Name: Black Friday 3-day/2-night Smokies Backpack: Mt. Sterling - November 28-30, 2025
Start: 2025-11-28T10:00:00-06:00
End: 2025-11-30T14:00:00-06:00
Location: Little Cataloochee Trailhead

***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 #optoutside this Black Friday weekend and 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, November 27 (optional but recommended):** I will likely be traveling late Thursday night to camp somewhere closer to the Smokes Thursday night, so I don't have to get up so early Friday morning to be at the trailhead by 10:00 Eastern. Details TBA.

**Friday, November 28:** We will drive to the Cataloochee trailhead and start no later than 10:00 AM Central Time (11:00 AM Eastern). 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 Campground, or somewhere else nearby, Thursday night 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, November 29:** 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, November 30:** 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. It will likely be quite chilly, so plan accordingly. I'll post weather updates closer to the trip.

**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](https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=13.7/-84.4851/36.1238&pubLink=b6hax2PvxBkYFyGRgxJvzhky&trackId=ba3c107b-1239-4c0d-97b1-28eac12afebf)**

Will Irvin

Nashville Backpacker Meetup

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Black Friday 3-day/2-night Smokies Backpack: Mt. Sterling - November 28-30, 2025

Little Cataloochee Trailhead

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Black Friday 3-day/2-night Smokies Backpack: Mt. Sterling - November 28-30, 2025

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