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• Saturday Hike: Mt Cammerer via Low Gap

  • When
    10/25/2025
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • Location
    Cosby UPPER Hiker Parking Lot (past Campground check-in booth)
  • Spaces left
    2

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  For our annual Fall Colors hike to Mt. Cammerer, we will start at the Cosby UPPER Hiker Parking Lot and proceed to the famously STEEP Low Gap Trail to connect with the AT at the top of the gap. We will then proceed north on the AT till we reach the Mt. Cammerer Spur Trail which will lead us to our destination. The Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower, restored and picturesque, offers stunning 360-degree views of surrounding TN and NC mountains. Following lunch at the Tower, we will return by the same route.  Hike is 11.9 miles (including hike to the trailhead from the parking lot) with an elevation gain of 2800'.  Rated DIFFICULT.

  To carpool, meet at the Strawberry Plains Cracker Barrel, 1510 Cracker Barrel Lane, at 7:30 AM.  Park in the lot that looks down on Weigels. Mileage is 108  RT x .07 = $7.56 (but can round up to $8.00).

  If not carpooling, meet the group at the Cosby UPPER hiker parking lot at 8:30 AM.  This hike is limited to 15 participants.

  We will plan to stop at Carver's Apple Orchard on the return so bring some $$ for apples and fried pies!

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• *** REVISED *** Wednesday Hike: Twin Arches - Big South Fork

  • When
    10/29/2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Twin Arches trailhead, Big South Fork
  • Spaces left
    10

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  *** Revised Hike and Date *****

  We will explore the well-known Twin Arches of Big South Fork.  From the Twin Arches parking lot, we will hike 0.7 miles going clockwise to the Twin Arches and then down to the Charit Creek Lodge.  We will have lunch at the lodge. We will return closing the loop on the trail to the parking lot.  Total hike is 8.5 miles, rated Moderate.  For Carpooling, meet at Hardee’s on Buffalo Road in Clinton Tennessee at 7:00 AM. Drive 150 miles round-trip (150 x $0.07=$10.50 or round up $11).  Or meet at Twin Arches trailhead at 9:00 AM Eastern time.  The leader will meet you at trailhead. 

  Hike leader - Louise Miniard - lminiard00@gmail.com - 931-239-5425

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• Off Trail Hike: Loggy Ridge

  • When
    11/01/2025

  We’ll leave the cars in the Clingman’s Dome (Kuwohi) parking lot and head west on the Bypass Trail and Appalachian Trail for 1.4 miles before leaving the trail. Loggy Ridge is a pleasant, mostly-open ridge still recovering from logging early in the last century. Descending to about 4600 ft brings us to a flat area where we will look for evidence of a terminal or camp of the Norwood Lumber Company back in the early 1900s. After exploring this area, we will proceed generally eastward on the Norwood railroad grade until we reach the area about a half mile on the south side of the Dome parking lot. We’ll try to come out at the locus of the old Norwood boiler, then drop down to the Forney Creek Trail for the 1.6 mile trail hike back to the cars.

  The hike totals about 9.5 miles (6.5 miles off-trail) with 2850 ft elevation gain. Rated a moderate Off-Trail hike. You must register with one of the leaders to go on this hike.

  Hike Leaders: Mike Harrington (mike_harr@bellsouth.net) and Steve Dickinson (winston.fob@comcast.net)

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• Club 1st Saturday Work Trip: End-of-Year Tool Maintenance

  • When
    11/01/2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Park Maintenance Area near the Park Headquarters

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  This AT work trip will be a little different. We will meet at the SMHC Trail Maintainers tool shed to clean, sharpen and inventory the club’s hand tools used on the AT. The SMHC has a large inventory of hand tools, and it is vital we keep them in good working condition.

  We will meet at 10:00 a.m. in the Park Maintenance Area (Maintenance Yard Parking A in Google Maps), behind the Park Headquarters near Sugarlands Visitor Center. (As you drive out of Gatlinburg into the park, take the first road to the right and go straight back to the end of the road. It is where the Gatlinburg Trail comes out of the trees in the park.) There are two white work sheds in the center of the parking lot. The SMHC shed is the smaller building. Please bring gloves and a scrub brush if you have them. We will work till about 1:00 p.m. Rated Easy.

  Leader: John Lee, johnjlee.67@gmail.com

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• Wednesday Hike: West Prong Trail

  • When
    11/05/2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    West Prong Trailhead, GSMNP
  • Spaces left
    25

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  This out and back hike covers the West Prong Trail in the Tremont area.  Most autumn leaves will have fallen giving river views and the sounds of the West Prong of the Little River from which this trail derives its name.  The beginning of this hike is a steady climb of approximately 625 feet over the first 1.4 miles. During this ascent of the northern slope of Fodderstack Mountain, there will be occasional openings where you can enjoy views of the surrounding area.  About two miles into your hike, you will come upon a small creek that will require rock-hopping to cross.  Campsite 18 is located just on the other side of this crossing.  At the 2.7-mile mark, the West Prong Trail ends at its juncture with the Bote Mountain Trail. 

  The official hike will return to Campsite 18, have lunch, then return to the trail head.  The total distance is 5.4 miles, and the total elevation gain is about 1,375 feet with several ascents and descents. Rated Moderate.

  For carpooling, meet at Kroger on 244 S Hall Rd, Alcoa, TN at 8:00am {drive 68 miles RT @ 7¢/mile = $4.76 ($5 rounded)}. Drive about 35 minutes.  Or meet at the West Prong TH ready to start hiking at 9:00 am.  

  Leader: John Lee, johnjlee.67@gmail.com

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• Off Trail Hike: Buckeye Falls - Cherokee National Forest (Sampson Mountain Wilderness)

  • When
    11/08/2025

  This hike, mostly within the Sampson Mountain Wilderness, will take participants to the base of Buckeye Falls. At roughly 475 feet, Buckeye Falls (actually more of a long cascade) is by some accounts the highest “falls” in the eastern United States. The hike to the falls is 3.6 miles one way with modest elevation change. Only the last portion of the hike would be “off trail “. A vast majority of the hike follows the Clark Creek Trail with numerous crossings of Clark Creek.

  The hike is rated difficult due to the stream crossings and final ascent to the base of Buckeye Falls.

  Drive is 160 miles round trip.

  Pre-registration with the leader is required. Please note that the group size will be limited to eight, including the leaders.

  Leader: Mark Shipley (shipleymark57@gmail.com); Co-leader: Hiram Rogers

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• History Hike: Jakes Creek, Blanket Mountain

  • When
    11/08/2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    West Prong Trailhead, GSMNP
  • Spaces left
    25

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  This hike will start at the Jakes Creek Trailhead in Elkmont which follows an old road and logging railroad grade. The trail starts out with a moderate grade and becomes steeper as we climb to Jakes Gap. After Jakes Gap we will continue for approximately 0.8 miles on an unmaintained trail to the summit of Blanket Mountain where a fire tower used to be located. Along the way we will visit several sites from the past including the stone foundation for an old Apple Barn and the old Elkmont Water Tower. We will also tour the recently restored Chapman-Byers Cabin and the Avent Cabin.

  Hike is 9.1 miles, rated Moderate+ due to elevation gain. 

  Meet at the Jakes Creek Trailhead parking lot in Elkmont at 8:30am.

  Hike leader: Steve Dickinson, Winston.fob@comcast.net; Co-leader: Debby Dickinson

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• New Member Hike: Gabes Mountain Trail to Hen Wallow Falls

  • When
    11/09/2025
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • Location
    Cosby Picnic Area, GSMNP
  • Spaces left
    13

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  Come enjoy the autumn weather as we visit Hen Wallow Falls. From the Cosby Picnic Area, we will follow Gabes Mountain Trail to the 60-ft tall Falls. At 2 miles and after a steep descent, we will reach the Falls. Return the same way. Hike is 4.4 miles round trip, with 900 feet of elevation gain. Rated moderate.

  Meet at the Cosby Picnic Area, ready to hike at 8:30 am. Carpoolers meet at the Strawberry Plains Cracker Barrel at 7:00 am (1510 Cracker Barrel Lane, 37914). Park at the right side of the lot facing Weigel’s (106 miles RT x $.07 = $7.90 to the driver). Drivers must have a Smokies parking sticker. Leader will meet the group at the trailhead.  Hike limited to 13 hikers. 

  Leader: Sally Brogden, sbrogden@utk.edu

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• Wednesday Hike: Schoolhouse Gap, Turkeypen Ridge, Finley Cane, Bote Loop

  • When
    11/12/2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Schoolhouse Gap TH, GSMNP
  • Spaces left
    25

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  We will combine 4 trails to create a Moderate 11.3-mile loop, utilizing the trails that criss-cross Laurel Creek Road. Starting at the Schoolhouse Gap trailhead on Laurel Creek Road, we’ll hike the entire length of that trail, passing the Turkeypen Ridge Trail junction to reach the picnic table where the trail meets the Scott Mountain Trail. We’ll reverse course to pick up the Turkeypen Ridge Trail, hiking its length until we again reach Laurel Creek Road. We’ll cross the road to pick up the Finley Cane Trail, hiking it until we reach the Bote Mountain Trail. We’ll hike the ridge until Bote turns down the mountain, taking us back to our starting point at the Schoolhouse Gap trailhead.

  Hike: 11.3 miles, rated Moderate. For carpooling, meet at Kroger on 244 S Hall Rd, Alcoa, TN at 8:00 am. {drive 48 miles RT @ 7¢/mile = $3.36}. OR meet at the Schoolhouse Gap trail head ready to hike at 9:00 am. 

  Leader: John Lee, johnjlee.67@gmail.com

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• Sunday Hike: Cumberland Trail, McGill Creek Falls Section

  • When
    11/16/2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • Location
    Harriman Lowes off I-40 W Exit 350
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  The McGill Creek Falls section is another relatively new Cumberland Trail hike. The section includes a few wonderful views, a nice waterfall at the end and some fabulous fall colors this time of year. The trail continues a little farther up the hill past the falls. Hike is 5.5 miles total, or the group can opt to hike an additional three miles out and back to Hells Kitchen, an interesting rock formation. Rated moderate to difficult.

  Meet at Harriman Lowes off I-40 W Exit 350 at 8:00 am (Drive 100 miles RT. Recommended car pool rate $7).

  Leader: Tim Bigelow, Bigelowt2@mindspring.com

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• Saturday Hike: Cumberland Gap Highlight Tour

  • When
    11/22/2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Lincoln Memorial University's Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum
  • Spaces left
    15

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  Starting at the Abraham Lincoln Museum at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN, we will walk the famous Wilderness Road through the mountain cleft to the Cumberland Gap National Park Visitor Center in Middlesboro, KY. At the historic Saddle of the Gap, we will pause to recite Frederick Jackson Turner's lyrical ode to the frontier and then detour uphill to the majestic Pinnacle Overlook. Other highlights include the quaint town of Cumberland Gap, the Iron Furnace, the entrance to Gap Cave (closed for the winter), several Civil War ruins, Tri-State Peak (via another uphill detour) where three states meet and the Cumberland Trail begins, and a trail through an old railroad tunnel.

  Distance about 9 miles. Rated Moderate to Difficult because of two strenuous climbs. We will begin with a very short car shuttle. You may want to spend extra time at either the VC or the Lincoln Museum after the hike.

  Meet at 9:00 AM at Lincoln Memorial University's Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum at 120 Mars-DeBusk Parkway in Harrogate, TN.

  To carpool, meet ready to leave at 7:30 AM at the Outback Steakhouse at 314A Merchant Drive in Knoxville (just off the I-75 Merchant Drive exit). Drive 110 miles RT ($8.00 to driver).

  No signups after 7:00 PM on November 21.

  Leader: Dan Feller,  dfeller@utk.edu.

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• Off Trail Hike: Timber Tops Lodge Site and Little Indian Gap Shelter Site Loop

  • When
    11/29/2025

  In 1924 (the year SMHC was organized) the president of Champion Fiber Company, Ruben Robertson, had a lodge built for his personal use near the crest on the Smokies in North Carolina. At that time the only road over the mountains in this area was the old Will Thomas Road, and the lodge was built on an improved section of this road near Indian Gap. In 2011 SMHC members looking for the old road found the remains of this lodge. Last year, members of the club also located the site of the Little Indian Gap AT shelter. We will begin our hike at Newfound Gap, then follow parts of the AT, the old Thomas Ridge trail, and the old Will Thomas Road for a loop hike visiting the lodge site and the site of the old AT shelter.

  Hike: around 5 miles rated moderately difficult due to thick vegetation on sections of the old roads.

  Drive 100 miles RT.

  Pre-registration with the leader required.

  Leader: Ed Fleming, edwrdflm@aol.com.

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• 2025 Holiday Banquet and Installation Dinner

  • When
    12/13/2025
  •  
    5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Fox Den Country Club, 12284 N. Fox Den Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934

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  December 13 (Saturday) — Fox Den Country Club

  Join us for an evening of good food and good friends as we enjoy our guest speaker presentation, install the SMHC officers for 2026, and present awards!

  The Social Committee is thrilled to announce that our guest speaker will be Jaimie Matzko, Director of Communications and Outreach for Discover Life in America (DLiA). DLiA is the nonprofit science partner of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, leading the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory—a project to document every species in the Park. Working with scientists, park staff, and volunteers, DLiA studies and shares the importance of biodiversity and how everyone, especially hikers, can help record life in the Smokies.

  5:00-6:00pm
  Reception: Entertainment, Cash Bar, and Cider/Fruit Punch

  6:00-7:00pm
  Welcome, Benediction, Dinner and Fellowship

  7:00-7:15pm
  Business Meeting: Introduction and Installation of 2026 Officers

  7:15-8:00pm
  Guest Speaker: Jaimie Matzko, Director of Communications and Outreach for Discover Life in America (DLiA)

  8:00-8:30pm
  ATMC Awards, 2026 Handbook Distribution, SMHC Merchandise Sales

  Dinner Menu - $40.00 Per Person
  All dinners served with salad, rolls, tea, coffee, and water.

  Entree choices (choose one)

  • Chicken Marsala, Whipped Parmesan Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetable Medley
  • Poached Atlantic Salmon, Rice Pilaf, Seasonal Vegetable Medley
  • Vegetarian Delight (Italian Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Drizzled with Balsamic Glaze), Rice Pilaf, Roasted Seasonal Vegetables 

  Dessert Choices (choose one)
  

  • Cheesecake with Strawberries
  • Chocolate Fudge Cake

  Register and pay online or print and mail the registration form with your payment. The last date for registration is Saturday, December 6. If you need assistance with registration, contact Pat Watts. Cancellations must be received by Saturday, December 6. If cancellations are received later than December 6, meals cannot be refunded. Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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