Cherokee National Forest – Coker Creek Distance: 7.7 miles Rating: Strenuous (due to steep elevation gain)

We will begin at the Coker Creek Visitor Center, then position some vehicles at the Unicoi Mountain Trail #117 trailhead, located at the end of an unmarked road just off TN Hwy 68 and 0.2 miles past the Coker Creek Visitor Center on Joe Brown Hwy. Then we will shuttle hikers up a very rough service road, off Joe Brown Highway to Unicoi Gap/Benton MacKaye Trail 2 trailhead where the hike begins with a walk out a fire road climbing Peels High Top as we traverse the TN/NC boundary. At mile 4, we will turn down Trail #117 and descend 1300’ via Unicoi Mountain Trail to Doc Rogers Fields, a historic area from the gold rush days on Coker Creek. There is one small unbridged water crossing before we reach Doc Rogers Fields near the end of the hike. Unicoi Trail predates written history, so there are no switchbacks and the hills (up and down) are steep. Some portions of the trail might be a bit overgrown, so tall gaiters or pants are recommended.

Carpool Information: Meet at Alcoa Kroger (244 S Hall Rd.) ready to roll at 6:30am. Coming from Knoxville, Kroger will be on the right just past Burger King. When facing Kroger, park on the far left side beyond KARM. The hike leader will be at Kroger ready to depart at 6:30am. Driving distance 102 miles R/T. $7.00.

Or meet at the Coker Creek Visitor Center on Hwy 68 ready to hike at 8:30am.

Hike Leader: Dean Ellis Phone: 865-659-1233 Email: adean.ellis@gmail.com