Chattanooga Hiking Meetup

Advanced hikers, join us for a strenuous and rewarding hike to the summit of Mt. Sterling. This will be an out-and-back hike (current conditions prevent a loop). The reward for this hike is the incredible panoramic view from the 60-foot fire tower atop the 5,842-foot summit.

We will meet at the Big Creek Ranger Station parking area and begin by walking about 0.7 miles on a closed road to reach the Baxter Creek Trail. We’ll hike beside creeks and then pass through some of the most impressive forest in the Smokies, including areas near Baxter Creek known for having some of the largest trees in the Smoky Mountains. Early on, the trail winds alongside Big Creek through lush, vibrant forest, especially beautiful in spring and early summer when wildflowers blanket the forest floor. As you climb higher, the landscape changes from deciduous into a cooler, darker spruce-fir forest, moving through entirely different ecosystems in a single hike. Once the ascent begins, expect a long, steady, and relentless climb to the summit—gaining over 4,000 feet in roughly 6 miles. This is a true endurance hike with very few flat portions. This is widely considered one of the toughest day hikes in the Smokies, and it earns that reputation. The climb is consistent, the mileage is long, and the effort is real—but that’s exactly what makes the summit experience so special. At the top, the reward is unmatched. Climbing the fire tower reveals 360-degree views that stretch across the Smokies with views of Balsam Mountain, Mount Guyot, Cataloochee Valley, and beyond.

Check here for trail description: https://hikinginthesmokys.com/mt-sterling-via-baxter-creek/

We plan to stay together as a group. We will take water/snack breaks, when needed, as well as a lunch break on top of Mt. Sterling

- Bring plenty of water!
- Sunscreen is highly recommended
- Pack lunch and snacks
- Pets are NOT ALLOWED on this trail

Carpool
Contact us (or comment on this hike) if you need to carpool

WHERE TO MEET:
**Please note: there are restrooms at the trailhead
Big Creek Parking Area
QV5V+WR Waynesville, NC
I-40 exit 451 to Waterville Rd, straight on Big Creek Entrance Rd
35.7599066,-83.1059518
7am CDT (8am EDT) MEET and begin hike

Standard Notice: All attendees participate at their own risk! Meetup organizers/leaders cannot be held liable for actions of any participant.
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Join us for a moderate hike to one of the more unique and quietly impressive waterfalls in the Smokies. This is a 4.5 mile roundtrip hike that typically takes 3–4 hours, with a steady climb, some rocky/rooted sections, and a short, steeper spur at the end leading down to the falls.

The hike begins on the Gabes Mountain Trail, climbing through a lush forest filled with rhododendron, hemlock, and tall poplars. The trail has a rugged feel in places, with roots and rocks that keep it interesting without being overwhelming. Along the way, you’ll pass sections of creekside terrain, moss-covered logs, and rich green forest floor — especially beautiful in spring and early summer when ferns and wildflowers fill in the landscape.

Hen Wallow Falls is a 90-foot waterfall which drops from a narrow 2-foot stream at the top and fans out into a wide, curtain-like cascade at the base, creating a completely different look than most waterfalls. Instead of a single vertical drop, the water spreads into a 30-foot-wide, delicate veil. At the base is a shallow pool where you can often spot Smoky Mountain salamanders. The setting feels tucked away and less crowded than many of the park’s more popular waterfalls. Just to the side of the falls, you’ll also notice a small cave-like opening in the rock to explore.

Check here for trail description: https://hikinginthesmokys.com/hen-wallow-falls/

We plan to stay together as a group. We will take water/snack breaks, when needed, as well as a break at the waterfall

- Bring plenty of water!
- Sunscreen is highly recommended
- Pack snacks
- Pets are NOT ALLOWED on this trail

Carpool
Contact us (or comment on this hike) if you need to carpool

WHERE TO MEET:
**Please note: there are restrooms at the trailhead
Cosby Picnic Area Parking
127 Cosby Picnic Area Rd, Cosby, TN 37722
35.7571136,-83.2084517
8am CDT (9am EDT) MEET and begin hike

Standard Notice: All attendees participate at their own risk! Meetup organizers/leaders cannot be held liable for actions of any participant.
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