Wednesday Hike: Jakes Creek to Miry Ridge to Campsite 26

Starting 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.