3-day/2-night Smoky Mountain Backpacking: Mt. Sterling - August 7-9, 2025

Please read the entire description before you RSVP

If this trip caught your attention, even though you haven't read the very thorough description, here are the steps you need to take AFTER you read the entire description:

1. RSVP to get ON the waitlist.
2. Text me at 931-267-9378. Venmo me $20 to cover the permit fees. This will move you to the going list.
3. Pack your stuff (very important step)
4. Show up.
5. Hike.
(NOTE: Capacity for this trip is 8 people, MAX. No exceptions.)
---

Now for the good part!

Let's explore one of the more remote areas of the Smokies, the Cataloochee area. Some of it is still closed off, but there's a great route for us to explore that will take us up to Mt. Sterling, the site of my very first backpacking trip ever, many moons ago.

Thursday, August 7 (optional but recommended): We will travel to the Big Creek area of the park and stay at the Big Creek Group Campground. There is plenty of room for the entire group.

Friday, August 8: We will drive to the Little Cataloochee trailhead and start no later than 11:00 AM Eastern Time. There are still some damaged areas along the drive, so give yourself plenty of time to make the trip. I highly recommend staying at Big Creek, or somewhere else nearby so you don't have to potentially drive 5+ hours to get there Friday morning. We will hike the Little Cataloochee Trail to the Pretty Hollow Campsite (#39).
Miles: 6.7
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1800/1749

Saturday, August 9: We will hike the Pretty Hollow Gap Trail to where it intersects the Benton McKaye Trail, then head Northeast (turn right at the intersection) to Mt. Sterling (campsite #38). There is a fire tower with 360 degree views. Water is about 1/2 mile past the campsite down a hill. (It's either that or pack water up a very difficult climb).
Miles: 5.3
Elevation G/L: 2917 / 199 (basically all uphill)

Sunday, August 10: We will hike down Mt. Sterling trail back to Little Cataloochee trailhead, then drive home.
Miles: 6.7
Elevation G/L: 514 / 3329 (basically all downhill)

Totals for the trip: 18.8 miles, 5,280 elevation gain/loss.

Difficulty: This is a moderate to difficult hike. There is a lot of elevation, and much of the trail could still be in rough shape. Please know your fitness level, have a map, and be able to navigate before signing up for this trip. A slow and steady hiker is fine, as long as you can find your way to camp. This is a go at your own pace hike.

Weather: We will go rain or shine, unless there are severe storms in the forecast.

Water: There are some water sources along the route, and one near camp. Please have a map and familiarize yourself with where those are and plan accordingly.

Food Storage: There are bears in the Smokies, but there are cables to hang your food (they recommend hanging your entire pack), so you do not need to bring a canister or Ursack.

Cost: The cost is $20 to cover the cost of the permits. If you're carpooling, please be prepared to help the driver out with gas money.

Carpooling: If we can coordinate it, carpooling is highly recommended. Parking is limited at the trailhead.

If you have any questions about this hike, please let me know. My phone number is 931-267-9378. Please RSVP with integrity....canceling at the last minute keeps someone else from attending.

Gaia Route