For this very long day hike, we'll meet bright and early to leave some cars at the Road to Nowhere tunnel and shuttle ourselves to Clingmans Dome. From there, we'll take the AT to Welch Ridge trail and descend along this rocky spine to High Rocks. High Rocks is the location of an old fire tower and cabin. While the tower was removed, the remains of the cabin are still there among the rocky bluffs and worth exploring, along with the interesting geological features of the area. We'll have great views of Fontana Lake from High Rocks, so bring your camera. After High Rocks, we'll head back to the trail and drop down along Bear Creek, passing backcountry campsite #75 about halfway along the Bear Creek trail. The remainder of the day will take us along parts of Forney Creek and Lakeshore trails and back to our cars. This will be a long, challenging day without much water access between the AT and BCS75, so please come prepared with plenty of food and water. Total distance about 20 miles, rated difficult. Meet at 7:30am at the tunnel.

Leaders: Adam and Amanda Beal

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