Hike in the Great Outdoors at Thompson Loop Trail

Do an 11.9 KM/7.4 mile hike on Thompson Loop Trail. There is a 672 ft. elevation gain; the average grade is 3%, but there is a place with a 13% grade; some will want walking sticks. This hike will take 3 – 3.5 hours, or perhaps a tad more, a little longer than what we usually do.

Meet at 12:00 at the Tsali Trailhead, 8105 Tsali Rd., Almond. Trail fee: $2/person in cash paid at the main parking lot. Great lookouts of Fontana Lake and mountains. The first four miles of the trail have many creek crossings. The Forest Service says we will be sharing the trail with horseback riders, but not with mountain bikers that day.

There is conflicting information about whether bathrooms and picnic tables are available. It would be best to presume they are not available and to take care of your needs ahead of time, perhaps in Bryson City.

Enjoy this trail through the beautiful woodland of Swain County Park; this is a lovely area to get out into nature, with some pleasant views of Fontana Lake throughout the first portion of this trail.

Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. As always, bring plenty of water and a protein snack. Dress for the weather. Bring your camera. Tennis shoes should be ok unless it has been raining recently, in which case light hiking boots would be better.