2023- AT Year 13 Prep Hike - April 21-23- Benton Mackaye Trail, GSMNP - Big Creek to Smokemont - 32 miles

April 21-23, 2023 - Benton Mackaye Trail, GSMNP - Big Creek to Smokemont - 32 miles

Day 1 - Big Creek to Mt. Sterling Campsite - 6 miles

Ready to Go At the Baxter Creek Trailhead

I got an early start and headed to my friend, Matt's house around 7 a.m. He followed me to Smokemont Campground, Just inside the park at Cherokee. I parked my car, and Matt shuttled me to Big Creek campground in the Northeast corner of the park. This marks the terminus of the 150 mile long Benton Mackaye trail. This trail, named after the founder of the AT, follows other named trails through the park in a general northwesterly direction, or southwesterly as I would be doing. We found the Baxter Creek trail, which ascends up Mt. Sterling. Matt couldn't join me for the full three day hike, but would accompany me on a portion of this first day. I am very grateful for his company and assistance with the shuttle.

View From the Climb

Grateful for My Hiking Buddy, Matt

We started hiking a little after 9. The weather was beautiful, but it would be uphill virtually all day. We ran into a few other hikers, day and/or extended, on the way up. After an hour or so, Matt turned to head back and I continued on, stopping frequently to rest and hydrate. It was a very tough climb, taking longer than anticipated. I estimated probably at least 5000 fee of elevation gain.

A Clear Path

More Nice Views

I took a little detour to get water as I neared the summit, and arrived a little after 2 p.m.. I set up camp downhill from the fire tower. I had no cell service, and a tension cord on one of my tent poles had broken. I managed to get it pitched, and laid down for a little nap. It had been a challenging little day of hiking. 

The Mt. Sterling Fire Tower

My First Day Campsite

Day 2 - Mt. Sterling Campsite to Site 44 on Hyatt Ridge - 13 miles 

It rained most of the night, along with windy and colder conditions, which made it somewhat difficult to stay warm. The rain subsided in the morning, and I began packing up a little after 6. The rain picked up again as I was eating breakfast. I put on my rain gear and took off around 8 a.m. I have found over the years that it takes me roughly 2 hours from the time I get up until the time I finally break camp. I use this as a general rule of thumb when I planning my daily milage. I have an issue with hiking late in the day. 

A Smooth Path to Begin the Day

Trail Intersection at Pretty Hollow Gap

The beginning of the day was mostly along a ridge line, with mostly pleasant, rolling terrain. It was a smooth path. I encountered several other hikers along the way. along with three fearless white tailed deer, including a young buck with antlers. One of the hikers mentioned that they had seen wild boar as well.   

A Courageous Deer 

I stopped for water and lunch at the Laurel Gap Shelter before continuing on to Beech Gap. It is here I connected with a day hike I had previously done. In fact, I had previously hiked Mt. Sterling from a different direction - the Cataloochee Valley.  The Beech Gap Trail was all downhill to the road, at which point it follows the road for a quarter mile. I saw a few fisherman, and a group of female hikers heading to the same campsite as me. 

Beech Gap Trail Sign

Lunch at the Laurel Gap Shelter

Gravity Filtering My Water

It was a good climb from Beech Gap to Hyatt Ridge, and stopped several times to replenish my water and fuel up. Site 44 is a mile to the right of the intersection with the Hyatt Ridge Trail. I arrived around 4 p.m. and set up camp. I knew that the group was on the way, so I selected a spot a little uphill away from the main area. 

Glade of Mt. Laurel

Approaching Intersection with the Hyatt Ridge Trail

The group of younger to middle aged women arrived about an hour later and set up camp near the main fire pit. I visited with them at supper time and discovered they were REI employees from various locations out to test equipment and discuss business. I thought this was really cool. 

Day 3 - Hyatt Ridge Campsite 44 to Smokemont - 13 miles 

Trillium in Bloom

Unfortunately, for some reason I failed to keep a record of this day in my journal, so I am filling in the blanks from memory. I remember it as being a very cool night in my tent, but I was equipped for the weather I would likely encounter in Maine on my forthcoming AT section hike. I had breakfast at the main fire ring, and visited it a bit more with some of the female REI employees camped there. 

Setting Off in the Morning

Not sure what time I broke camp, but headed down the connector to the Hyatt Ridge trail. This would intersect the Enloe Creek Trail which I would continue to follow. This trail takes a long descent into a gorge with Enloe Creek at the bottom. 

View Along the Ridge

Enloe Creek Intersection
(Almost always Good Signage)

I took lunch by the creek, and began the ascent to Enloe Ridge. My stomach was hurting a little on the climb. In hindsight, I now realize this was probably related to my heart, but I had no reason to believe this at the time. I stopped frequently to hydrate. The Enloe Creek trail intersects the Chasteen Creek Trail, which I then followed all the way to Smokemont Campground and my car. 

Reaching the Bottom of the Gorge

Enloe Creek

As I neared the campground, I encountered a hiking acquaintance, George, who leads hiking groups from near my home. He also plays in one of the bands I perform with.   

Heading Down from the Ridge

Bridge Near the Campground

This has been a good little three day hike. The purpose of this was to prepare me for the AT section. My intent is to complete the entire Benton MacKaye through the park in sections, and this is an installment towards this goal.   It allows access to other trails that are not readily accessible on day hikes.  For overnight backpacking trips in the Great Smokies, I can definitely recommend the Benton Mackaye Trail as a point to point option. 

Back to My Car!!