Smoky Mountains Hiking Club Meetup

The Old Sugarlands Trail has been described as an “undiscovered treasure, especially for history buffs” that receives relatively light use. For this hike, we’ll follow the left bank of the river where the roar of the river eliminates noise from the highway close by. Along what used to be State Hwy 71 we will pass an old rock quarry, old rock walls and the remains of an old CCC camp. The trail starts a gradual ascent before reaching Cherokee Orchard Road, our turnaround point.
* Total out-and-back hike distance from the Visitors Center is 8.8 miles with 1300 ft total elevation gain; 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.

Blanket Mountain got its name from an 1802 survey by Return Jonathan Meigs who placed a red blanket on a pole so he had a target for his compass. The Park service once had a wooden fire tower and later a steel one on Blanket Mountain which are now gone. There is still evidence of the tower and caretaker’s cabin. Our hike begins in Elkmont by taking the Jakes Creek Trail 3.7 miles to Jakes Gap. There is one minor creek crossing. From the Gap we take the Manway 0.8 of a mile to the top where we will have lunch. This section of trail was abandoned about 40 years ago but is relatively open.
* Total out-and-back hike distance is 9 miles with just over 2300’ of elevation gain; rated on the moderate side of Difficult due to the elevation climb and the off-trail section.
* 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.

From the Chestnut Top trailhead, there is a gradual ascent of about 1200 feet through a mixed hardwood/pine forest, with some good views at this time of year toward Thunderhead Mountain and the crest of the Smokies. After reaching the high point at Chestnut Top, we have about a mile and a half of relatively level (for the Smokies) walking until our turnaround spot at the junction with Schoolhouse Gap Trail.
* Total out-and-back hike distance is about 8.5 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.

We hope everyone will join us for an optional lunch at Howard’s Restaurant in Gatlinburg. Celebrate Valentine's Day by hiking the Gatlinburg Trail. This easy trail passes the historic Park headquarters, home sites and rock walls. Nice views along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. Upon arriving in Gatlinburg, we’ll have lunch at Howard’s Restaurant before returning to the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
* Total hike distance is about 2.5 miles (1.5 hours) on the trail and the street to Howard’s, rated Easy.
* For more information and to register for this event, go to the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club website HERE.
* Our Easy hikes are: 5 miles or less and up to 1000' elevation change (on trail). Hikers should be comfortable hiking at a 1.5-2.0 mph pace with 300+ feet of continuous elevation gain over a mile.