Manway Hike: Jakes Creek/Blanket Mountain

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.