From the misty top of the Smokies we shall depart the AT at 6600 feet, just behind the Clingmans Dome Tower, into the breathtaking Kuwahi landslide scar for a challenging, rocky descent into the Kuwahi Branch watershed. After intercepting the Little River and continuing to just within eyeshot of Campsite 30, we will make a slight rhodo thrash to Grouse Creek and turn southbound again - finding the mouth of Rattler Branch in a half mile or so, thus commencing a stupendous creek-hop up the mountain along Rattler where there are several beautiful cascade sequences and impressive waterfalls to behold. After a mere 3000 feet of elevation gain, we once again find the AT at 6200 feet, just west of Mount Buckley. Hike is rated very difficult with ~6 miles off-trail. Due to high difficulty level, treacherous nature and length of this hike, limited spots are available and previous off-trail experience is strictly required. Please contact trip leader to get details, including meeting time and place.

Leaders: Todd Long and Kindel Page

To register, contact Kindel Page directly via email. You can find her contact information in the May 2022 newsletter writeup for this hike.