Sunday in The Park

This approx. 3 mile, excursion (RT), was taken w/ some friends. One who had walked the Middle Prong Trail, though not recently and another friend who had never been on it. They were both eager to get out on this wonderful spring day in Southern Appalachia so walk we did! And we covered much more trail than originally discussed. It was a fun walk w/ lots of sharing of views and experiences and despite the full parking area at the trail head we spent relatively little in time the presence of others.
We did speak w/ two folks who had planned on a nice night at #28, but did not plan on the cold temperatures and had brought hammocks to sleep in instead of a tent (This reminds me of Forest' walk in Chickamauga Battlefield a few months ago, Lost, 12/29/08). They said they did not sleep at all because they were so cold and had actually just gotten their stuff packed up after bivouacking along the trail and sleeping some. I hope these folks will try again!

Spring into Wild Life!

The weather is taking a step towards the warmer seasons, at least during the day. Small blooms are starting to emerge at different elevations so enjoy the vistas while you got 'em and prepare for the equally wondrous spectrum of colors just beginning. This walk along Rich Mtn. trail (Saturday 3/21), and a short part of Indian Grave Gap trail, over to the site of the former fire tower, was done so in partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid 60's. The trail was in good shape and I encountered no one over the 5ml+ route I chose.
On the return trip, after carefully reviewing my maps, I dropped OTG about a quarter mile down from campsite #5, and into a Steep ravine which brought me to the stream shown on the map. I bushwacked fairly easily, keeping the stream close by for reference, out to the Rich mtn. rd, coming out of Cades Cove, where the stream crosses over the road. I went right at the road crossing about a 1/2 ml. to the parking area picking up empty cans and bottles along the way.

Sunday the 15th

I was out on this cool afternoon for a break from "myself" and things I have no control over and was rewarded from the "git-go" w/ appreciation of those things which need our respect. Thanks.

A Loop Completed

Hello avid hikers, outdoors enthusiast, and lost idealist! This Long day hike (14.6 mls) was the completion of a route I've begun two times before (See 11/16/08, 12/03/08), from different directions w/ the thought of, or intention of completing the loop in full both times. The trails included in today's effort, in this order, were Middle Prong, Panther Creek, Miry Ridge, and Lynn Camp Prong. I was the only car/person at the trail head when I arrived a few minutes after 11am.
Today's weather was overcast in the 40's, w/ only a few sprinkles of rain along this route and all the stream crossings were fairly easy. The numerous crossings on the Panther Creek portion all had water and the several large seeps along this route were very wet as well. There was no snow or ice even at the highest points along Miry Ridge and Dripping Springs Mountain (4801').
About a half mile from Jake's Gap coming up Panther Creek trail I had the privilege of seeing two foxes on the trail about 30 yards ahead of me. They both quickly and quietly stepped into the forest and blended away leaving me wondering if I'd actually seen them.
The first half of this route was an incline, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly, and though not as steep as other trails like parts of Alum Cave, or Bull head, w/ the consistent incline it would be difficult for the novice hiker. Add the distance and this hike would be considered difficult for most though this route could be done w/ an overnight stay at #28 on Lynn Camp Prong trail.
Water was available for the most part except for the Miry Ridge section though during which I noted several seeps. Campsite #26 is now closed at the Miry Ridge location and preliminary plans to relocate it are being revised. We'll keep you posted on where it's going to be re-established.
The only folks I saw were in the last few miles as I returned along the Middle Prong trail. Two folks bushwhacking w/ there horses, is that legal?, and a couple at the beginning of an evening walk about a mile from the parking at Tremont Rd.
Overall this was a very enjoyable hike especially the parts alone! Peace.

Walking The Schoolhouse Gap

This 3 ml. midday stroll began down on Schoolhouse Gap rd., a few hundred yards before the gate where I usually park. Someone was in the one spot where you can pull off the road at the gate, which added a little more incline to the walk. There was lots of noise initially from some construction happening nearby. It appears to be from building the newest "retreat" in the area. A development of which Bill, a native resident of this cove, had spoken of as I passed him sometime ago. Leaning against his truck he spoke of appreciating what this land once was to his family and what it's becoming now to developers and those who find no value in the natural beauty and history found here. Driven by short sighted arrogance and selfishness these folks remove the very things that make the region rich in wondrous diversity.
My walk today was for exercise, relaxation and meditation so I followed the trail to the White Oak spur and continued into the sinks. Rainbow falls was flowing well as one of the pictures shows, w/ small spots of snow hidden in the shade of rocks and logs.

While in the sinks I waved to a couple whom I saw from afar. They were leaving w/ their day packs, cameras and folding chairs. These were the only folks I saw in the sinks which made for a very enjoyable excursion. Peace

Bote Mountain with Views

Now I've hiked all or portions of this trail several times but never w/ the leaves completely gone. Dude! at a couple of points I could see into Cades Cove from the Bote Mtn. trail!(top picture).
There were great views on the other side of the trail across the valley to Defeat Ridge and New World.
The trail was muddy in places and as I gained elevation; which is all this trail does from Laurel Creek rd. to the AT, the snow cover became more full and in places was still 6 or more inches deep. I made my turn around at the Lead Cove trail intersection. This made for a 9 mile RT hike from the parking area at the trailhead on Laurel Creek road. I would rate this trail as moderate to difficult depending on your health and experience because of the consistent incline for the entire length (7.9mls) and often rough, dual us trail. The stream running down below along side Defeat Ridge was noisy with water and kept enticing me to do an impromptu bushwack but my wiser side ruled and I chose to save that for another day w/ a partner. Peace.