Moderate 9 Mile History Hike: Jakes Creek to Blanket Mountain

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.