July 14, 2023
The second portion of completing all the (Tennessee) trails in the Smokies during my sabbatical started with a nice, albeit hot hike out of Elkmont campground. It was too much in this heat wave to hike all the trails between upper Tremont and Elkmont, so I broke them up into two hikes. The first day was a simple trek up Jakes and half of Miry Ridge and then back to Tremont.
I was instantly surrounded by the lush greenery of the forest, which was stunning, and there were plenty of wildflowers, birds, and butterflies along the way. I walked by the side of beautiful Jakes Creek that flowed alongside the path and listened to the soothing sound of running water. Jakes is a culmination of several smaller creeks flowing down Bent Arm Ridge. Rock hops came and went, but it was not difficult. The air was sticky, hot and the sky was clear. Sweat just pored down after half a mile on the trail, then the gnats came out in droves. While it makes it harder to see, the headnet I brought alleviated the irritation.
Jakes is only 3.7 miles and the terrain is not terribly difficult. At Jakes Gap, I took Miry Ridge up Dripping Spring Mountain and down to the trailhead for Lynn Camp Prong Trail. The elevation was above 4,500′ and the weather was significantly nicer than the valley below.
There are two campsites along this stretch. Campsite #27 is smaller, and might be able to fit two small tents, whereas campsite #26 is large and could fit many.
Hiking is one of the best ways to discover and explore the natural beauty around us. Tennessee has a lot to offer when it comes to hiking trails, and one of the best among them is the Miry Ridge Trail.
Total mileage is 12.4 miles.
