Easy Afternoon Hike: Burnett Ridge Trail, Ijams Nature Center

Burnett Ridge is an often-overlooked trail, loaded with large trees and great views. While it is a component of the KUW South Loop and can therefore can be accessed from a couple of connections with Imerys Trail, it is best reached from the parking area on Aberdeen Lane that is mainly used by rock climbers going to the Ijams Craig. Combined with short stretches on Imerys and Turnbuckle Trails we will complete a nice 3-mile loop in a remote part of Ijams Nature Center. On the way back we will take a short detour into Hayworth Hollow to the cave entrances where there are a couple of temporary ponds where it is likely that spotted salamanders will be breeding at this time of the year. Just before returning to our cars we will visit the Lime Bowl on a short unmarked side trail where Ijams has done a remarkable restoration project to turn this former mine pit into a botanically rich cedar glade that stabilizes the sides and bottom of the Lime Bowl.
* Total hike distance is about 3 miles, 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.