January 19, 2022 I really like this trail. Huskey Gap starts off Newfound Gap Road, not too far from Gatlinburg. As you climb the first part of the trail, look back and you will have some splendid views of Bull Head, which is just one of best-looking mountains in the region. The first two miles … More Huskey Gap Trail
January 15, 2022 Twentymile Ranger Station is tucked away, well out of cell phone range near Fontana Dam and Lake Cheoah. The Benton Mackaye Trail did run through this area, before a reroute that now sends hikers over Yellow Creek Mountains. If it is solitude you seek, this is the place. I started at the … More Twentymile Trail
December 10, 2022 Warm winter days in the Smokies are few and far between. When one comes, you must take advantage of it. The projected high in Gatlinburg was 61 degrees, so we had a nice window to grab some higher-elevation trails. I had three trails left in the eastern portion of the park: Brushy … More Trillium Gap Trail
November 17, 2022 The western portion of the Smokies has always held a certain mysterious aura for me. Given how far I have to drive from Charlotte to hike here, perhaps that mystery stems from a lack of familiarity. Maybe it comes from hearing numerous stories of AT hikers abandoning their thru-hike attempt after hiking … More Bear Creek Trail, High Rocks Trail
November 14, 2022 Either way you choose to hike Springhouse Branch Trail, it is uphill. From campsite #64 the elevation gain is over 1,500 ft, and from campsite #71 the gain is almost 2,000 ft. It is steep until Rough-hew Ridge/Board Camp Gap. The trail itself is very wonderful and a challenging loop from the … More Springhouse Branch Trail, Whiteoak Branch Trail
November 13, 2022 Oconaluftee River Trail is an easy, level trail located near Cherokee (Qualla Boundary) and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. From a turn of the (past) century farm that was transported and reconstructed near the center, the trail follows the river before reaching the boundary. Elk, mountain dog hobble and clear skies were abundant … More Oconaluftee River Trail
November 12, 2022 Big Fork Ridge Trail and McKee Branch Trail are connector trails between various ridges. They contain few switchbacks, are very rocky and are difficult if hiked in the wrong direction. Fortunately, on this rainy, cold fall day, we chose to hike it the right way. These two trails were my last ones … More McKee Branch Trail, Big Fork Ridge Trail
November 3, 2022 Old Settlers Trail is steeped in history and much has been written and documented about this trail over the years. Foremost among those is the tremendous book, History Hikes of the Smokies by Michal Strutin, who meticulously and with great wit writes about the families that once lived along this beautiful area. … More Old Settlers Trail
October 29, 2022 I intended to hike a huge 20 mile loop at the Road to Nowhere, Noland Creek to Springhouse Branch Trail to Whiteoak Branch Trail, but two things went against me. First, I woke up late and didn’t get to the trailhead until 10:00 am. Secondly, I felt my body getting sick that … More Noland Creek Trail (last mile), Tunnel Bypass Trail
October 16, 2022 Gunter Fork Trail has alluded me for years. I’ve never tried to hike it; it’s just sort of in the middle of nowhere. The trail itself is not insurmountable, at only 4.1 miles and 2,328 ft. of ascent. The problem with Gunter is getting there and getting back. One terminus starts after … More Gunter Fork Trail
sweetwilder 