Starting at the Jakes Creek trailhead at Elkmont, we’ll follow the route of the railroad built by the Little River Lumber Company during the heydays of logging in that valley. After climbing that trail’s entire length (3.6 miles and 1900 ft climb), we’ll continue our climb up the Miry Ridge trail (1.9 miles and another 700 ft) to reach Campsite 26, where we’ll have a welcome rest for lunch. We’ll return the same way (thankfully all downhill).

Total hike distance is 11 miles, rated Difficult because of the relentless 2600 ft. climb. You can choose to turn around at any point.

Meet at Kroger in Alcoa, 244 S. Hall Rd (park around the side beside KARM) at 7:15am {Drive 68 miles RT @ 7¢/mile = $4.78, round to $5} or the Jakes Creek trailhead at Elkmont at 8:15 am.

After you register, please send the hike leader an email indicating whether you will meet at the Carpool or the trailhead. The leader will meet at the trailhead. Hike Leader: Pat Watts, patty.watts@aol.com, 901-487-7941.