Lumber Ridge Trail, rodo's, waterfalls, and a wedding

This walk involved about 9mls, of sunny skies, lots of rhododendron's blooming, waterfalls, and a wedding party. The moderate climb, consistent for approx. 3.5 mls, from Tremont, where Lumber Ridge Trail begins, should be considered difficult for those who don't get out as often. At one point in the walk we turned to the right down an old unmarked route and walked along the path of a former railway used for removing timber. This trail leads through bunches of rodo's, numerous stream crossings, and metal remnants of the old railway. The 'Mysterious One' and I stopped for lunch along this portion of the walk and made sure to keep hydrated along the way.
As we made our way back from Spruce Flat Falls, we stepped aside for a group of folks in rather odd attire. Turns out they were hiking to the falls for a wedding ceremony which caused the 'Mysterious One' to chuckle and share with them that she had noted in her thoughts that the scene at the falls was set for some type of ceremony. Seeing the picture you may agree. Peace

Lumber Ridge Loop

This was a pleasant probably 8-9 ml. day hike which started from the Tremont parking lot and Lumber Ridge trail. The sky was overcast with high gray clouds and temperatures probably in the lower 50's. The "Mysterious One" led the way for most of the first 3 miles which is a consistent incline and then levels off for about a mile before connecting with the Meigs Creek and Meigs Mountain trails. At this point, Buckhorn Gap, we began the unmapped section of the hike by turning right down a steep nameless trail which is frequented by groups from the Institute and those of us who are aware of this section of trail.
Just a short distance down the trail the grade lessens and there is evidence of a logging camp at which we found a log to sit on and eat some lunch. Throughout the next 4 miles there are obvious signs of an old railway on which cut timber was once hauled out on. These signs came in the form of rusting portions of track, cables, and assorted iron pieces scattered about. This section of trail follows Spruce Flat Branch, making numerous stream crossings, until you reach Spruce Flat Falls (approx. 4mls.), and then descends on some short and steep switchbacks down to the base of the falls. Today we saw some folks taking pictures here as we crossed the stream and completed the last mile of the hike.

Lumber Ridge Loop

Dudes and dudettes! Here I was feeling like Dan'l Boone in my mind as I began this 8 mile loop at Lumber Ridge trailhead at Tremont, half of which would be covering a new path for me. Yep, that's what I was thinking until about 3 miles into the walk a group of kids from Tremont approached and from what I gathered they had come from the "uncharted" section I was about to walk! Then a little ways further along I ran into the beginning of another group which was spread out over another 1/4 mile or so and in speaking with one of the Tremont employees I confirmed they were on the same route I had planned, only from a different direction.
So much for my ego feeding plan of hiking miles of unmapped manways covered in thick rodo hells with biting bugs and large furry mammals. Oh my!
What a delight it was to see these youngsters from a large Midwestern city out on a long day hike in the Appalachian Mountains! Mixed boys and girls, ethnic backgrounds and ages.










I can only hope they enjoyed the beautiful day as much as I did! Peace

It's Was New

So today I decide to locate and follow a foot trail I spotted on my return yesterday along Lumber Ridge trail, and see what "new, unexplored" territory Junior Ranger Fife, that's me, can find! Well after being on it for about 10 minutes it became pretty clear where I was going to end up which was on Buckeye T. near the water tower. I made some adjustments in my plans and continued towards the Spruce Flat Falls w/ the intention of bushwhacking; which I later learned was not necessary, to end up above the falls. Being someone who prefers an easier softer route I tend to over think some situations and add to the work. Well, I added some work to this effort however it was a challenge successfully met and I ended up locating the old road/railway, the difficult way, coming off of Meigs Mtn. and continues; I was later told by two gentleman who passed me along the way, on past to one of the one-lane bridges on Tremont rd.








Dudes! and Dudettes! What awesome falls up above the main batch! The section of falls which most people see especially in the summer needs to stay that way. In the summer you can't even see much above the main section and for the novice hiker the visible section should suffice. I look forward to learning more of this area and using what I picked up to today to travel new paths. Peace

Lumber Ridge

This walk began out of "The Institute" (Tremont), parking area and involved the Lumber Ridge trail, covering about 2 miles of the 4.1 to the intersection w/ Meigs creek and Meigs Mountain trails. The walk starts out with an incline right out of the parking lot at Tremont and continues to climb for the next 3mls. or so. The incline is not always steep it's just consistent. It can be tough depending on your pace and/or health. At this time of year there are some great views which begin less than a mile into the walk and this section also involves the steepest grades. It is a walk that is most enjoyable for me when I can extend it, reverse the direction and make it a one-way hike from the Sinks at Meigs creek trail and ending at Tremont. A direction and route I've covered a couple of times (1/09).

Meigs Creek

This walk began at approx. 7am Saturday morning with temps in the low 50's, and quiet misty mountains to appreciate. When parking at the Meigs Creek trail head along the Lil' Rvr. rd. just before the hour their were no others present. I began this 7.5 ml. RT w/ the understanding that I may be turned back at some point due to recent rains and the numerous stream crossings along this route, though with careful rock hopping I made it across all the streams, dry. The quieting moisture was thick in the air and on the ground making for a soft trail and little noise so the birds singing and being heard were rather prominent.
At the junction w/ Lumber Ridge and Meigs Mtn. trails I continued for a short distance in one direction or another locating one of interest which I'll walk soon. Hopefully w/ likity or "the mysterious one".
There were some great colors in bloom and maybe a rare plant or two, or maybe not, along this path.
As I returned I reminded myself of the continued need for care when rock hopping only to bust it on the second stream!! Damn near breaking a my middle finger in the roll and "semi-great save" from the water. Another great day in the woods to among other things, enjoy the colors and shapes while contemplating the need for conservancy and the responsibility I have as a human to do so! Peaace.
The pictures in the last entry and this one are from different trails and days! Aaaah! the ferns!

One Way

Today was a wonderful day to hike w/ temps in the 40's, PC skies and, and not a lot of tourist out of their cars. When a friend dropped me of at the sinks and Meig's Creek trail there was no one there. A fella w/ Ohio tags on his car pulled in after us to take some pictures as I tied my boots, but I was quickly on the other side of the rock and beginning another awesome day in the woods! Damn I forgot to check my camera for space on the memory and so I missed some great vista's as I made the descent along Lumber Ridge trail into Tremont. Oh well, I guess you'll have to take my word for it, or come join us on a walk.
This one way excursion began at the Meig's Creek Trail and Little River rd. The trail has numerous stream crossings 16-20, and tested my rock-hopping skills and will yours, if your lucky enough to "walk this way"! For more information on the name of this trail, Meig's Creek, see the book 'Place Names of The Smokies',(Coggins'99), and learn some about Mr. Return Jonathan Meigs.
The trail was untouched it appeared by human traffic since most of the snow melted and was not too muddy w/ the difficulty up to Lumber Ridge Trail moderate to difficult depending on your fitness and pace. The cascading fall just under 2 mls. into the walk was partially frozen as you can see in the picture. The incline is moderate over the 3.5 mls, and as noted the frequent stream crossings keep your attention. Today there were several beautiful vista's, streams, cascades, large trees, open forest, and "rodo tunnel's", w/ fresh sign of what appeared to be bear skat and paw prints from what looked like some sort of "k-9", coyote or fox I'd hope.
Lumber Ridge Trail was moderate to easy once I started down Meig's Mtn. w/ views of the Middle Prong of the Little River and Walker Valley. Peace

Meigs Creek Trail

This walk begins at The Sinks parking area; along Little River road, which also provides access to the Meigs Creek Trail. The relatively moderate trail was really fun, once out of the cluster of people and cars which double park in the area provided. After I cleared the stone and root staircase just out of the parking lot and the first hill, I saw no one until I returned. Over this first rise, along the side of a ridge, and back down I crossed a small marsh via stepping stones, previously laid in the dark mud. This was the beginning of a bunch of wet spots, which involved numerous medium to small stream rock hops, and given a time of "average rainfall", or a few days of steady rain this would probably be best done w/ old sneakers, water shoes, etc... According to the "lil brown book" at 1.8 mls. I got to experience the cascades seen in the photo, though it sure didn't feel like a much more than a mile. "Musta been having a bunch of fun". (I hope the guy from Michigan; who looked like he was looking for something to film w/ his camera, didn't follow my suggestion that he might want to walk the "mile or so" to see it.) I followed this trail the 3+ miles to the intersection at Buckhorn Gap and the intersection of the Meigs Mountain and Lumber Ridge trails. This crossroads offers a wide choice of options. I was doing a RT so I sat down, had some gorp and crackers, picked up someones disposable mustard packet and enjoyed the moments. At one point on my walk back I came real close to damn near stepping on what turned out to be two snakes (apparently copperheads) doing their thing, I guess. This could be seen as porn by some and if it offends you turn the channel! The return was cool, in how along this trail there are no drastic elevation losses or gains and so any serious "cardio exertion" I felt was because I chose it by keeping a steady pace up an incline. And there are some extended inclines. I must note in the future that these descriptions of trail difficulty are skewed somewhat to the easy side and that a novice hiker may find the same trail more difficult. Enjoy your walks, Peace.

Spuce Flat Falls Sunday 02/10/08

This is an easy to moderate hike w/ a roundtrip distance of maybe 3 miles. I have made this hike to the falls beginning at the Tremont HQ and the Lumber Ridge Trailhead several times and enjoy the terrian, views, and of course the falls, which were running during the driest parts of last year ('07).
On the return trip from the falls my hiking partner and I let pass a family of folks ranging in age from there mid 20's to late 60's+, and who were going to be pushing it when they had to slide down boulders so as to prevent slipping and a few other challenges along the the trail. Though they had already accomplished a major part of the incline along the route, I mentioned to the younger couple we passed first that they should pay close attention to their older relatives. As up ahead there were rocks and steep, wet spots in the trail that would have to be dealt with. I smiled as my admiration grew for the older part of the group and the determined smiles they shared when they passed by. This route pretty much parallels Tremont Rd., off and up the side of Miegs Mountain w/ some good views, varying terrain and some great sitting spots once at the falls. Some of them out of the way enough to enjoy the sounds and sites and still remain unnoticed by most who may venture in after you arrive.
This hike, I think, is a good bet to take folks on who are relatively healthy and physically capable yet knew to the idea of experiencing up close and first hand some of what they see on TV.