February 26, 2023 This loop is a power punch of fun. With the rain abating and the weather cloudy, but warm, it was the perfect day to get some big mileage in the Smoky’s. I started at the Cooper Road Trail off Cade’s Cove Road. I had already hiked this trail, but I had to … More Beard Cane Trail, Ace Gap Trail, Rich Mountain Trail, Indian Grave Gap Trail
February 25, 2023 Even the worst day spent hiking is still better than the best day in the office. That maxim was certainly tested on this day as it was cool (see upper 40’s) and rainy. Since Sunday was better weather than Saturday, I chose a shorter route in the rain. I hiked up Crooked … More Crooked Arm Ridge Trail, Rich Mountain Loop Trail
February 11, 2023 Abrams Creek Ranger Station is a wonderful area. Nestled below Happy Valley and the Chilhowee Mountain plateau, it is isolated and unique. Departing on foot from the parking area, wisps of 1970’s nostalgia waft in the air. The signs have moss on them, and I half expected to see a placard with … More Hatcher Mountain Trail, Little Bottoms Trail
January 28, 2023 After hiking Twentymile Loop Trail, I decided to drive to Tennessee via Deals Gap and the Foothills Parkway to hike the Goldmine and Cane Creek Trail. The ice above 3,500 ft. was still too much, but it was a good time to grab some trails on the lower elevations. Per other blog … More Goldmine Trail, Cane Creek Trail
January 28, 2023 This is a delightful trail; the type of hike that you revisit in various seasons just to experience it. Stepping onto the loop, you feel as if you’re being greeted by a wise old friend. One that is kind, desirous to instruct and show you things of old. At only 2.9 miles, … More Twentymile Loop Trail
January 19, 2023 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, 2023 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
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