July 2 & 4, 2023 Warning: This post talks about the death and suicide of a dear friend of mine. Just in case. In April of this year, my very good friend and constant backpacking buddy, Johnny took his own life. I will never forget the phone call that I received telling me what had … More Hannah Mountain Trail, Rabbit Creek Trail
June 3-4, 2023 This spring and summer has been a lot of fun. My daughter and I have done several trips (the Virginia Creeper Trail and a beach trip) and she finished up her second spring of soccer. I love being a single dad, it is far-and-away the single most wonderful thing I have ever … More Panther Creek Trail, Ramsey Cascades 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
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