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 16, 2023 Another amazing loop in the Cade’s Cove area. The views from this isolated valley are tremendous. Year-by-year statistics show that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is the most frequented of the National Parks. Within GSMNP, Cades Cove is the most popular destination, with over 2 million visitors a year. * … More Cooper Road Trail, Abrams Falls Trail, Wet Bottom Trail, Finley Cane Trail
February 13, 2023 This is the day that I fell in love with the Smoky’s. The week had been frigid, and I was quite limited in my hiking because of snow and ice. I took Lead Cove Trail, up Bote Mountain Trail until Anthony Creek, then Bote Mountain and West Prong Trail, down Bote to … More Lead Cove Trail, West Prong Trail, Schoolhouse Gap Trail, Turkeypen Ridge 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 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
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 14-15, 2019 Looking at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Smoky’s) map, Spruce Mountain Trail is intriguing. It is a 1.2 mile, in-and-out hiking destination located off a one-lane Balsam Mountain Road. Campsite #42 is the terminus of the trail. My desire to hike and camp here is because of this solitude, as it … More Spruce Mountain Trail
August 17-18, 2019 I’ve encountered an abundant variety of wildlife in nature, from a wolf, moose, skunks, an occasional bear, boar, and a plethora of smaller animals. These outdoor rendezvous’ are often brief, with the animal quickly fleeing. This trip was something else completely. I am slowly hiking all 850 miles of trails in the … More Caldwell Fork Trail, Rough Fork Trail
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