This hike begins at the familiar Groundhog Ridge parking area with a climb up one of the branches of Groundhog Creek to the Lower Mount Cammerer Trail. This trail is used to zip around the mountain to Robinson Creek where the narrow valley leads up into the Highlands. The climb then turns toward the Panther Stairs as the trek passes by four nice waterfalls set in a broad almost gentle valley. These gentle slopes give way to the cliffs beneath the Panther Stairs. At this point, the hike becomes a scramble up the open sandstone faces and along the narrow spine of Panther Stairs affording excellent views into the Smoky Mountain valleys below. The hike will proceed to the Mount Cammerer Lookout Tower and then return by the old Groundhog Ridge manway. Total trip is 5.2 miles, 3.8 being off trail. Rated difficult.

Leaders: Greg Hoover and Greg Harrell

To register, contact the leader directly via email, text or phone. You can find contact information in the November 2023 newsletter writeup for this hike.