From the trailhead near the gate to Cades Cove Loop Road, we follow Rich Mountain Loop Trail clockwise, west to the John Oliver cabin (mile 1.4), north along Martha's Branch, up Tater's Ridge to the junction with Indian Grave Gap Trail (mile 3.4). There we go east on the ridgeline, past the Rich Mountain Trail junction (mile 4.2) and Cerulean Knob (mile ~4.5), and east to the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge and Scott Mountain Trails (mile 6), where we go east ~0.1 mile to Campsite 6 for lunch. Then we descend Crooked Arm Ridge Trail, past two overlooks and the Falls (mile 7.9) on the way to the junction with Rich Mountain Loop Trail (mile 8.2), and back to the trailhead.

Total, 8.7 miles with 1958 ft. climb, rated Moderate. For carpooling, meet at Kroger, 244 S. Hall Rd., Alcoa (park at the side of the building, near the SE corner), in time to leave at 7:30 am. Drive 56 miles RT [@7¢ = approx. $4.00 to driver]. Meet near the entry gate of Cades Cove Loop Road, ready to hike at 8:30 am. 

Leader: Eric Sundstrom, sundstrom.eric@gmail.com, 865-406-8794 text.