Middle Prong.....again!

Two times in a month!?! Yes, it was raining most of the day yesterday but the gear was waterproof, the boots were dry and I wanted to hike! And being properly prepared I returned warm and dry a few hours later.

These remnants remain from one of the logging camps built along the route (approx. 2mls from the start), this trail follows. Before there was a national park, and before there was trail along the middle prong of the little river there was a temporary railway built here to transport the cut logs to the mill in Townsend.
The trail now follows this old rail route.
The water level remains up along the Middle Prong of the Little River with little sign of recent human traffic. Given the amount of rain we have received over the last couple of months this trail still remains walkable but I would recommend ankle high waterproof shoes for the next few weeks to better prevent cold wet feet.
Though there may not be surface water on the trail in areas, the soil remains soggy with moisture saturating the ground.
The big water flowing over, around, and through large boulders provides some great scenery to be enjoyed. If someone hikes 1.5 mls from the Parking area up the trail they will enjoy themselves a bunch!
Even in drier, busier times this is a great trail for families, those in or past "middle age", and couples who seek a pretty hike, especially in the early evening.
Given it's width, smooth surface and gradual incline, and how it remains along side the river for most of the first 4 mls. it is a recommended hike for all!

Little Bottoms Trail Monday 2/25/19

This was a beautiful day for a walk in the woods! Mostly sunny with temps in the 50's, and the only other person I saw when I arrived at the Abram's Creek parking area to begin my hike was leaving.
With all the recent rains there were lots of puddles, wet weather streams*, with elevated water levels in the regular water sources.

I covered about 4mls in this hike which started at the Abram's Creek parking area down by the Ranger's residence, and continued along the Little Bottoms trail. A beautiful walk along the creek, which was much more like a river this day, and I was enticed to go ahead and get in the water, and so I did! Temperatures outside were in the 50's and the water was much colder so I didn't stay in long but I did it.
This trail would be considered difficult with the steep inclines, narrow paths along steep mountain sides at times, and some rough rocky trail surfaces along the way. However for the frequent hiker with some experience navigating varying surfaces it's a pretty enjoyable walk.
Little Bottoms trail will lead you to camping area #17; which sits along side of Abram's Creek, and is about 4 mls. from the parking area.

*This is the type of stream that only runs when there is lots of rain.

Mingus Mill bridge to be replaced

Great Smoky Mountains National Park crews will be replacing the foot bridge leading to Mingus Mill beginning Monday, March 4 through Thursday, March 14, necessitating a temporary closure of the area. 

The repairs will be made in time for the seasonal opening of the mill later in April.

Mingus Mill is located a half-mile north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. The parking area and Mingus Creek Trail will remain accessible to visitors throughout the work period.

For more information about Mingus Mill, please visit the park website at https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/mfm.htm.