Chunky Gal Trail
20(ish) miles
+6,920ft gain / -6,350ft loss
The Eastern Terminus of this trail connects to the Appalachian Trail along the Tennessee Valley Divide near Deep Gap to its Western Terminus on Tusquitee Bald and the Fires Creek Rim Trail.
A true ridge trail that traverses peak to gap, typical of the Southern Appalachia region.
Given the remote nature of this trail, either terminus requires a bit of hike in. The Eastern Terminus on the AT being the most accessible via a small parking area on US 64 at Glade Gap and a moderate 5(ish) mile hike up to the Eastern Terminus on the AT just south of Deep Gap.
Being a high ridge trail water can be difficult to come by, especially in a dry season. There are more options to filter water on the Western side end of the trail than the Eastern.
Boteler Peak offers a fantastic vista to the north looking deep into the Nantahala Mountains, and to the south overlooking Lake Chatuge and northern Georgia. It should be noted this is a side trail to a vista and not an actual part of the Chunky Gal Trail. Prospective FKT’ers should bear this in mind as it's not a required part of the trail.
For fans of the Duncan Ridge Trail in GA, this is a must run!!
