Smoky Mountains Hiking Club Meetup

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.
Total hike distance is 9.1 miles, rated Moderate+ due to elevation gain.
For more information and to register for this event, go to the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club website HERE.
Our Moderate hikes are: 5-10 miles and/or elevation change of 1000-1800', on-trail hiking. Hikers should be regularly hiking 5+ miles with 400-500 feet of continuous elevation gain over a mile, at a 2.0-2.5 mph pace.

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.
Total hike distance is 4.4 miles round trip, rated Moderately Easy with 900 feet of elevation gain.
For more information and to register for this event, go to the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club website HERE.
Our Moderate hikes are: 5-10 miles and/or elevation change of 1000-1800', on-trail hiking. Hikers should be regularly hiking 5+ miles with 400-500 feet of continuous elevation gain over a mile, at a 2.0-2.5 mph pace.

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.
Total hike distance is 11.3 miles, rated Moderate.
For more information and to register for this event, go to the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club website HERE.
Our Moderate hikes are: 5-10 miles and/or elevation change of 1000-1800', on-trail hiking. Hikers should be regularly hiking 5+ miles with 400-500 feet of continuous elevation gain over a mile, at a 2.0-2.5 mph pace.

The McGill Creek Falls section is a 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.
Total hike is 5.5 to 8.5 miles, rated Moderate to Difficult.
For more information and to register for this event, go to the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club website HERE.
Our Difficult hikes are: 10-14+ miles and/or elevation change of 1800-2500' or more, mostly on trail, some off-trail possible. Hikers should be regularly hiking 8+ miles with continuous elevation gains of 500+ feet per mile for a sustained 2 to 5 miles (or more), at a 2.0-3.0 mph pace.