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
October 3, 2022 We needed a reprieve from all the bears near Mt. LeConte. They had not been bothering us per se; I just yearned for a hike without my heart racing at what seemed like every turn. Gatlinburg surely has drawn the bears in close this year, obviously from the buffet of eating options. … More Road Prong Trail, Chimney Tops Trail
September 22, 2022 Old Sugardlands is not a difficult trail; it may gain 1,000 ft. over 3.9 miles. It’s a historic hike full of side treks to a former CCC camp, rock walls, a rock house and sketchings of a bygone era. On this day, an easy trail turned into a hassle. I started from … More Old Sugarlands Trail
September 17, 2022 The first 2.7 miles of the Rainbow Falls Trail are very popular. Throngs of tourists traipse up what is a very well-maintained trail to the famous 80 ft. falls. Large, hand-hewn stones make stairs upon trails large enough fit 4-5 people side-by-side. On this day, the falls were but a trickle as … More Rainbow Falls Trail, Bullhead Trail (last 1/3)
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