What we’re about
This group is operated by the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club, Inc. (07/17/2025).
Our Club members are passionate about hiking! Our missions also include education about the outdoors and advocacy for crucial conservation issues. In addition, we proudly maintain 102 miles of Appalachian Trail in the Smokies and Nantahala National Forest.
Join one of our weekly hikes in the beautiful, rugged Smokies and surrounding natural areas here in East Tennessee. Try your hand at some high-elevation trail maintenance on the Appalachian Trail. Participate in conservation efforts to preserve our natural heritage.
SMHC offers adventure and fun for all kinds of people - like you. Join us!
Upcoming events
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MODERATE WEEKDAY HIKE: Twin Arches – Big South Fork (8.5 miles)
Location not specified yetWe will explore the well-known Twin Arches of Big South Fork. From the Twin Arches parking lot, we will hike 0.7 miles going clockwise to the Twin Arches and then down to the Charit Creek Lodge. We will have lunch on the grounds around the lodge. We will return closing the loop on the trail to the parking lot.
Total hike is 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.1 attendee
AT Work Trip: End-of-Year Tool Maintenance
Location not specified yetThis Appalachian Trail work trip will be a little different. We will meet at the SMHC Trail Maintainers tool shed to clean, sharpen and inventory the club’s hand tools used on the AT. The SMHC has a large inventory of hand tools, and it is vital we keep them in good working condition.
For more information and to register for this event, go to the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club website HERE.1 attendee
Moderate Weekday Hike: The West Prong Trail
Location not specified yetThis out and back hike covers the West Prong Trail in the Tremont area. Most autumn leaves will have fallen giving river views and the sounds of the West Prong of the Little River from which this trail derives its name. The beginning of this hike is a steady climb of approximately 625 feet over the first 1.4 miles. During this ascent of the northern slope of Fodderstack Mountain, there will be occasional openings where you can enjoy views of the surrounding area. About two miles into your hike, you will come upon a small creek that will require rock-hopping to cross. Campsite 18 is located just on the other side of this crossing. At the 2.7-mile mark, the West Prong Trail ends at its juncture with the Bote Mountain Trail. The official hike will return to Campsite 18, have lunch, then return to the trail head.
Total hike distance is 5.4 miles, rated Moderate; total elevation gain is about 1,375 feet with several ascents and descents.
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.1 attendee
Moderate 9 Mile History Hike: Jakes Creek to Blanket Mountain
Location not specified yetThis 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.1 attendee
Past events
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