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• Kanati Fork to Mingus Mill

  • When
    04/26/2025
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • Location
    Mingus Mill parking lot GSMNP

  The hike begins at the Kanati Fork trailhead with a climb of about 2100 feet over 2.75 miles to the Thomas Divide trail. Kanati Fork is a constant climb with an average grade of 770 feet per mile. This time of year, one can anticipate seeing a variety of spring wildflowers growing along the trail to help take the mind off the climb. We then hike the Thomas Divide trail to the Newton Bald trail.

  We will stop at backcountry campsite 52 for lunch, then continue on the Newton Bald trail for a short distance to the Mingus Creek trail. This will lead us down the ridge line and along Mingus Creek to the Mingus Mill Parking area.

  The total distance is 12.5 miles with a total climb of approximately 4000 feet. The hike is rated difficult due to distance and climb.

  Meet to carpool from the Cracker Barrel at 1510 Cracker Barrel Lane, Knoxville (exit 398 I-40) Be ready to leave at 6:30 A.M. The drive to the Mingus Mill Parking area via I40, 66 (exit 407), 441 is 126 miles round trip. $0.07/mile = $8.82 rounded up to $9.00 cash for the driver.

  Alternatively, meet at the Mingus Mill parking lot 8:30 A.M. The hike leader will meet everyone at Mingus Mill. We will gather at the Mingus Mill parking lot where we will load everyone into as few cars as possible and drive to the Kanati Fork trail head to begin the hike. After the hike those who shuttled people to the trail head will be taken back to get their cars.

  E-mail the hike leader when you register to indicate if you are planning to carpool from Cracker Barrel. To facilitate the logistical arrangements, registration for this hike will close on Thursday evening April 24.

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• Wednesday Hike: Lower Mount Cammerer

  • When
    04/30/2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • Location
    Cosby Picnic Area Parking GSMNP

  Register

  Starting from the Cosby Picnic area, the Lower Mt. Cammerer trail provides a slow climb on a smooth pine-needle trail in and out of creek valleys to reach the Appalachian Trail after about 7.5 miles. We’ll pass CS 35 along the way (at mile 3.3). After having lunch on the AT, we’ll return the way we came.

  Hike: 15 miles with elevation gain of 1,800 ft., rated Difficult due to distance. Because of the longer hike distance, we will start our hike a little early.

  To carpool, meet at the Cracker Barrel Strawberry Plains (1510 Cracker Barrel Lane, exit 398 of I40), ready to leave at 7:00am or at Cosby Picnic Area Parking at 8:00am. Drive 110 miles RT {@ 7¢/mile = $7.70}. The leader will meet you at the trailhead.

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• Off Trail Hike: Horseshoe Falls

  • When
    05/03/2025

  Come along for a grand adventure in the Smokies wilderness! We'll start our trek with a warm-up walk along Porters Creek Trail, but soon enough, we'll veer off into the pathless wilds. We'll rock-hop up a little creek, hidden away inside the shoe of Horseshoe Mountain. We'll pass beneath a giant scar ripped into the mountainside by a torrential flood a few years ago. We'll scale a large waterfall scoured clean by the same deluge. We'll climb a rocky staircase that will lead us to the crest of Horseshoe Mountain, where we will relish our reward of incredible views of the valley below. Then back down we'll plunge, in a manner proportional to our spirits, to the beautiful Porters Creek. The off-trail portion of the hike is about two miles and of moderate difficulty.

  Pre-registration with the leader is required.
  

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• Club 1st Saturday Work trip

  • When
    05/03/2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Davenport Gap, TN

  Register

  The May 3rd work trip will have 2 objectives. The highest priority for the day is repairing the roof at Davenport Gap Shelter where a tree fell on it over the winter. 20% of the roof needs replaced, along with some of the supporting rafters. We need a large number of individuals to help get materials 1 mile to the Davenport Shelter and get the damaged roof materials back to the trailhead for disposal. While the team of carpenters are replacing the roof panels, the team will divide up and work on treadway rehab between Davenport Gap Shelter and the Mt Cammerer Trail. Planned work includes cleaning and rehabbing water drainages, pruning back encroaching vegetation, and removing berm on downhill side of trail to improve drainage and backfill existing steps. Participants will need to wear sturdy footwear and weather appropriate attire. Bring gloves, lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Tools will be provided. If you have a favorite tool you prefer to use, please bring those as well.

  Parking at the trailhead is extremely limited. Carpool from the Cracker Barrel on Strawberry Plains, I-40 exit 398, at 8:00am. The alternative meeting point is at Davenport Gap trailhead at 9:00am.

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• Bird Mountain/Ross Gap Loop - Frozen Head State Park

  • When
    05/04/2025
  •  
    9:15 AM
  • Location
    Frozen Head Visitor Center
  • Spaces left
    24

  Register

  We’ll leave our cars at the visitor center, loosen up for the climb ahead on the Storybook trail, continue into Big Cove Campground, onto the Tower Trail and very soon turn off onto the Bird Mountain Trail. We’ll go up (about 1300’ over 1.8 miles) to the Cumberland Trail and take a very short detour to the east to admire Castle Rock. Then we’ll turn back west on the Cumberland trail until we reach the Ross Gap Trail, where we’ll have big fun going perilously downhill on a rutted and rocky old “road”. After a mile or so of suffering, we’ll turn with the Ross Gap Trail onto a well-made trail that will spit us out into the Rocky Fork Field. We’ll roadwalk about half a mile back to the Visitor Center.

  This hike is about 7.5 miles long, rated moderate for length but challenging for elevation gain and rough trail.

  For carpooling, meet at Oak Ridge Books-a-Million - 310 S Illinois Ave, ready to leave at 8:30 AM (50 miles RT @ .07 per mile, $3.50) or the Frozen Head Visitor Center at 9:15 AM.

  
  

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• Wednesday Hike: Middle Prong Trail to Campsite 28

  • When
    05/07/2025
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • Location
    Middle Prong Trailhead GSMNP

  Register

  Hike Middle Prong Trail from the end of Tremont Road to the intersection with Lynn Camp Prong Trail at 4.1 miles. Then hike Lynn Camp Prong Trail to Campsite 28 for 1.5 miles. We will return by reversing the process. An optional side trip to Indian Flats Falls along Middle Prong Trail will add 0.2 miles.

  Rated moderate with 11.2/11.4 miles and 2,200 ft. elevation gain.

  Meet ready to leave at Kroger in Alcoa at 7:30 or at the trailhead at 8:30. Drive distance 50 miles @ 0.07/mile = $3.50.

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• AT/Shuckstack/Lost Cove/Lakeshore Loop

  • When
    05/10/2025
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • Location
    AT/Lakeshore Trailhead at Fontana Dam GSMNP

  Registration is closed

  For those who like variety in their hike, this loop hike has a little bit of everything. We will start with a challenging haul up the AT (2000 feet in 3 miles) to reach the Shuckstack fire tower, with its amazing views (if you’re willing to climb the creaky stairs).

  Then we’ll head down the Lost Cove Trail, where we’ll lose those 2000 feet in about the same distance. You get to practice your creek crossings on this trail – they come one right after the other and are only sometimes rock-hoppable (bring your water shoes!).

  The last 5 miles are on the Lakeshore Trail – though we begin and end at about the same elevation, don’t be fooled, it's undulating hills will catch you by surprise. Hopefully, the photo ops of relics from the past will keep our minds off of those hills as we make our way back to our cars.

  The hike is 12 miles. Rated difficult/challenging.

  Meet at Walmart-Supercenter, far right side of the parking lot, on US 411 South in Maryville, ready to leave at 7:00am. {Drive: 96 miles RT @ 7¢/mile=$7.00 rounded}, or at the AT Trailhead Parking past Fontana Dam at 8:30am. The leader will meet the group at the AT Trailhead Parking, not the carpool site.

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• Konnarock Trail Crew

  • Start
    05/16/2025
  • End
    05/23/2025
  • Location
    Konnarock Trail Crew

  Register

  This work trip will support the annual A.T. Konnarock Trail Crew in the National Forest. Each year, volunteers from across the country sign up for this ATC-sponsored summer trail crew, over a week-long period. This year, the crew will be. The work site is approximately 1 mile from the trailhead. Car camping is available on a vehicle-accessible gated Forest Service road. SMHC volunteers who participate for 3 or more days on the project will receive a commemorative ATC Trails Crew T-Shirt.

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• Angel Falls/Grand Gap Loop - Big South Fork

  • When
    05/17/2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Leatherwood Ford Parking Lot BSF
  • Spaces left
    24

  Register

  Beginning at the Leatherwood Ford trailhead area, we will hike north on the John Muir Trail to the Angel Falls Overlook, with its stunning views of the Big South Fork Gorge and River. We will pick up the Grand Gap Loop, hiking counter-clockwise, to circle the top of the Cumberland Plateau, with more fabulous views, including the Grand Gap Overlook.

  Hike distance is 12.8 miles, with 1400 ft of elevation gain. Rated Difficult.

  Carpool from the Hardee’s at 107 Buffalo Road, Clinton (I-75 exit 122). Leave at 7:30 a.m. sharp. Round-trip is 108 miles. At $0.07 per mile, the suggested reimbursement to the driver of $8. Or meet at the Leatherwood Ford parking lot in Big South Fork at 9:00 a.m.

  
  

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• New Member Hike: Rainbow Falls (Easy Hike)

  • When
    05/18/2025
  •  
    9:30 AM
  • Location
    Rainbow Falls Trailhead GSMNP

  Register

  Come join us for a hike to Rainbow Falls! From the Rainbow Falls parking lot on Cherokee Orchard Road, we will hike 2.8 miles to the Falls, then back, for a round trip of 5.8 miles. Along the way, we will learn about the Smokies, and about the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club. Despite the relatively short distance, there is still a climb of about 1600 feet to the falls, along a beautifully rehabilitated trail.

  Meet at the Cracker Barrel off of the Strawberry Plains exit #398, 1510 Cracker Barrel Lane, Knoxville at 8:00am (70 miles RT @ $0.07/mile = $5 rounded). 8 am Departure from Carpool Location - 9:30 am departure from trailhead. Limited to 25 Hikers.

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• Gabes Mountain Trail to Campsite 34

  • When
    05/24/2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Gabes Mountain Trailhead

  Registration is closed

  On this out and back hike, we will first hike 2.1 miles to the 90-foot Hen Wallow Falls, then continue for 2.7 miles to Campsite 34.

  Roundtrip will be 9.6 miles. Rated moderate.

  Meet at Cracker Barrel at I-40 Exit 398 (1510 Cracker Barrel Lane, southeast corner of parking lot) at 7:45 am or at Cosby Campground near the trailhead at 9:00 am. Drive 120 miles RT {@ 0.10/mile = $12.00}.

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• Wednesday Hike: Abrams CG/Cooper Rd/Little Bottoms/Hanna Mtn/Rabbit Creek Loop

  • When
    05/28/2025
  •  
    8:45 AM
  • Location
    Abrams Creek Ranger Station GSMNP

  Register

  Starting at Abrams Campground, hike Cooper Rd to junction with Little Bottoms Trail. Hike Little Bottoms Trail and Hatcher Mtn Trail to wade across Abrams Creek at Hanna Mtn Trail. Follow Hanna Mtn Trail to the Scott Gap intersection with Rabbit Creek Trail. Hike Rabbit Creek trail to a second wade across Abrams Creek to Abrams Creek Ranger Station and our cars. Bring your water shoes for the two creek crossings.

  Rated moderate with 9.0 miles and 1,800 ft elevation gain.

  Meet ready to leave at Kroger in Alcoa at 7:30 or at the trailhead 8:45. Drive distance 30 miles @ 0.07/mile = $2.10.

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• Savage Gulf State Park

  • When
    05/31/2025
  •  
    6:30 AM
  • Location
    Harriman Lowe's parking lot
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  The club has hiked at the amazing Savage Gulf a few times in the past and it became a protected state natural area in 1971. Named for the Savage family who kept portions wild, the gulf remains a large expanse of untouched wilderness carved deep into the west slope of the Cumberland Plateau. Now it has become one of the newest State Parks in 2024 so it's a good time to go back while it’s still relatively untouched (RV campground and lake are already planned).

  It is a bit of a drive from our area and we made a dinner stop at Cumberland Mountain State Park on the way back on one trip which is a good option this time. A car shuttle is planned so we can hike through the heart of Savage Gulf and enjoy several of the highlights. We will leave some cars at the south trailhead and drive around to the north trailhead and ranger station.

  We'll begin hiking over to Laurel Falls then along the rim and down through the famous Stone Door and into the Big Creek arm of the gulf. The connector trail leads over to the Collins Gulf trail, which we follow upstream past the Savage Cabin site, a spring and the interesting Horsepound Falls. Past the falls, the trail continues along the Collins river then climbs out of the canyon up past Suter Falls to the cars at the south trailhead.

  Hike total about 11 miles. Elevation loss and gain 1000 ft. Rated moderate to difficult.

  Meet at the Harriman Lowe's parking lot at 6:30 am and plan on being back very late. Drive 230 miles RT = $16 for drivers. Please register in advance to help with car pool arrangements.

  
  

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• Annual National Trails Day Event

  • When
    06/07/2025
  •  
    7:00 AM
  • Location
    Sugarlands Visitor Center, Large vehicle parking lot

  Register

  Join us to celebrate our club’s 28th annual NTD event! Each year, nearly 100 volunteers come out to help rehab the 12-mile-long, high-use trail sections, between Double Springs and Icewater Springs shelters. Volunteers are divided into teams of 6-8 individuals and assigned to work a section roughly 1-1.5 miles long. A picnic-style meal and door prizes are provided at the end of the workday.

  REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 24, 2025

  WORK DATE MEET-UP TIME: 7 a.m. at Sugarlands Visitor Center, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. From there you will receive crew assignments and drive to your trailheads. Picnic will be at Metcalf Bottoms at 5 p.m.

  WHAT TO WEAR: Layered clothing, boots or sturdy shoes (no open-toe footwear).

  WHAT TO BRING: Plenty of water, RAIN GEAR, lunch, snacks, work gloves, sunscreen and bug repellant.

  REGISTRATION FEE: Registration is free, but if you want a commemorative T-Shirt the cost is $20. The shirt has a new design each year, and we encourage everyone to get the T-Shirt and wear it to help us advertise the event. 

  PLEASE NOTE: Your registration serves as your commitment to attend, since T-Shirts and the afternoon picnic are being ordered, and crews will be built based on our registrations.

  DONATIONS: Monetary donations may be made at smhclub.org/donate. Please list NTD in the comments section.

  QUESTIONS? Email Taylor Weatherbee tweatherbe@aol.com

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• Club 1st Saturday Work trip

  • When
    07/12/2025
  • Location
    Fontana, NC

  Register

  This work trip will focus on treadway rehab in the Nantahala National Forest between The Nantahala Outdoor Rafting Center and Fontana Dam. Specific locations of work will be based on prioritization of work needed. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

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• Club 1st Saturday Work trip

  • When
    08/02/2025
  • Location
    AT

  Register

  Each season, several hundred pounds of hardwood mulch are used at each of our backcountry privies to aid in proper composting. This work trip will focus on packing mulch to one or more of our backcountry privy locations that is less than 3 miles from the trailhead. Mulch is put in 20 lb. bags for carrying. The club has extra backpacking-style backpacks if needed. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

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• Club 1st Saturday Work trip

  • When
    09/06/2025
  • Location
    Cosby Campground

  Register

  This work trip will focus on treadway rehab in the section between Mt Cammerer Fire Tower and Camel Gap. Access to the work area will be via the 2.5 mile Low Gap Trail, starting at the Cosby Campground. Specific locations of work will be based on prioritization of work needed. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

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• Club 1st Saturday Work trip

  • When
    10/04/2025
  • Location
    Newfound Gap

  Register

  This work trip will focus on treadway rehab in the section between Newfound Gap to Icewater Springs. This is our most heavily used section of trail, and it sees a lot of wear each season. Specific locations of work will be based on prioritization of work needed. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

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• Club 1st Saturday Work trip

  • When
    11/01/2025
  • Location
    TBD

  Register

  November is time to start winding down the trail maintenance season. This work day will be focused on cleaning, sharpening, repairing, inventorying, and storing the club’s tools for the winter. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

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