Location: 35.531151, -83.422394
Campsites near banks of Deep Creek. Next day, return to WPT 3; head S
NDT005
Location: 35.520618, -83.418953
Near Bryson Place, swing L onto Martin Gap Trail
NDT006
Location: 35.519199, -83.408363
L again (NE) along Sunkota Ridge. Watch your step: These mountains are home to more than 35 species of salamanders
NDT007
Location: 35.540066, -83.399368
Veer E; share the trail with horsepackers
NDT008
Location: 35.546021, -83.369377
Turn R onto the Thomas Divide Trail
NDT009
Location: 35.541779, -83.367218
R onto Newton Bald Trail; grassy campsite located N of intersection
NDT010
Location: 35.5424, -83.35878
Veer L (stay on Newton Bald Trail); steep descent to the Oconaluftee River
NDT011
Location: 35.551022, -83.327873
Rest; more descending ahead
NDT012
Location: 35.553329, -83.314201
Turn L. In 400 ft., L again to trailhead
NDT013
Location: 35.554371, -83.311218
End hike near US 441; cross road; grab shuttle car @ Smokemont Campground