Middle Prong

This day hike began around 9:30am at the Middle Prong Trailhead up the gravel road from The Institute at Tremont. The trail is an easy to moderate incline for the length I took it, 4 miles one way up to the falls, just before the Lynn Camp Prong Trail, and an easy 4 mile return. I say easy though good footwear should be worn on this trail because it is rough on the surface w/ rocks and gravel from the heavy travel and horses. This trail follows the old railroad route used for hauling supplies in and cut trees out during the time of the Little River Lumber Company. The last timber cut after the Park was established came out along the rails that once snaked through here.
I saw the old Cadillac parked here for the last time about 2 miles in (see the "lil' brown book" for more details). Mr. Ralph Hayes, whom I'd met while walking this trail soon after I moved here had first told me of this car and we looked for it some that day but didn't go far enough. Well Ralph, I found it.
Among other things to note along this moderate hike were the spots where houses and other structures once stood and where bridges crossed the prong. Theses bridges left evidence w/ steel cables and rock foundations. Along the way you'll see large rocks, small waterfalls, flowers, and assorted trees to enjoy as you walk. I saw deer, fish, bugs and birds. Lynn Camp Falls can be found at approx. 4 miles. These are really pretty and not traveled nearly as much as others do to the distance and they are not on the park issue trail map. They are found down a narrow spur to the right. I use the word "falls" in the plural because it is a cascading fall w/ at least three levels. This is a nice route to access the AT or just a RT dayhike. In the approach before the falls the trail begins to get steeper, and from past experience on this trail that grade increase continues pretty much until the AT. Peace