Qualifying Centennial Challenge Hike

Third time’s a charm? We will try for a third time to schedule this hike with the Wednesday Group! This Centennial Challenge hike is a classic and one of the Club’s favorite loop hikes. Beginning at the entrance to Cades Cove, we will approach the loop in a clockwise direction. We will start on the Rich Mountain Loop Trail with a stop at the John Oliver Cabin. Then we will continue UP Rich Mountain Loop, tackling the strenuous climb to reach the Indian Grave Gap Trail (1300ft over 2 miles). We will continue along the ridgeline on this trail with views of Dry Valley and Townsend. A very short walk down the Scott Mountain Trail will take us to Campsite 6, a great place for lunch. Then we start our descent down from the ridge on the Crooked Arm Ridge Trail where we will see Crooked Arm Falls and enjoy outstanding views of Cades Cove before returning to our cars. The hike is 8.6 miles with a total elevation gain of 2000 ft. Rated moderate. To carpool, meet at Kroger, 244 S Hall Road, Alcoa (park at the side of the building, near the SE corner), ready to leave at 8:00am {Drive: 56 miles RT @ 7¢/mile=$4.00 CASH rounded} or near the entry gate at Cades Cove Loop Road, ready to hike at 8:45am. The leader will meet you at Cades Cove.

Leader: Pat Watts

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