Mt. Sterling - 14 miles, 4,300 elevation
Details
Advanced hikers, join us for a strenuous and rewarding hike to the summit of Mt. Sterling. This will be an out-and-back hike (current conditions prevent a loop). The reward for this hike is the incredible panoramic view from the 60-foot fire tower atop the 5,842-foot summit.
We will meet at the Big Creek Ranger Station parking area and begin by walking about 0.7 miles on a closed road to reach the Baxter Creek Trail. We’ll hike beside creeks and then pass through some of the most impressive forest in the Smokies, including areas near Baxter Creek known for having some of the largest trees in the Smoky Mountains. Early on, the trail winds alongside Big Creek through lush, vibrant forest, especially beautiful in spring and early summer when wildflowers blanket the forest floor. As you climb higher, the landscape changes from deciduous into a cooler, darker spruce-fir forest, moving through entirely different ecosystems in a single hike. Once the ascent begins, expect a long, steady, and relentless climb to the summit—gaining over 4,000 feet in roughly 6 miles. This is a true endurance hike with very few flat portions. This is widely considered one of the toughest day hikes in the Smokies, and it earns that reputation. The climb is consistent, the mileage is long, and the effort is real—but that’s exactly what makes the summit experience so special. At the top, the reward is unmatched. Climbing the fire tower reveals 360-degree views that stretch across the Smokies with views of Balsam Mountain, Mount Guyot, Cataloochee Valley, and beyond.
Check here for trail description: https://hikinginthesmokys.com/mt-sterling-via-baxter-creek/
We plan to stay together as a group. We will take water/snack breaks, when needed, as well as a lunch break on top of Mt. Sterling
- Bring plenty of water!
- Sunscreen is highly recommended
- Pack lunch and snacks
- Pets are NOT ALLOWED on this trail
Carpool
Contact us (or comment on this hike) if you need to carpool
WHERE TO MEET:
**Please note: there are restrooms at the trailhead
Big Creek Parking Area
QV5V+WR Waynesville, NC
I-40 exit 451 to Waterville Rd, straight on Big Creek Entrance Rd
35.7599066,-83.1059518
7am CDT (8am EDT) MEET and begin hike
Standard Notice: All attendees participate at their own risk! Meetup organizers/leaders cannot be held liable for actions of any participant.
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