April 25, 2023 I’ve thought about hiking this trail more than any other over the past two weeks. Is it nice? No. Is there a lovely trail to the falls? No, it’s paved the whole way. Are the falls that impressive? No way. For some reason, this trail is one of the most popular in … More Laurel Falls Trail
April 24, 2023 These trails span a rigid dichotomy in hiking terrain. The Ridge Trail is steadier, winds up and out of a lush creek valley, and has some very nice switchbacks. The Bald Trail wouldn’t know a switchback if it saw one, has some brutal ups-and-downs and on this day, a large amount of … More Gregory Ridge Trail, Gregory Bald Trail
April 23, 2023 I particularly like those hiking experiences that are not inundated with people and views and waterfalls. My preference is for the vast green tunnel, the immersion into the depths of the forest. Lumber Ridge and Meigs Mountain are a perfect example of such an occurrence: lush, verdant forests for one to lose … More Lumber Ridge Trail, Meigs Mountain Trail
April 13, 2023 Far along Hwy. 28, near Tapoco and Joyce Kilmer, is a small ranger station and parking lot, Twentymile. This area is a favorite, as you are unlikely to see others and mostly have the trail to yourself. This whole region is amazing beyond words. Graham and Swain Counties are legitimately one of … More Wolf Ridge Trail, Long Hungry Ridge Trail
April 12, 2023 I’ll be completely honest; this trail is janky. Yes, Andrews Bald is pretty incredible, but overall this trail was not fun to hike. Perhaps that’s what makes the Smoky 900 so interesting; you hike trails that you would never hike otherwise. For those reading this and thinking, “this man knows nothing;” you’re … More Forney Ridge Trail
April 11, 2023 This is an arduous climb from Little River Road to the Appalachian Trail (AT) near Mt. Collins. The total ascent is 4,174 ft. over 12 miles. Fortunately, I decided to hike it down in lieu of an all-day push. The trail starts near the Mt. Collins Shelter on the AT. It was … More Sugarland Mountain Trail
April 10, 2023 There is a long series of trails running the length of the northwestern boundary to the park from the Sugarlands Park Headquarters to the Townsend Wye. For 21.3 miles, the trails meander along this edge. From Sugarlands, Cove Mountain is an uphill slog, gaining 2,862 ft. in 8.7 miles. The trail ends … More Cove Mountain Trail, Little Greenbrier Trail, Roundtop Trail
April 9, 2023 A week in the Smokys! A whole week away from work, computers, and emails. On Sunday, I went to Tennessee and began the last stretch of hiking all the trails of the Smoky’s. In total, there are 800 miles in the park, but the name “Smoky 900” comes from the facts that … More Anthony Creek Trail, Bote Mountain Trail, Russell Field Trail, Crib Gap Trail
March 30, 2023 Spring days do not last long enough, as the sweltering heat of the south comes too quickly and stays too long. Those late March days of temperatures in the mid-60’s are precious. It would be unconscionable to work on a day like that, so I drove to the Smoky’s for an epic … More Curry Mountain Trail, Metcalf Bottoms Trail, Little Brier Gap Trail, Meigs Creek Trail
March 26, 2023 Chestnut is located just outside of the town of Townsend, Tennessee at the infamous Townsend Wye. Known colloquially just as “the Y”, this y-shaped confluence of Hwy. 321, Little River Road and Laurel Creek Road is a popular spot for swimming, tubing, jumping in the Little River. To the southwest of the … More Chestnut Top Trail