Great Smoky Mountains National Park Trails
I've had the goal of visiting as many trails in the Smokies as possible. Since much of the park is very near to my home, I set the goal of completing all 840 some odd miles of trail in the Park. My wife had the brilliant idea that I add a new page in my blog dedicated to this. This page will continue to grow as time goes on. I am quite sure how to organize it yet - whether to do it my region/area, alphabetically by trail, or some other I am not sure. Since many people may be interested in doing some of these hikes, I don't believe that listing them by date would be helpful. For right now, though, I will add them chronologically and go from there.
For a long time, I resisted doing hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, even though the park is almost literally out my back door. It could be the crowded conditions in places, bears, etc.. Whatever the reasons, once I broke through this resistance, I quickly became hooked on hiking there. For one thing, solitude is almost always the rule, and something I am always seeking. This is in spite of the fact that the GSMNP is the most heavily visited national park in the entire country. The tourists are mainly attracted to a few areas, and these are areas I prefer to avoid. It is such a vast, varied, and interesting national park, and the possibility of peaceful, solitary communing with nature is always possible. I have now done multiple day hikes in the Smokies, and also gave my five year old grandson his first overnight backpacking experience there.
Boogerman Trail - 7.5 miles
I decided this day to do a hike in the closest section of the park from where I live, the Cataloochie area of the southeast section of the park. A thriving community of settlers once existed here, and the Boogerman Trail is a named for one of them, John 'Boogerman' Palmer. Palmer was a rather eccentric individual who, as legend has it, earned his nickname for his odd behavior in school. He lived alone, and vigorously resisted the encroachment of lumber companies on his land. Thus, the area of the trail through his former property, contains some spectacular examples of old growth forest.
 |
| Crossing Caldwell Fork at the Trailhead |
The way into the park from my house was a very easy drive down Hwy 276 through Jonathon Valley, and up Cove Creek Road. Much of the road is dirt gravel. I arrived at the Caldwell Fork trailhead parking lot just past the campground, and headed up the Caldwell Fork Trail, which is also a horse trail.
 |
| The Trail is Wide at the Beginning |
 |
| Paralleling the Creek |
I soon came to the intersection of the Boogerman Trail, which travels up Den Ridge, and into the area of the former Palmer Homsesite. I passed through the old growth forest, along with evidence of former habitation, and an interesting hollow poplar trail alongside the trail.
 |
| Well-Marked Trail Signs |
 |
| Evidence of Human Habitation |
 |
| A 'Stand-Up' Poplar |
The Boogerman Trail reconnects with the Caldwell Fork Trail to complete the lollipop loop hike. I encountered MANY unbridged creek crossings on the return trip. There was no way around it, and all I could was ford these, once in almost hip deep water. I got somewhat wet, but was able to dry off. Despite this challenging inconvenience, my first foray into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was a success. The trails are well marked, and I didn't see another soul the entire day.
 |
| Shedding My Boots at the First Stream Crossing |
 |
| Typical |
Mt. Sterling - 13.5 miles
The hike to Mt. Sterling can happen in several different ways, but it is so simple to get to the Cataloochie valley from my house, that I went to it from that direction. I traveled down a rugged dirt road (old NC 284) that used to be a main thoroughfare through the area. Now, it seems to be very rugged and remote, which is just the sort of adventure I love to find. This would be my longest day hike so far, and I was excited to do it.
 |
| Sign at the Trailhead |
 |
| Gate by Hwy. 284 |
I parked by the gate at the Little Cataloochee Trailhead. The initial hike is on another old road for a mile to the intersection with the Long Bunk Trail, which heads to Mt. Sterling. Close to the intersection is the Hannah Cemetery, an important family in the Cataloochee Valley. The descendants of the families who inhabited the area before its incorporation into the park, return for reunions, and to maintain the cemeteries.
 |
| Bridge Crossing on the Little Cataloochee Trail |
 |
| Longbunk Trail Intersection |
 |
| Passing the Hannah Cemetery |
The trail becomes narrower and more rugged as it follows a creek uphill. At 4 miles, I turned left on the Mt. Sterling Trail. This was a wider, but rock trail up the mountainside. It was also a horse trail, and I saw evidence of recent horse traffic.
 |
| Entering the Woods |
 |
| Creek Crossings |
 |
| Generally Good Signage in the Smokies |
The trail continues up steeply. As I approached the summit, I encountered a team of rangers surveying some of the trees in the area. At the summit, I encountered a woman from Kentucky and her grandson, who were traveling on horseback. We conversed a little before I sat down by a fire ring to eat lunch. There is an old fire tower on the summit of Mt. Sterling, but since it was now raining and the mountain fogged in, I decided not to explore it.
 |
| Rocky Ascent |
 |
| A Little Bit of Color |
 |
| Fire Tower Atop Mt. Sterling |
Hemphill Bald - 9.5 miles
I am so much enjoying hiking in the GSMNP - mostly for the feelings of solitude that I crave so much. This hike was in a slightly different area, right along the southern boundary of the park. It was an out and back to the top of Hemphill Bald, beginning at Polls Gap 6.2 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
 |
| At the Trailhead |
 |
| Woodland Color |
 |
| Split Rail Fence along the Park Boundary |
The trail goes gently uphill on the edge of the park, climbing more steeply up Little Bald Knob, with some good views at the top. It descends to a grassy area below Little Bald before beginning the climb up Hemphill Bald at about 4 miles. The private Cataloochee Ranch is just to the right. This ranch was founded in 1933 by Tom and Judy Alexander. It now serves as a conservation easement to the encroachment of development.
 |
| On the Climb |
 |
| From Little Bald Knob |
 |
| Ascent to Hemphill Bald by Cataloochee Ranch |
I came to a fenced in picnic area near the summit of Hemphill Bald. There is a stone picnic table, with a memorial plaque to the Alexanders. A few cows were lying down within the fenced area as I sat down for lunch, enjoying the marvelous 180 degree vista, and views of many well-known peaks to the east.
 |
| At the Summit of Hemphill Bald |
 |
| My Lunching Spot |
 |
| Grazing Cattle On Hemphill Bald |
Deep Creek Loop - 13.4 miles
I drove a little farther today to enter the Smokies near Bryson City. I forgot my camera, so unfortunately no pics for this hike, but I hope that this brief description will adequately describe it. Deep Creek is a popular area of the GSMNP near Bryson City. The creek, which flows out of the park, is a very popular place for tubing. There is also a camping area near this entrance to the park.
I parked in a lot at the far end of the campground, and proceeded down the trail for a long loop hike.
The initial trail travels along the creek over a wide forest service road. There are several side trails to waterfalls at the beginning. I stayed on the Deep Creek Trail past campsites, and considered this as future introductory overnight backpacking possibility with my grandson. The hike was gently uphill over a well-marked trail paralleling the creek for some distance. There are some options for a shorter hike.
The trail heads away from the creek at about 5 miles. I stopped for lunch at campsite 57, where the Martins Gap trail intersects. At this point, I took the Martins Gap Trail which climbs to Martins Gap at about 7.5 miles. There is a four-way trail intersection here with the Benton MacKaye, MTS, and Sunkota Trails. I remained on the Martins Gap Trail heading downhill to the Indian Creek Trail. I took a slight detour to view Indian Creek Falls along the way, and came back to the Deep Creek Trail to close the loop. At this point, I began to encounter people carrying tubes up the trail to run the creek.
This was a longish hike, but a good one in many ways. I did suffer with chafing from my day pack, which is not an expensive one. I will probably need to upgrade at some point, but I have really learned to love the hiking opportunities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
Little Cataloochee Trail - 12.0 miles
I returned to the Cataloochee Valley region of the GSMNP, which I had previously done on the Boogerman and Mt. Sterling hikes. I drove down the long winding dirt highway to park by the gate to the Little Cataloochee trail. I started down the trail, much of which is on a gravel road bed. This area had been inhabited until the mid twentieth century, when it became part of the national park. There are signs of earlier civilization, including several reconstructed cabins, and a baptist church. The descendants of the original families return periodically for reunions, and to care for the family cemeteries.
 |
| Trailhead Gate |
 |
| Sign at the Trailhead |
I hike the mile or so and continued straight at the intersection with the Long Bunk Trail, which leads to past the Hannah cemetery and on to Mt. Sterling. In a short distance I arrived at the reconstructed Hannah cabin, built in 1864, and reconstructed in 1976. It was very interesting to see, and to imagine life in the Cataloochee as it must've been.
 |
| Long Bunk Trail Signage |
 |
| The Hannah Cabin |
 |
| Interior of Hannah Cabin |
 |
| Stonework At Creek Crossing |
 |
| Cataloochee Baptist Church |
 |
| Interior of Church With Pot Bellied Stove |
 |
| Church Cemetery |
 |
| The Cook Cabin (Above and Below) |
The Little Cataloochee trail crosses the Pretty Hollow Gap Trail, which I took along Palmer Creek to a large horse camp. I stopped here for lunch before returning the way I had come. This was a beautiful and interesting hike from an historical perspective, and once again, didn't see another soul all day.
Shuckstack Mt. Loop - 11.0 miles
I have mentioned on occasion the connection I feel with God and with myself when I am hiking. I also find at times of stress, that intense physical activity focusses my attention, and helps me to find balance and peace of mind. This hike was a 'spur of the moment' decision, but I had to move quickly to be done before dark.
 |
| At the Trailhead |
I left my home in Waynesville late morning to make the drive to the trailhead on the other side of Fontana Lake. This is a location I had previously hiked on my year 2 AT adventure, which I painfully recalled due to the fact that my feet were in such terrible shape. On that hike, I had joined with a slow moving Boy Scout Troop in making the trek to the top of Shuckstack Mountain. I drove across the Fontana Dam to the trailhead at the end of the road.
 |
| Pointing the Way |
I headed up the mountain, which was a steady climb for three or four miles. On the way, I had some good wintertime views of the lake below. The water levels in the wintertime are lowered, but it was still an impressive sight. There are a number of ridge tops on the ascent, and I encountered a hikers resting on one. These were the only other hikers I encountered all day, and I always love the solitude.
 |
| Wintertime Glimpse of Fontana Lake |
 |
| Chimney Remains of the Caretaker's House |
I reached the side trail to the Shuckstack Mt. Fire Tower, and climbed up the steep trail to have a look. I sat down for lunch on the remains of the caretaker's house. I started up the fire tower, but decided against going all the way up. A hand railing was missing, and I became a little nervous, especially since I was alone. There were still some great views, and I took a few pics before heading down.
 |
| Fire Tower on Shuckstack Mt. |
 |
| Missing Railing on the Fire Tower |
 |
| View From the Top - Lake in the Distance |
I returned to the AT, and headed down a short distance to the intersection with the Lost Cove Trail. This trail would take me down the opposite ridge to the Lakeshore Trail, which would then take me all the way back to my car. I headed down the ridge, looking back occasionally to where I had come from. In a couple miles I came to a large campsite and the Lakeshore trail.
 |
| Trail Intersection (Good Signage) |
 |
| Creek Crossings |
I headed to the right down the Lakeshore trail, which followed a creek for a time, crossing and recrossing it in the process. These crossings were unbridged, and getting wet was unavoidable. Fortunately, it wasn't TOO cold, and I was able to dry off as I continued hiking. The trail climbs the ridge along the lake eventually turns onto a former road or highway. This road connected the community that once inhabited this area before the founding of the park. It was a bit spooky as I passed the shells of old abandoned cars from the thirties that were left behind. I reached my car at dusk, but before it became too dark, feeling more peaceful, calm, and refreshed.
 |
| Graveyard of Rusted Automobiles |
Purchase Knob - 3 miles
This hike is not in my book. I just googled for information on hikes in or near Waynesville, and this one popped up. I have been thinking of how to introduce my grandson, Bradley, to outdoor hiking experiences. Since this was close by, and a short out and back, I decided take him on a Sunday afternoon hike with me. I packed a few snacks for both of us, and wanted to just relax and take our time. The trail begins at the entrance to the GSMNP off Hemphill Road in the Jonathon Valley, only about a twenty minute drive from my house.
 |
| Sign at Gate Entrance to Purchase Knob |
We drove up and parked in front of the gate to walk the gravel road up to the knob. It was a cool day, but we dressed for the occasion. I gave Bradley one of my stocking caps to wear. The sign at the gate vehicular traffic was restricted to education and research groups of the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center. This center is at the summit of Purchase Knob
It was a fairly steady climb on the road, but not steep at all. Bradley wanted to try out my trekking poles at one point, so I folded them to their lowest setting for him to use. We reached a little animal pen with a side trail to a little peek. Bradley wanted to check it out, and I was happy to encourage his spirit of adventure. We hiked up until the trail petered out, but there were some slightly obscured views of the valley below. We backtracked to the main road, and continued our walk.
 |
| An Adventurous Spirit |
 |
| A Little View |
There was another gate just past this point, and we began to see snow and ice on the road - not surprising given the elevation. We came to an open area, and I could see the Learning Center on the summit. The past the intersection with the Cataloochee Divide Trail, and continued straight as the road curved around to the left. We arrived at the closed building, with a large wrap-around porch and deck.
 |
| A Snowy Traverse |
 |
| Where We Are Going! |
The panoramic views were phenomenal. We sat down on a bench to eat our snack and enjoy the scenery. Someone had recently constructed a little snowman, which was still standing sentinel in the grassy area below the center. After a while, we followed a different and more direct path back down to the road and back to my car. I was proud of my little grandson, and grateful for the time outdoors together.
 |
| A Great Reward! |
Smokemont Loop - 6.5 miles
I decided to head back into the Smokies for a shorter loop hike. We had had some snow recently, so I was trying to find a place that would not be accessible and not too difficult. This trail began at a campground just off of Highway 441. I had originally considered Clingman's Dome, but thought this might be a better possibility. I drove into the park by way of Cherokee. The road was closed just beyond the entrance to the campground, so I knew I had made the right decision.
 |
| Entrance to the Bradley Fork Trail |
The back end of the campground, where the trail began, was closed, so I parked in the parking area closest to it, and walked to the trailhead. The Bradley Fork Trail. The trail here follows a service road, which was covered with snow, but was not too difficult. I took a couple pictures, and then discovered that my camera batteries were low, so no more pics on this trip.
 |
| The Initial Hike |
The Bradley fork follows the creek for a few miles before intersecting the Smokemont Loop Trail. This goes to the left across the creek and ascends through coves and up to the top of a ridge. There are a couple of summits with nice views. The trail descends back to the valley, and past the Bradley Cemetery.
Smokemont was a logging community that existed in this area prior to the establishment of the park. It was a very active community, with a mill owned by the Champion Fibre Company, schools and churches. Almost all the structures are gone, but the Smokemont Baptist Church, and the Bradley Cemetery remain as evidence of the community that once existed. I arrived back at the road into the campground and hiked back to my car to close the loop.
Swag Loop - 6.25 miles
The Swag is a resort lodge and restaurant on top of a mountain right on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The access to the Swag is off Hemphill Road near where I parked for my hike up to Purchase Knob.
 |
| From the Road to Purchase Knob |
I downloaded a map and used my GPS to drive to the Swag. The gate to the top was locked, probably for the season. In looking at my map, I realized I could create my own loop hike to the Swag by way of Purchase Knob. The Cataloochee Divide Trail intersects the road, and I figured I hike it to the intersection with the trail that would take me to the Swag. From there, I thought I should be able to take the access road to Hemphill Road and back to my car, which is what I did.
 |
| Path to the Ferguson Cabin |
The road to Purchase Knob is fairly easy. I caught the side trail to the Ferguson Cabin. This is another historical settlers cabin rebuilt and/or restored to its original form. This particular cabin/homestead was built at the highest elevation of any in the park, making it a very unique spot. I checked out the cabin and the spring house nearby, trying to imagine what life must've been like for the inhabitants.
 |
| Spring House |
 |
| Ferguson Cabin |
I caught the Cataloochee Divide trail, which ascends gently along a creek bed to a Gap below purchase knob. I reached an intersection with another trail indicating the Swag to the left. I briefly chatted with another hiker who was passing by, and who was coming from the direction I was heading. He mentioned just a few cars parked at the Swag, which he assumed were preparing for the upcoming season.
 |
| Trail at the Park Boundary |
 |
| Rental Cabin? |
I took the left turn and headed up the ridge line. The trail traveled right along the park boundary, and I soon came to a cabin, which I assumed was a rental. It looked fairly fancy, with incredible views of the valley below. Heading on, I came upon an open field on Gooseberry Knob, with a building on one end, an observation platform, with a sign that said Rogers Hideaway, and a gazebo. I enjoyed the 180 degree vista. This appeared to be part of the Swag complex.
 |
| Description |
 |
| View From the Platform |
 |
| Gazebo with Cataloochee Ski Area Visible |
 |
| One of the Swag Buildings |
 |
| Original Swag Trail |
 |
| A Little Waterfall on Hemphill Road |
Snake Den Ridge Trail - 11 Miles
This trail was described in one of my books, Smoky Mountain Hiking and Camping by Lee Barnes. In the book, the trail is described as 'very strenuous'. It was a strenuous, but I didn't find t excessively so.
I drove down I-40 to Exit 477, just beyond the Tennessee border to begin the hike. The trailhead is located in the Cosby Campground in the GSMNP. I had a little trouble finding the campground, but the entrance road was in my GPS. The trail begins just opposite campsite B-51. I parked in the hiker lot just outside the gatehouse and walked in. I passed rows of prepared campsites, some occupied and some not. My plan was to do an out and back hike up to the intersection with the AT. It was close to 6 miles one way, so this would be an 11 or 12 mile day.
The trail starts at a gate and up a gravel road. After a quarter mile or so, I passed an old family cemetery on my right - a remnant of one of the communities that once existed within the park boundaries. The trail enters a single track alongside a bubbling creek, crossing on a log footbridge. It is here that the trail begins to ascend, recrossing the creek next to a small waterfall.
I headed up the ridge, with occasional switchbacks. The trail was in good shape, not extremely rocky, no blowdowns, and easy to follow. On the way up, I passed a gentleman resting by the side of the trail. He was obviously having difficulty with the climb, and inquired if I had hiked this trail before, to which I answered, 'no'. I also passed a small group of hikers coming down the trail. Later, as I was deciding to where and when to pause for lunch, I encountered a rather jovial female hiker descending. She asked how far to the campground, to which I could only guesstimate.
I stopped for lunch just before the intersection with the Maddron Bald Trail.
Goldmine Trail Loop and the Road to Nowhere - 3.5 miles
I have been wanting to introduce my 5 year old grandson to an easy overnight hike. I had been scouting potential trips, and this one was at the top of the list. I really wanted him to have a positive experience, so did it as a day hike to check the ease and suitability of it. The Road to Nowhere was a planned road connecting communities that once existed along the shore of Fontana Lake prior to becoming part of the national park. Work was halted in 1943, but not before a tunnel was constructed. The hike begins across from the parking lot at the end of Lakeview Drive, near the entrance to the tunnel. The loop concludes with a trip through the tunnel back to the parking lot. This was an exciting, and motivating way to end the trip.
 |
| Sign at the Trailhead |
 |
| A Little Color |
 |
| Smooth Path |
This hike was listed in my book of Backpacking Overnights - NC mountains and SC upstate, by Jim Parham. The description sounded perfect as an introduction for a young 'newby' to the overnight backpacking experience, but I wanted to check it out as a day trip prior to doing it with him. This page includes pics and descriptions from both hikes. Access to the trail is fairly easy from Bryson City, and had no problem locating it. Lakeview Drive from Bryson City, enters the Smokies, and ends just prior to reaching the closed tunnel. There is a large parking area just before this. Many day visitors go just to see the tunnel, and do not explore further.
The plan for the day hike, was to do two loops of the trail, looking at the terrain and distance, and to investigate campsite 67 for its suitability for an overnight trip. I parked in the lot, and first walked to the tunnel entrance, before backtracking to the Tunnel Bypass Trail, just on the other side of the lot. I planned to hike up to the intersection with the Goldmine Loop Trail, about .5 miles, which would then take me past part of Lake Fontana and the campsite access trail at about 1.5 miles. The loop would conclude another two miles up and over the ridge to the tunnel access.
 |
| Brief Stop at Fontana Lakeshore |
 |
| Little Used Campsite No. 62 |
I started up the trail, which climbed gradually. All the trails in this area were obviously well used, with good signage, as is most of the Smoky Mountain NP. I encountered few people on the loop up. I soon came to the trail intersection on top of the ridge, and took a left. The Tunnel Bypass trail continues to the right along the ridge, and reconnects with the Goldmine Loop trail in a couple miles.
The trail begins heading downhill on a mostly gentle grade, eventually reaching a portion of the lakeshore. There is a short access trail to the lake itself. My trail guide describes this as a section of a former homestead. I paused for a short snack break and pics before heading on. The trail crosses a boggy area and small creek before heading up and over a small ridge. I arrived at the campsite 67 access trail in the next gap, and headed over to have a look.
 |
| A Little More Color (above and below) |
I continued on the loop trail, accidentally taking the tunnel bypass trail, which provided a little more length for a day hike. On the return loop, I corrected my mistake and ended the hike with a trip through the tunnel. I knew this would be a bit of a challenge for a 5 year old, but hopefully not too much.
 |
| Our Tents with Facing Vestibules |
I made reservations in advance for the campsite online, which was very easy to do. It also allowed me to print off our back country camping permit at home. Bradley's school lets out at noon on Fridays, so I picked him up and we drove to the trailhead. I had packed both our packs in advance. His pack was not designed for backpacking, and I was very careful to keep it light. I carried most of the gear, including two UL tents and sleeping bags. We took along material to make smores in camp, along with a few books and his favorite blanket.
We arrived at the trailhead, and took off. I was very proud of the little guy, and assured him that we would stop whenever he felt like it. It was uphill at first to the intersection of the Goldmine Loop, and then downhill. We took a brief detour to rest and play at Fontana Lake. The campsite was not far beyond that. After arriving at the campsite, I pitched both tents at right angles, so that he could see me from the vestibule. I wanted his first overnight backpacking experience to be a positive one. We shared a dinner, and mixed up a powdered drink for him. After dinner, I built a fire, and we made the smores. The only thing Bradley was really interested in were the marshmallows. After supper, we played hide and go seek and other games until dark.
 |
| My Boy Finishing with A Neat Tunnel Traverse |
I read Bradley a book in his tent at bedtime, and made sure he had the warmer of our two sleeping bags. It was fall, and there was a bit of a chill in the air at night, but he did very well sleeping, complaining little about the cold. The next day, we got up, had breakfast, and worked together to break camp. He did even better on the concluding loop of the hike, and we ended with the trip through the tunnel. I was a very proud 'Bumpa' (Grandpa)!
Alum Cave Bluff Trail to Mt. Leconte - 11.0 miles
I had previously heard that Mt. Leconte was one of the more strenuous destinations in the park, so it has been on my radar to do it. I found a list of best day hikes, and this trail was on it. Over time, I have gradually become more and more oriented to the park, and where things are located. Hwy 441 intersects the park, connecting very popular tourist areas, with Cherokee on the southern border, and Gatlinburg in the north. Park Visitors Centers are located at each end, with MANY trail access points along this route.
I should've taken Hwy 441 from Cherokee, which is closer to my home, but made the mistake traveling up I-40, going through Gatlinburg to the northern access point. Tourists and traffic slowed me way down, but I persevered and finally reached the trailhead late in the morning.
This is a very popular trail, as it is nearer to Gatlinburg, and has several interesting destinations. The first destination was a neat place where the trail passes right through a cavern. It crosses the creek at this point and ascends steps as it passes through the cave. I continued to climb to the next scenic location at Alum Bluffs. This is a sheer rock wall with an overhang. People were milling at this point. Many day hikers do not choose to continue at this point, but I carried on to Mt. Leconte, seeing fewer hikers along the way.
As I approached the area of the Mt. Leconte Lodge, I passed through a pleasant mossy forest. It reminded me of some of the places I recently hiked in the White Mountains. I passed the cutoff to the lodge. It was a rather foggy day with no views. Another loop trail came in from the right, but I continued on, passing the shelter on my right and soon arriving at what I presumed to be the summit.
Newfound Gap to Charlie's Bunion - 7.0 miles
I decided to return to my old friend, the AT, for a trip to Charlie's Bunion. This is a scenic lookout spot north of Newfound Gap, so named as legend has it, for one of the first discovers, who rested here heal his sore foot.
Twenty Mile trail to Parsons Bald- 12 miles
I decided to travel to the far western region of for a longer hike this day. It was a bit of a longer trip, beginning just past the Twenty Mile Ranger stations.
Newton Bald Trail to Newton Bald - 10.5 miles
Mingus Creek Trail to Newton Bald- 11.4 miles
Kanati Fork Trail to Site #52 below Newton Bald - 12.8 miles
Collins Creek Quiet Walkway - 1.5 miles
Thomas Divide Trail to Kanati Fork Trail - 3.6 miles
Deep Creek Trail to Martin Gap Trail Intersection - 16.4 miles
This turned out to be my longest day hike ever. The goal was to connect with a hike I had done from the Deep Creek Campground in Bryson City last year. Fortunately, most of the trek was fairly easy and level, with the exception of the climb back out of the narrow gorge. The trail travels primarily along the corridor of Deep Creek. There were a few slightly difficult. unbridged creek crossings. In addition, there was one virtually impassible place, where the trail was washed out. I needed to bushwhack over a small ridge to connect with the trail on the other side. This was a tough, muddy little scramble, but being accustomed to such situations, I was not deterred.
From Purchase Knob - McKee Branch Trail to Caldwell Fork Trail - 7.5 miles
From Purchase Knob - Cataloochee Divide/Hemphill Bald/Caldwell Fork Loop - 13.8 miles
Cataloochee Valley - Fork Ridge/Caldwell Fork/Rough Fork Loop - 9 miles
I traveled up the long winding rough gravel Cove Creek Road into the park. I turned on the paved Cataloochee Entrance Road, which leads down to the Big Cataloochee Valley. I previously hiked here on the Boogerman Trail, and also in the Little Cataloochee Valley just over the next ridge. This area had been settled and inhabited until the 1940's, when it was given to the National Park service. My goal today is to connect hikes I had previously done from Purchase Knob the past two weeks. It appeared to be an easy loop hike, but I am not certain of the exact distance.
It was a cool, somewhat wet morning as I drove into the clouds. I normally avoid hikes on Saturdays, as I know that is when I am likely to encounter more people. I decided to do this hike, since it is a remote area, and not easily accessible.
Cataloochee Divide Trail to Cove Creek Gap out and back - 12.5 miles
Kephart Prong/AT/Charlie's Bunion/Sweat Heffer Loop- 14.7 miles
Beech Flats Trail to Newfound Gap out and Back - 4.0 miles
May 16, 2022 - Rough Fork Trail to Caldwell Fork Intersection out and back - 7 miles
May 16, 2022 - Flat Creek Trail Heintooga Rd to Heintooga Picnic Area out and back - 5 miles
August 3, 2022 - Pretty Hollow Gap Trail to Mt. Sterling out and back - 14 miles
August 11, 2022- Palmer Creek/Balsam Mountain Trails to Beech Gap out and back- 15 miles
August 18, 2022- Beech Gap/ Hyatt Ridge Trail Loop- 7.5 miles
August 25, 2022 - Tow String/Bradley Fork Trails to Site #49 out and back - 14.3 Miles
September 16, 2022 - Fork Ridge Trail to Deep Creek Gap out and back - 10.2 miles
September 26-27, 2022 - Forney Ridge Tr./Forney Cr Tr. from Clingmans Dome loop - 18 miles
February 14, 2023 - Thomas Divide/Deep Low Gap lollipop loop- 13 miles
March 24, 2023- Newfound Gap- AT/Prong Trails to Chimney Tops- 10 miles
April 21-23, 2023 - Benton MadKaye Trail - Big Creek to Smokemont - 32 miles
Feb. 26, 2024- Low Gap Trail to Mt. Cammerer out and back- 10.8 miles
March 5, 2024- Lakes Shore/White Oak Branch/Forney Creek to site 71 0 10.3 miles
This is a great resource for us "light hikers"!
ReplyDelete