Hike Kephart Prong Trail to Historic CCC Camp

This trail starts right off Newfound Gap Road and immediately drops you into a different era. You'll follow Kephart Prong downstream through a dense hardwood canopy, crossing the creek multiple times on log footbridges that range from sturdy to 'watch your step.' The path traces an old jeep road from the 1930s, so the footing is relatively forgiving — packed dirt with some root tangles and rocky patches, nothing technical. About two miles in, you'll reach the remnants of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp: stone foundations, a chimney, rusted artifacts slowly being swallowed by moss and forest. The Kephart Shelter sits nearby, a backcountry landmark named for Horace Kephart, the writer who championed the park's creation. The creek crossings and layered history make this feel like a treasure hunt through living archaeology. Perfect for hikers who want moderate effort with a meaningful destination, not just another waterfall viewpoint.