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• Fork Ridge and Noland Divide Trails with Carolina Mountain Club

  • When
    05/29/2022
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Noland Divide trailhead, Clingmans Dome Road, GSMNP
  • Spaces left
    11

  Register

  We will have more than 14 hours of daylight to complete this challenging but diverse hike of 15.7 miles with 3400 feet ascent with the CMC. After leaving cars at the Noland Divide trailhead on Clingmans Dome Rd. (on the left, 5.5 miles up Clingmans Dome Rd.), we will shuttle some cars back just 2 miles, to the Fork Ridge trailhead. We will begin in this unique spruce-fir forest, passing though stands of unlogged red spruce, dense rhododendron and laurel cover and into the lush streams of Deep Creek. After descending to and crossing Deep Creek (be prepared for a wet crossing), we will pick up Deep Creek trail for another 3.6 miles to Pole Road Creek trail. After 3.3 miles on the latter, we will take Noland Divide back up to Clingmans Dome Road. Although the circuit descends and then climbs nearly 3500 feet, we will be distracted and delighted by the variety of blooms at the different elevations, birdsong and tree canopy. Rated Difficult. Meet at the Noland Divide trailhead at 9AM, or at Sugarlands Visitor Center 8:15AM to carpool. $2.00 carpool fee from Sugarlands.

  Leaders: Diane Petrilla and Cindy McJunkin

  Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.

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• Wednesday Hike: Lumber Ridge to Meigs Mountain to Campsite 19

  • When
    06/08/2022
  •  
    8:40 AM
  • Location
    Tremont Institute, Townsend, TN

  Register

  This out-and-back hike will start on the Lumber Ridge trail, making the climb to the ridge before leveling off to reach Buckhorn Gap at 4.1 miles 2,100 ft. elevation gain. We'll continue on the Meigs Mountain trail for another 1.5 miles to Campsite 19 for lunch then return on the same trails for 11.2 miles. For a shorter hike turn, around at Buckhorn Gap for 8.2 miles 1,686 ft. elevation gain. For a longer hike go on to Curry Mountain trail then return to the graveyard or campsite for lunch before returning to the cars for 12.2 miles, 2,258 ft. elevation gain. Rated moderate to moderately difficult depending on the length chosen. Meet at Alcoa Food City at 8:00am or the parking area at the Tremont Institute at 8:40am. Drive 46 miles (@0.10/mile = $4.60).

  Please note the first version of the newsletter listed the meeting time as 9:40am at Tremont. This was incorrect and should have stated 8:40am.

  Pre-register with Ron Brandenburg.

  Leader: Thomas J. Welch

  Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.

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• Off Trail Hike: Frowning Rock Prong

  • When
    06/11/2022

  This excursion will take us deep into the Smoky Mountain wilderness to explore one of the most remote creeks in the park. We'll warm up with a quick stroll from Smokemont up Bradley Fork Trail to Campsite 49, where our real adventure will begin. We'll take to the creek and rock-hop or wade about two and a half miles up the unusually flat and serene Bradley Fork to its confluence with Frowning Rock Prong. Here, we'll begin an intimate relationship with one of the most enchanting streams to be found in the Smokies. For nearly a mile and a half, we'll slither our way past beautiful tumbling cascades and deep cold pools. Beyond this wonderland, we'll come to the legendary Frowning Rock Scar, where our adventure will conclude with a thrilling rock scramble up to the AT. We'll take the trail, probably wearing headlamps, out to awaiting vehicles at Newfound Gap. This is a massive day hike, involving all the obstacles the Smokies throw at hikers who abandon the trails.

  Leader: David Sands

  To register, contact David Sands directly via email. You can find his contact information in the June 2022 newsletter writeup for this hike.

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• Spicewood-Chimney Top Loop, Frozen Head State Park

  • When
    06/11/2022
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • Location
    Books-A-Million, 310 S Illinois Ave., Oak Ridge, TN

  Register

  Frozen Head SP is a treasure in our own "backyard," and it's always nice to be hiking on the mountains of the Cumberland Plateau as the weather gets warmer. For this hike, we'll start at the main trailhead area past the Visitor Center, hiking to Spicewood Branch and then up, to connect with Chimney Top Trail. Turning south, we'll pass Mart Fields campsite, then ascend to the marvelous rock formations known as the Chimneys. Then we'll descend on Chimney Top trail to the Visitor Center and have a short walk on the road back to our cars. About 9 miles, rated moderate, with some big climbs. Meet at Books-A-Million in Oak Ridge, 310 S Illinois Ave. at 8am. Drive RT 50 miles @ $.10/ mile = $5.00.

  Leader: Diane Petrilla

  Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.

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• Easy Hike: Lower Mt Cammerer Trail to Sutton Ridge Overlook

  • When
    06/12/2022
  •  
    9:30 AM
  • Location
    Cosby Campground Hiker Parking, GSMNP

  Register

  We will begin this hike at the hiker parking area at Cosby Campground at 9:30 am. We will hike the Lower Mt. Cammerer trail to Sutton Ridge overlook then return to the beginning possibly stopping by the Dorsey Cemetery and a couple of other interesting sites. Hike around 4 miles.

  Leader: Ed Fleming

  Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.

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• Gregory Bald via Gregory Ridge

  • When
    06/18/2022
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • Location
    Gregory Ridge Trailhead, Cades Cove, GSMNP

  Register

  On this classic early summer hike, we will visit Gregory Bald in hopes of experiencing the flame azaleas in bloom. We will use the Gregory Ridge Trail and climb steadily to its intersection with the Gregory Bald Trail. From there it’s a short climb to the summit of Gregory Bald. If we experience a clear day, a view of Cades Cove and Fontana Lake will also be provided. The total distance of the hike is roughly 11.3 miles with 3,000 feet elevation gain. The hike is rated moderately difficult. Meet at Alcoa Food City at 7:30 a.m. (drive is 80 miles RT @ 10 cents/mile = $8.00) or at the Gregory Ridge Trailhead at 8:30 a.m.

  Leader: Mark Shipley

  Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.

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• Wednesday Hike: Metcalf Bottoms, Little Brier Gap, Little Greenbrier and Laurel Falls Trails

  • When
    06/22/2022
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, GSMNP

  Register

  We will visit the Little Greenbrier School and the Walker Sisters cabin on the way to the Laurel Falls trail. 9.1 miles. 2,064 ft. elevation gain. Those who want to can add 1 mile each way and 441 ft. elevation gain to go on up to the Cove Mountain fire tower. Rated moderate. Meet at Food City in Alcoa at 8:00 or Metcalf Bottoms at 9:00. Drive distance 54 miles (@0.10/mile = $5.40).

  Pre-register with Ron Brandenburg.

  Leader: Thomas J. Welch

  Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.

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• Clingmans Dome to Newfound Gap

  • When
    06/25/2022
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • Location
    Newfound Gap, US 441, GSMNP

  Register

  This high elevation hike should provide a respite from valley heat. After arranging a shuttle at Newfound Gap, we will start our hike at the highest point in the Smokies — Clingmans Dome at 6443'. We will hike North through AT sections that our club maintains and through a beautiful conifer forest accented by moss covered logs and ferns. Meet at Newfound Gap at 8:30 AM at the NC/TN State Line sign (allow a few extra minutes for summer traffic). Total hike mileage: 8.4 miles, rated moderate. Drive distance 16 miles @ 0.10/mile = $1.60.

  Leader: Cindy Spangler

  Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.

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• AT Work Trip

  • When
    07/09/2022
  • Location
    TBD - See the July Newsletter for details
  • Spaces left
    12

  The plan for the day will be one of three possible options: (1) Working in the Nantahala National Forest on vegetation trimming; (2) Participating with the ATC-sponsored invasive event at Fontana Dam; (3) Assisting Konnorock — the ATC's flagship trail crew. More information will be included in the July newsletter.

  Pre-registration is required. Masks are now required for all those participating in carpools, shuttles or key swaps, regardless of vaccination status. You may also choose to drive your own vehicle to the trailhead.

  Leader: Franklin LaFond
  Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.

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• AT Work Trip

  • When
    08/06/2022
  • Location
    TBD - See the August Newsletter for details
  • Spaces left
    12

  The location for this work trip will be determined based on conditions reported in June and July. Details will be in the August newsletter.

  Pre-registration is required. Masks are now required for all those participating in carpools, shuttles or key swaps, regardless of vaccination status. You may also choose to drive your own vehicle to the trailhead.

  Leader: Mark Shipley
  Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.

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• AT Work Trip

  • When
    09/10/2022
  • Location
    GSMNP
  • Spaces left
    12

  This work-trip will focus on packing mulch and trimming vegetation. The shelter privy we carry mulch to will be determined by the greatest need by this time of the year. Different sizes of mulch bags will be available, as well as additional large backpacks, so many folks can help! And vegetation is always robust on the AT in August, so we will carry light trimming equipment to address the growth on our return trip.

  Pre-registration is required. Masks are now required for all those participating in carpools, shuttles or key swaps, regardless of vaccination status. You may also choose to drive your own vehicle to the trailhead.

  Leader: Diane Petrilla
  Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.

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• AT Work Trip

  • When
    10/01/2022
  • Location
    GSMNP - Newfound Gap
  • Spaces left
    12

  The October work trip will take place about 1.2 miles northeast of Newfound Gap. We will work to return the trail tread to its proper location and improve water drainage in the area. The work will require moving rocks and possibly adding steps. Participants will need to dress for the weather and bring work gloves, lunch, and water.

  Pre-registration is required. Masks are now required for all those participating in carpools, shuttles or key swaps, regardless of vaccination status. You may also choose to drive your own vehicle to the trailhead.

  Leader: Mark and Janet Snyder
  Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.

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