Hemphill Bald in the Smokies from Polls Gap 9.5 - 10 Miles

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/e/b/4/event_119776052.jpeg (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4991501/Hemphill%20Bald%20Meetup/Hemphill%20bald%20pic.jpg)

Let's take in some great views in the Smokies on Hemphill Bald without a whole lot of work. This is a moderate hike with respect to elevation gain but will be approximately 9.5 - 10 miles in length. It is an out and back hike (there are not a lot of loop trails of this length in the Smokies)

We will begin the hike at Polls Gap and hike along the Hemphill Bald Trail to the summit at 4.7 miles. The view to the left off the trail has views into the Caldwell Fork Valley. The valley descends to the northeast to the Cataloochee Valley. The view to the right (southeast) is over the Maggie Valley area.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/2/3/6/event_119785142.jpeg (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4991501/Hemphill%20Bald%20Meetup/Hemphill%20google%20aerial.jpg)We will meet at Earthfare at Westgate Plaza at 8:30 AM, arrange carpooling and depart for the trail by 8:45. It is approximately a 45 mile (one hour and fifteen minute) drive to the trailhead. I anticipate arriving at the trailhead around 10:00.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/a/2/4/event_119787172.jpeg (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4991501/Hemphill%20Bald%20Meetup/Smokies%20map%20Hemphill.jpg)I don't plan on going at a race pace and plan to take enough time to soak it all in. For the dog lovers, I'm afraid dogs are not allowed in the Smokies.

We should be back to the trailhead between 3:00-3:30 and return to Earthfare by 5:00. That could change should we decide to get a bite to eat afterward. These are not definite times but just estimates so plan accordingly so we don't need to rush back

for any appointments or other engagements. Click on photos and images for a larger view.

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