This hike will use a short car shuttle to combine trails on GSMNP and the Cherokee Reservation Fire Mountain Trails. We’ll begin in the park at scenic Mingus Mill, and follow the Mingus Creek Trail to a four-way junction with the Deeplow Gap Trail. A short section of easy manway leads to an isolated service road on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. We follow the service road to the old Mt. Noble fire tower, with views down toward the Oconaluftee River Valley. From the tower, we will follow the Fire Tower Trail, which is part of the free Cherokee Fire Mountain Trail system, back to our cars at the Oconaluftee Indian Village.

Total distance is 7.5 miles, including 1900’ of climb, and is rated moderate.

Carpool from Sugarlands Visitor Center (in the overflow/bus lot area) ready to leave at 7AM. The drive to Mingus Mill is 65 miles round trip. $0.07/mile rounded to $4.50 cash to the driver.