Smoky Mountains Hiking Club upcoming events

ATC Trail Specialists Jayson and Alexis On-trail learning experience (10/15/2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Join ATC Trail Specialists Jayson Koscielniak and Alexis de Seze for an on-trail learning experience. These guys really know their stuff, having personally surveyed hundreds of miles of the A.T. during the last couple of years. Plan: We will meet at Davenport Gap parking area at 9am. We will start with introductions and tailgate safety meeting. From there we will talk about the basics of trail maintenance, different types of drains, and how water effects trails. From there we will hike north to look at some examples of different drains and talk about how to maintain them. After that we will break off into groups and work on maintaining several of the drains in the area. We will stop around 11:30 for lunch and wrap up around 3pm. Contact Larry Johnson (865) 776-6434 larryj11320@gmail.com

Make sure everyone brings plenty of water and lunch
Bring proper PPE (Long pants, safety glasses, Hardhat, Boots, etc)
Bring your preferred Digging Tool

SMHC Participants are kindly asked to also register on the ATC website. Here is a link folks can use to register for the workshop on Oct. 15 with Jayson and Alexis:

https://volunteer.appalachiantrail.org/s/atc-project-details?c__recId=a0qUI00000EjO7l

When: Thursday, October 15th

Location: Davenport Gap, Davenport Gap - Google Maps

Time: 9:00 AM

Spaces: 12

October 16 to 19 - Silers Bald Shelter Repairs (10/16/2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

In case all you folks have been too busy a-hiking to take notice, our little shelter up thar on Silers Bald is showing its age (like some of us). Your A.T. maintainers took a notion to fix things up, so we had the heavy stuff flown out by whirlybird back in March. When we heard the “all clear” from the park folks, we put out the word that we needed help, and wouldn’t ya know, SMHC folks just stepped right up. We’re a-fixin’ to go out and get to it October 16th to 19th, so if you are hiking in that neck of the woods for fall color, drop in and say “howdy” and “good job!” to the Ed Fleming and the crew. And if you are hankerin’ to help, we’ll try to find a way to put you to work. Wish us luck ‘cause we shore need it.

Philip Royer, (865) 599-8245, paroyer54@gmail.com

Saturday Hike: Scotts Gulf, Tennessee State Park (10/17/2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Caney Fork Trail, Polly Branch Views, and Water falls Loop. The Scotts Gulf Wilderness State Park was established in 2025 although the club has been hiking to Virgin falls area and other trails for many years. Polly Branch is on the east side of the Gulf where several other amazing views and waterfalls are there to experience.

We will drive Scott’s Gulf Rd to near its end and begin hiking the Holloway Connector Trail 0.5 miles down to the Caney Fork Trail. The Caney Fork trail follows the Scotts Gulf mid elevation overlooking the Caney Fork River 1.1 miles to Gunstock Falls then on 2.6 miles closer to river level to the Polly Branch Trail. We hike upstream 1.05 miles along the Polly Branch Trail and pass three more waterfalls on short side trails back to the rim elevation of the Gulf. We will follow the Yellow Bluff trail along the rim and edge of the TWRA Firestone WMA and see a couple of views on short side trails. The Yellow Bluff Trail and side trail is 2.5 miles back to Scott’s Gulf Rd and a half mile return to the starting trailhead. Hike 8.25 miles.

Rated moderate with 1000ft elevation loss and gain. Part of the trail is along the edge of a WMA so the leaders will be wearing orange since archery season will be underway.

Meet at Lowe’s Harriman at exit 350 off I-40 at 7:30. Drive 110 miles RT. Suggested car pool reimbursement $8. Part of the end of Scott’s Gulf Rd is gravel.

Leaders: Tim Bigelow bigelowt2@mindspring.com 865-607-6781 and Larry Johnson

Sunday Hike: Charlies Bunion (10/18/2026)

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Come join us for this classic high-elevation hike. We will dodge the tourists as we hike northbound on the AT from Newfound Gap for approximately four miles to Charlies Bunion. Here we will enjoy lunch and, weather permitting, panoramic views of the Smokies and beyond. We will return to Newfound Gap the way we came.

Hike is 8 miles. Rated moderate. Carpoolers meet at Strawberry Plains Cracker Barrel at 7 AM (1510 Cracker Barrel Lane, 37914). Park at right side of lot facing Weigel’s. 108 miles RT x $.07 = $7.50 to driver.

Or meet at the trail head at 8:30 am. Drivers must have a Smokies parking pass. Hike limited to 15 hikers. The hike leader will meet you at the trail head at 8:30am ready to hike.

Leader: Sally Brogden, contact info will be shared after sign up Register at smhclub.org

Saturday Hike: Mount Cammerer via Low Gap (10/24/2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:45:00 GMT

For our annual Fall Colors Mount Cammerer hike, we will start at the Cosby trailhead parking area and hike up the famously steep Low Gap Trail to connect with the AT in the gap. Then we will head north on a stretch of the AT until we reach the Mount Cammerer spur trail. The Mount Cammerer Fire Tower, restored and picturesque, offers stunning 360-degree views of surrounding TN and NC mountains. Following lunch, we will return the way we came.

Hike is 11.4 miles, with elevation gain of 2800 feet. Rated difficult.

To carpool, meet at the Cracker Barrel at Strawberry Plains (1510 Cracker Barrel Lane, Exit 398 off of I-40; park on the right side of the lot), ready to leave at 7:40 am. (Drive: 106 miles RT @ 7¢/mile=$7.50).

Or meet at the Cosby Hiker parking at 8:45 am. The hike leader will meet you at the Cosby Hiker parking lot.

Hike leader: Terry Martin terrymartinjr7@gmail.com; 865-399-1465.

Wednesday Hike: Shuckstack on the AT (out and back) (10/28/2026)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Starting at Fontana Dam, we’ll hike 4.6 miles to Shuckstack fire tower.

AFTER CROSSING THE DAM, WE WILL FACE A STEEP RELENTLESS CLIMB. Elevation gain 2400 feet within the first 2.4 miles. The fire tower is 60 feet of steel and wood the tower was built In 1934. There are 78 open steps to the top for 360 view of Fontana Lake, the Smokies, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

RATED DIFFICULT

For carpooling meet at Kroger‘s Alcoa, 244 South Hall Rd. (Park around the side beside KARM) ready to leave at 7:15AM round-trip 96 miles (@.07=$7.00 rounded up) or at Fontana Dam at 9:00 AM.

Hike leader: Louise Miniard lminiard00@gmail.com

Join the Backpacking and Base Camp Group (10/31/2026)

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Join a NEW group of SMHC members interested in backpacking and base camping. This is an auxiliary activity like the existing Wednesday Hikers Group. The Group designates 1-2 people to manage a weekly email communications distribution. Group members take turns selecting and leading backpacks and base camps.

For more information, contact Larry Johnson (865-776-6434, larryj11320@gmail.com), or Brian Mason (865-300-2377, BMason997@yahoo.com).

Off Trail Hike: Cat Stairs (10/31/2026)

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Let’s take a Halloween Hike to the Cat Stairs! Starting in Greenbrier we’ll follow an old, rugged manway route to visit the ruins of the Barnes’ place below the towering bluff line of the lower Pinnacle Lead. From there the real climb begins as the manway snakes its way through the thickest scrub, scree, and rhodo-tangles to an even steeper, rocky ascent of the northwest Cat Stairs bluffs where we’ll use every muscle-in-our-body to pull ourselves upward. At the summit lies a little slick of laurel-horror that eventually gives way to a tight overlook showcasing views of Woolly Tops, Le Conte, and the lower Greenbrier valley. Depending on daylight remaining and the ghoulish motivations of our troupe, several terrifying descent options are available, but don’t expect to be back before dark :-}

RATED: DIFFICULT OFF-TRAIL.

Leaders: Todd Long and Kindel Page.

For sign-up info please email: kindeledhearts1985@gmail.com.

Club 1st Saturday Work Trip: End-of-Year Tool Maintenance (11/07/2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

November is the time to start winding down the trail maintenance season. This work trip 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.