Tremont/West Prong

This hike begins in the parking area on the right side of the road just before the main Tremont Complex. The trail splits soon after it starts w/ the main route being to the left, and a spur to 'Walker Valley Cemetary', going to the right. The West Prong trail is a steady incline from the very beginning and continued going up throughout the duration of my being on it. As I walked there was water to be found if needed and several other stream beds dry, apparently due to drought. Some of these dry streams would have wonderful water falls when running even partially. At what I thought was the the second turn-off to campsite #18; later I learned, by consulting the book,"Hiking Trails of The Smokies" ('03)that this was another unmarked trail which created a large loop around the cemetary and back to the trail head. I followed that trail from the split and enjoyed some views as well as open areas that were big enough to remain partially clear even during the summer for meditation and relaxing. I crossed over and around some mounds of dirt and rock that apeared to have been left from previous settlements or Tremont developments. Another something I'll ask about or research at Sugarlands and edit this, or report on. The trail dropped off and around the front of some knobs, into a large drainage that had water running, and was at one point buried in fallen trees and sided by a rocky face. The last quarter mile or so of this trail was parallel to and above the Middle prong creek that feeds the Little River. The approximate distance of this improvised loop was around 2.5 miles. Moderate to difficult terrian.

Tennessee River Gorge Section, Cumberland Plateau Trail

This hike begins at Signal Point, Signal Mountain, Tennessee. Foggy and crisp-cold at noontime, beautiful monotone colors and ghostly waterfall across the gorge. Did not walk very far today, honoring the time constraint of a fellow traveler. This is my first entry. Have forgotten the titles of a few of the milestones particularly the waterfall (a woman's name...) but distinctly remember Middle Creek Bridge which crosses the creek below the aqueduct about 1.8 miles from trailhead. Had not noticed before today the character of the trail, the rocky terrain, feet dipping in and out of fallen leaves, perhaps hidden obstacles. I walk too fast. In fact, Patti asked me to slow down..... Nothing like a (somewhat) familiar trail through the eyes of a first-time visitor. Where is Rainbow Lake? Before making our excursion, a few friends asked if we were "going that far?" Not today; approximately one hour out and back.

Wild week

Each year in Pigeon Forge a week of wildlife related presentations, workshops, demonstrations, educational sessions, and hikes takes place, and most of these are free. This is known as the Wildlife Wilderness Week, and has been going on for like 18 years. This was my first time to attend and I would recommend it for anyone who has never attended. Some of the veterans of this event I spoke w/ were becoming disappointed w/ the lack of new content for the regular attendee, however, for someone who has never attended or only been to a couple I would have no problem in finding new material to learn about or hikes to participate in. I attended sessions on Hypothermia, wild turkeys, Dowsing, the current state of the GSMNP, and several other informative presentations. Another great benefit of the timing of 'WWW', is that the room rates at area hotels; those not affiliated w/ the convention center where the 'WWW' took place, were like $24/night and up, on weekdays, w/ some increases for the weekend rate. These were not independent hotels alone, the "chain hotels" were displaying these rates on their marquis/signs as well. Guess that's what happens when you have of thousands of rooms empty in the off season.

Gabes Mountian Trail Jan. 9th

This evening hike began as a back country excursion w/ 2 night's out. I began by parking in the picnic area just before the Cosby Campground; in the park, and walking back down the road I had driven in on about 50 yards to pick up the trailhead. It ended as a 4.4 mile day hike after getting honest w/ myself about the potential weather and my preparedness for such. I walked into Hen Wallow Falls, 2.2 miles, and enjoyed the beauty of the cascading water w/ a snack and fluids. Since this was my first time at the falls I have nothing to reference the amount of flow to, though it seemed reasonable for the severe drought this area is experiencing and the amount of rain over the last few weeks. Now, the next morning, and into the next day, I'm sure the flow increased dramatically as there was lots of rain and winds, w/ gust exceeding 40 miles/hour, as the expected front blew through. That's one of the times where I listened to that voice within and took action contrary to my initial "ego thoughts", and was very glad I did. The terrain was moderate to difficult I supppose and I look forward to finishing the loop via campsites #34, and on to #29.

Off the Grid

Made an approximate 6 mile roundtrip(RT) on a route that is walked by those famaliar w/ this section of the GSMNP. Usually staff, some locals, and the folks maintaining the boar population. Easy to moderate terrain which requires close attention to detail as the route is not marked or very clear in some areas. The streams are full and beautiful flowing over, under, and around boulders, w/ some large pools to sit, or even swim in some. This blog will not reveal the location it is only noted to ensure any readers that we are out in the woods. This hike was made on Jan. 6th/08

Big Frog Wilderness

This is a great hiking excursion w/ moderate to difficult terrain. My hiking partner and I enjoyed clear views through the Hemlocks and White Pines as we consistently gained elevation after leaving the trailhead. We sat on and behind some rocks along the trail at about 4000' and relaxed in the sun, out of the strong winds. From here we checked out the southern reaches of the beautiful Smoky mountains. On the return we hiked to the Rough Creek Trail and were blessed w/ healthy pretty forest and streams. The distance of this loop was approximatly ten miles. (This hike took place on 1/1/08)