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• Off Trail Hike: Boat Gunnell Flats

  • When
    12/20/2025

  Nestled deep in Greenbrier along a tributary of False Gap Prong lies an area once known as Boat Gunnel Flats. Spared from the widespread logging of the past, this section of the park offers a glimpse back in time into what a once common old growth ecosystem would’ve resembled. Several giant trees will be visited, including the 2025 Tennessee State Champion Black Cherry and Co-Champion Tulip-Poplar. We will begin our hike off Ramsey Prong Rd, and follow the False Gap Prong manway for over two and a half miles before venturing off-trail. After contending with rhododendron thickets and water crossings, we will leisurely explore the gently sloped Boat Gunnel Flats and its massive trees. Once finished, we will return to the False Gap Prong manway and make our way back to Ramsey Prong Rd.

  * Total round trip distance +/- 7 miles, with ~5.3 miles of unmaintained manway and +/- 2 miles of off-trail. Rated easy to moderate, depending on previous off-trail experience.

  * Pre-registration with trip leaders required for the meeting place and time.

  * Leaders: Owen Davids, odavids@vols.utk.edu and David Sands.

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• Saturday Hike: Old Sugarlands Trail to the Pulpit on Bullhead

  • When
    12/27/2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • Location
    Sugarlands Visitors Center, GSMNP
  • Spaces left
    21

  Register

  To close out the year, we’ll hike to the Pulpit on the Bullhead Trail. Our hike starts down the Old Sugarlands trail for 3.5 miles, following the sounds of the river a good part of the way. We’ll pass old home sites, rock walls and CCC ruins before reaching the Bullhead trail. We’ll turn up Bullhead and climb 2.6 miles to the Pulpit, a stone cairn built by the CCC. Lunch will be on the ridge here (if it’s not too windy) while we enjoy the views and then return the same way.

  * Total hike distance is 12.2 miles with 2800 ft total elevation gain; rated Difficult.

  * To carpool, meet at Kroger Alcoa, 244 S. Hall Rd (on the side on far left when facing Kroger) ready to leave at 6:45am {drive 72 miles RT @ 7¢/mile = $5.00}. Or meet at Sugarlands Visitors Center (facing the VC, far left side of parking lot) at 8:00am. The leader will meet you at Sugarlands VC.

  * Leader: Pat Watts, patty.watts@aol.com, 901-487-7941.

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• Saturday Hike: Chestnut Top

  • When
    01/03/2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Chestnut Top TH, Townsend Wye, GSMNP
  • Spaces left
    24

  Register

  This is a good out-and-back winter hike, in that the trailhead is accessible from Townsend and avoids any potential weather-related road closures within the park. From the trailhead, there is a gradual ascent of about 1200 feet through a mixed hardwood/pine forest, with some good views at this time of year toward Thunderhead Mountain and the crest of the Smokies. After reaching the high point at Chestnut Top, we have about a mile and a half of relatively level (for the Smokies) walking until our turnaround spot at the junction with Schoolhouse Gap Trail.

  Hike is 8.4 miles, rated Moderate. Knoxville hikers can meet at 8:00am at the Kroger 244 S. Hall Road, Alcoa to carpool (roundtrip 40 miles @ $0.07 = approx. $3.00 to the driver), or meet at the trailhead parking lot at the Townsend “Y” no later than 9:00am.

  Leader: Johnny Lee; JohnJLee.67@gmail.com or 815-549-5096

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• Wednesday Hike: Rich Mountain Loop / Indian Grave Gap / Crooked Arm Ridge

  • When
    01/07/2026
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • Location
    Cades Cove Entry Gate, GSMNP
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  From the trailhead near the gate to Cades Cove Loop Road, we follow Rich Mountain Loop Trail clockwise, west to the John Oliver cabin (mile 1.4), north along Martha's Branch, up Tater's Ridge to the junction with Indian Grave Gap Trail (mile 3.4). There we go east on the ridgeline, past the Rich Mountain Trail junction (mile 4.2) and Cerulean Knob (mile ~4.5), and east to the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge and Scott Mountain Trails (mile 6), where we go east ~0.1 mile to Campsite 6 for lunch. Then we descend Crooked Arm Ridge Trail, past two overlooks and the Falls (mile 7.9) on the way to the junction with Rich Mountain Loop Trail (mile 8.2), and back to the trailhead.

  Total, 8.7 miles with 1958 ft. climb, rated Moderate. For carpooling, meet at Kroger, 244 S. Hall Rd., Alcoa (park at the side of the building, near the SE corner), in time to leave at 7:30 am. Drive 56 miles RT [@7¢ = approx. $4.00 to driver]. Meet near the entry gate of Cades Cove Loop Road, ready to hike at 8:30 am. 

  Leader: Eric Sundstrom, sundstrom.eric@gmail.com, 865-406-8794 text.

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• Off Trail Hike: Spruce Mountain Fire Tower

  • When
    01/10/2026

  The intended route for this off-trail hike begins at Beech Grove School in Cataloochee, picking up an old mountain road leading to an abandoned home site, then turns and traces the course of a wire that once provided phone communication between the fire tower on Spruce Mountain and a ranger outpost in Cataloochee. If you enjoy steep, seemingly interminable climbs through dense, seemingly impenetrable laurel thickets, as well as frequent altercations with sawbriers, greenbriers, and other species of malevolent vegetation, then this is the hike for you. If we are lucky, we may be treated to a Smoky Mountain rendition of a winter rainstorm. Please be forewarned, this hike will likely take nine to ten hours to complete. Near the end of the day, two wet stream crossings will provide a final highlight for the day.

  Register for this hike with the hike leaders.

  Leaders: Cindy McJunkin (mcjfive@aol.com) and Ken Wise (kwise@utk.edu).

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• Saturday Hike: Stinging Fork Falls Section of the Cumberland Trail

  • When
    01/10/2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Piney Creek TH, (700 Shut in Gap Road, Spring City, TN, 37381)
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  For this section of the Cumberland Trail State Park, we will hike from south to north, along Soak Creek and return the same way. We ascend and descend several steep bluff areas, and will see several waterfalls, including Stinging Fork Falls itself. The falls are part of the Stinging Fork Falls State Natural area and plunge 30 ft. into a fan shape. Dress for cold winter temperatures that make picturesque cliffside hanging ice formations and spots of ice on the trail.

  Hike is 11.6 miles out and back, rated Difficult. If hazardous weather is predicted, the leader will notify you if the hike is rescheduled.

  Please inform the leader if you need to carpool. To carpool, meet at Lowes, Harriman, 1800 Roane State Hwy and be ready by 8:00 am to drive 40 minutes 27 miles to the Piney River RMA Trail head. [54 miles RT @7¢ = approx. $4.00 to driver]

  All hikers meet at Piney Creek TH, (700 Shut in Gap Road, Spring City, TN, 37381) and are ready to start hiking by 9:00 am. At the trailhead there are several picnic tables, but NO facilities. The Leader will meet at the trailhead. 

  Leader: Larry D. Johnson Email: larryj11320@gmail.com Mobile: 865-776-6434

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• Saturday Hike: Alcoa Greenway

  • When
    01/10/2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    North Greenway Parking area, Alcoa
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  Starting at the North Greenway parking area we will proceed to Springbrook Park passing under Pellissippi Parkway, over Pistol Creek twice, and around the Alcoa Duck Pond along the way. After circling Springbrook Park where we have a restroom stop, we will proceed to a new section of the Greenway that will take us back to our cars.

  Hike is 7.5 miles on pavement.  Rated Easy.

  Meet at the North Greenway Parking area at 9:00. Take Pellissippi Pkwy to where it ends at SR 33 and turn left. In .4 mile turn left onto Williams Mill Rd. In another .4 mile turn left onto Alcoa Trail. Parking is on the right. Directions are on Google Maps also. 

  Leaders: David Smith, dcsmith041@gmail.com; Valorie Beers, vbeers@aol.com.

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• Wednesday Hike: Little River Trail

  • When
    01/14/2026
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • Location
    Little River TH, GSMNP
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  We'll hike the entire Little River Trail, from the trailhead in Elkmont to its end at Campsite #30, in a wide valley where more than a dozen creeks flow into the Little River (actually not so little). On our way we'll pass junctions with 4 trails: Cucumber Gap (mile 2.3), Huskey Gap (mile 2.8), Goshen Prong (mile 3.6), and Rough Creek (mile 4.5, after Campsite #24). Elevation gain ~1,200 feet in 6.1 miles. Three creek crossings in the last half-mile can be demanding in high water. After lunch, return the same way. 

  Total 12.2 miles. Rated Difficult for distance.

  For carpooling, meet at Kroger, 244 S. Hall Rd., Alcoa (park at the side of the building near the SE corner), in time to leave at 7 am. Drive 66 miles RT [@ 7¢ / mile = $4.62].

  Meet at the trailhead ready to hike at 8:30 AM.

  Leader: Eric Sundstrom, sundstrom.eric@gmail.com, 865-406-8794 text.

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• Saturday New Member/History Hike: Old Sugarlands Trail to Cherokee Orchard Road (O&B)

  • When
    01/17/2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Sugarlands Visitors Center, GSMNP
  • Spaces left
    24

  Register

  The Brown Book describes the Old Sugarlands Trail as an “undiscovered treasure, especially for history buffs” that receives relatively light use. For this New Member Hike, we’ll follow the left bank of the river where the roar of the river eliminates noise from the highway close by.  Along what used to be State Hwy 71 we will pass an old rock quarry, old rock walls and the remains of an old CCC camp. The trail starts a gradual ascent before reaching Cherokee Orchard Road, our turnaround point. 

  Hike is 8.8 miles round trip with 1300 ft. elevation gain, rated on the easy side of Moderate.

  Meet at Cracker Barrel I-40 exit 398 (1510 Cracker Barrel Ln, Knoxville, TN 37914 in SE corner of parking lot) at 7:30 am to carpool or Sugarlands Visitor Center at 9:00 am.  For those meeting at Sugarlands, please park in the far left edge of parking lot B which is farthest from NFG road.  For carpooling, the round trip is 36 miles x 7¢/mile = $2.52 round to $3.00 cash only.  

  Hike Leader: Brian Mason, BMason997@yahoo.com.

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• Sunday Hike: Fiery Gizzard State Park Loop

  • When
    01/18/2026
  •  
    6:30 AM
  • Location
    Harriman Lowe's
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  The Fiery Gizzard State Park was formed in 2025 from part of the original South Cumberland SP.  The Fiery Gizzard Trail is a highlight of the south Cumberland plateau and, despite being a bit of a drive for us, is an amazing destination. The loop hike starts near Tracy City and follows the Fiery Gizzard Creek down into its canyon past several waterfalls and interesting rock formations and amazing natural scenery.  At the loop trail junction, depending on the vote of the group we will hike up to the canyon rim first then over and down into the far end and return along the lower creek (or the other direction with a steep climb). The canyon rim features several named panoramic views.  

  Hike 9.3 miles with 1200 ft elevation gain. Hike is rated Moderate to Difficult due to trail conditions and driving distance. 

  Meet at Harriman Lowe’s at 6:30 AM Drive 220 miles RT. Carpool suggested reimbursement $15.  Note if the weather turns bad (too cold or precipitating) we will postpone the hike a week or two so we can enjoy the trip on a nice sunny winter day.

  Tim Bigelow, 865-607-6781, Bigelowt2@mindspring.com

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• Saturday Hike: Trillium Gap to Brushy Mountain

  • When
    01/24/2026
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • Location
    Rainbow Falls Parking Lot A, GSMNP
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  Brushy Mountain may not be the highest peak in the Smokies, but it offers outstanding views. Beginning at the Rainbow Falls Trail parking area, we will hike the Trillium Gap Trail 5.2 miles to the Brushy Mountain Trail and then out along the spur to Brushy Mountain itself. Along the way we will pass behind Grotto Falls, walk among old growth trees, and enjoy wonderful views. Be prepared for ice near the falls.

  Micro spikes are highly recommended. The hike is 11.2 miles round trip with elevation gain of 2100 ft. Rated difficult.

  Carpool from 1510 Cracker Barrel Lane off exit 398 of I-40. Meet in the corner on the right as you enter the parking lot. Be prepared to leave at 7:00 a.m. The drive is 70 miles roundtrip. Driver reimbursement at @ 7¢/mile = approx. $5.00. Or meet at the Rainbow Falls parking lot A, ready to hike at 8:30 a.m.

  Leader: Randy Mitchell mitchell1982@tds.net or text to 865-406-6469.

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• Club 1st Saturday Work Trip

  • When
    03/07/2026
  • Location
    Nantahala National Forest

  Register

  This work trip will focus on treadway improvements between NOC Rafting Center (Wesser) and Fontana Dam in the Nantahala National Forest. Specific locations of work will be based on prioritization of work needed. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

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• Club 1st Saturday Work Trip

  • When
    04/04/2026
  • Location
    GSMNP

  Register

  This work trip will focus on treadway rehab in the section between Fontana Dam and Campsite 113/Birch Springs. Specific locations of work will be based on prioritization of work needed. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.
  

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• Club 1st Saturday Work Trip

  • When
    05/02/2026
  • Location
    GSMNP

  Register

  This work trip will focus on treadway rehab in the section between Daven-port Gap and Mt Cammerer. Specific locations of work will be based on prioritization of work needed. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

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• DATE TBD, MAY 2026: Konnarock Trail Crew

  • When
    05/02/2026
  • Location
    Nantahala National Forest

  This work trip will support the annual A.T. Konnarock Trail Crew in the National Forest. Each year, volunteers from across the country sign up for this ATC-sponsored summer trail crew, over a week-long period. This year, the crew will be continuing a trail relocation near Brown Fork Shelter in the National Forest. The worksite is approximately 1 mile from the trailhead. Car camping is available behind a gated Forest Service road. Volunteers who participate for 3 or more days on the project will receive a commemorative ATC Trails Crew T-shirt. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

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• Annual National Trails Day Event

  • When
    06/06/2026
  • Location
    GSMNP

  Join us to celebrate our club’s 29th annual NTD event! Each year, nearly 100 volunteers help rehab the 12-mile-long, high-use trail sections between Double Springs and Icewater Springs shelters. Volunteers are divided into teams of 6-8 individuals and assigned to work a section roughly 1-1.5 miles long. A picnic-style meal and door prizes are provided at the end of the workday.

  Registration for this event is required at least 2 weeks in advance. A link to the registration form will be added to our website and published in our April and May newsletters.

  REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 24, 2025

  WORK DATE MEET-UP TIME: 7 a.m. at Sugarlands Visitor Center, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. From there you will receive crew assignments and drive to your trailheads. Picnic will be at Metcalf Bottoms at 5 p.m.

  WHAT TO WEAR: Layered clothing, boots or sturdy shoes (no open-toe footwear).

  WHAT TO BRING: Plenty of water, RAIN GEAR, lunch, snacks, work gloves, sunscreen and bug repellant.

  REGISTRATION FEE: Registration is free, but if you want a commemorative T-Shirt the cost is $20. The shirt has a new design each year, and we encourage everyone to get the T-Shirt and wear it to help us advertise the event. 

  PLEASE NOTE: Your registration serves as your commitment to attend, since T-Shirts and the afternoon picnic are being ordered, and crews will be built based on our registrations.

  DONATIONS: Monetary donations may be made at smhclub.org/donate. Please list NTD in the comments section.

  QUESTIONS? Email Taylor Weatherbee tweatherbe@aol.com

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• Club 1st Saturday Work Trip

  • When
    07/11/2026
  • Location
    Nantahala National Forest

  Register

  This work trip will focus on treadway rehab in the Nantahala National Forest between The Nantahala Outdoor Rafting Center and Fontana Dam. Specific locations of work will be based on prioritization of work needed. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

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• Club 1st Saturday Work Trip

  • When
    08/01/2026
  • Location
    GSMNP

  Register

  Each season, several hundred pounds of hardwood mulch are used at each of our backcountry privies to aid in proper composting. This work trip will focus on packing mulch to one or more of our backcountry privy locations less than 3 miles from the trailhead. Mulch is carried in 20-lb bags, and the club has extra backpacks if needed. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

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• Club 1st Saturday Work Trip

  • When
    09/12/2026
  • Location
    GSMNP

  Register

  This work trip will focus on treadway rehab in the section between Mt Cammerer Fire Tower and Camel Gap. Access to the work area will be via the 2.5 mile Low Gap Trail, starting at the Cosby Campground. Specific loca-tions of work will be based on prioritization of work needed. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

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• Club 1st Saturday Work Trip

  • When
    10/03/2026
  • Location
    GSMNP

  Register

  This work trip will focus on treadway rehab in the section between Newfound Gap to Sweat Heifer. This is our most heavily used section of trail and it sees a lot of wear each season. Specific locations of work will be based on prioritization of work needed. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

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• Club 1st Saturday Work Trip: End-of-Year Tool Maintenance

  • When
    11/07/2026

  Register

  November is the time to start winding down the trail maintenance season. This work trip will be focused on cleaning, sharpening, repairing, inventorying, and storing the club’s tools for the winter. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

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