About us
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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Wednesday Hike: Jakes Creek to Miry Ridge to Campsite 26
Location not specified yetStarting at the Jakes Creek trailhead at Elkmont, we’ll follow the route of the railroad built by the Little River Lumber Company during the heydays of logging in that valley. After climbing that trail’s entire length (3.6 miles and 1900 ft climb), we’ll continue our climb up the Miry Ridge trail (1.9 miles and another 700 ft) to reach Campsite 26, where we’ll have a welcome rest for lunch. We’ll return the same way (thankfully all downhill). You can choose to turn around at any point.
* Total Hike Distance is 11 miles if you do the whole thing; rated Difficult because of the relentless 2600 ft. climb.
* 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.1 attendee
Easy Saturday Hike: Norris Dam River Bluff Trail
Location not specified yetThe River Bluff Trail is a scenic way to see the Clinch River and enjoy a beautiful, forested area. This is a great trail for observing a large variety of wildflowers in a small area, including several rare species. Rich pockets of wildflowers are scattered over the hillside, especially yellow trout lilies, celandine poppies, bloodroot, spring beauties and toothwort.
* Total hike distance is 3.2 miles with elevation gain 538 ft; 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.1 attendee
Past events
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