Middle Prong

This was a very pleasant walk up the Middle Prong trail even with a possibility of rain all around the region. However no rain occurred in this immediate area as I walked about 3mls along this often busy route. The possibility of rain must have kept folks away I guess because when I reached the trailhead parking it was empty! Yes!!! I said, and gave thanks for the lack of human noise and distractions. As I returned and neared the parking area I passed some folks on the bridge smoking and taking pictures. I encouraged them to walk some for more pictures when I noticed there van was pulled as close to the bridge as it could be without completely blocking the path. Peace

OTG

Dudes! and dudettes! What a relaxing walk today for about 4 mls, in and out, otg, near the Middle Prong. It was very pleasant with a cool morning temp, sunshine, and only animals to be heard. There were yellow and white flowers blooming, with the many shades of green still going on. My thoughts were more positive and open to the changes which must be considered. The changes in the trails I chose required some attention so as to stay on the chosen path. Peace

Paddle The Middle Prong

Bring your gear!

Some of the folks who like to paddle whitewater are getting a bunch of opportunities to do so wherever they look in the Southern Appalachians. This due to large amounts of rain which have fallen recently coupled in some areas with the snow melt. These photos were taken yesterday (3/9/11) as I walked along some streams in the GSMNP during a break in the rain.

Middle Prong Sunday

The threat of rain apparently kept many folks inside this otherwise awesome day outside! So along the 4 miles I walked with "long mark" on the Middle Prong trail we saw only four folks. It sprinkled a few times with temperatures in the 60's and was a really relaxing atmosphere for an afternoon hike.

The Middle Prong on Monday Morning

This walk began just before 8 a.m., on the third of May. As I approached the parking for the trail I saw only one other vehicle which was great considering it had rained until early in the morning. The heavy rains were the last part of the front which has crushed middle and west Tennessee over the last 3 days.





The middle prong was way up, probably class 3, and 4, rapids in some spots.
The trail was well drained and had a few wet spots where water was covering it however nothing extraordinary. There were birds and squirrels moving around a bunch in the misty morning trees with blooms more noticeable for me as I made the return from the Panther Creek turn around.

Short Walks

Today was really nice w/ temps in the upper 60's and clear skies! Yesterday the weather was nice as well, all things considered, yet time only allowed for a short walk on the west prong trail/loop each day. Today I bushwacked a short route off the trail that connected back with the unmarked loop. Earlier this week I walked around the middle prong in the snowfall.
Haa! That was fun, as I sat looking at a Topo at the trailhead, 6 backpackers came down the trail from #28. They stopped and we started talking. Seems they were going to walk to the road and make their way back to Elkmont where they had parked a couple of days ago. I kindly pointed out to them the difficulty with that plan. To make a long story short they waited while I took a short walk. When I returned they loaded all six of their packs and themselves into my 240 DL wagon and off to Tremont we drove. Once there 4 of them got out with the packs and I took the other 2 over to Elkmont, via Wear Valley due to the rock slide, where they got the vehicle and I assume headed back to their mates.
Interesting thing was these guys seemed relatively prepared by looking at the gear they had and clothes they were wearing but apparently did not look at the map closely enough, or were hoping for a fellow backpacker to give them a ride. They left me with the welcome to hike Michigan; from where they had driven, and they'd give me ride if they see me. Well, I thanked them and thought that may happen after Big Ben, the Sawtooths, Tetons, Glacier, Ozarks, ..... Peace

Snow Along The Middle Prong

This day began w/ a call from a fellow hiker asking if it was snowing in the Smokies. I looked out the window to see, since I was asleep when she called, and saw snow! So later in the day I got on the Middle Prong trail and seeing only two men who were leaving when I arrived. Aaaaaahh! Winter in the smokies! Quiet w/ no crowds and beautiful snow today!

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!

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.

The New Campsite

This started out as mid morning walk of 4 miles or so to see where the new #26 campsite was located. The Middle Prong was flowing strong and I was rewarded w/ PC skies and a temperature in the 50's, as this walk turned into an 8 mile day hike. Proceeding up MP to Indian Flat Falls and turning around. Well I had obviously misunderstood the information as the new campsite has not been established yet, though the location I was expecting to find it was correct. I learned this after speaking w/ a friend and park volunteer quite familiar w/ backcountry camping and trails in the park. I guess they're waiting on the seasonal workers to come on "the clock" to develop the new sites. And I say sites because there are several other backcountry sites being closed, moved and/or developed. For more information check the new maps due out in July, the web site, and ask at a backcountry office located a the visitor centers. Peace.

Time Away

Today was a great day to walk in the woods. I began this 13 plus mile day hike at the Middle Prong trail head and followed it up to Panther Creek Trail. This trail, as I described in previous entries is a consistent 2.3 ml. incline, sometimes quickly sometimes slowly, w/ numerous stream crossings. Several of the crossings; I counted 10 crossings today that could have got your socks wet, required some rock hopping. At Jake's Gap, 4055', I turned right onto Miry Ridge Trail and followed it to Double Springs Mountain, 4801'. From here I had a beautiful view across the valley to Cold Springs Knob and the "spine of the smokies" along which runs the AT. At this elevation all was frozen in white snow and ice, about 6 inches on the ground w/ the frozen branches on the hardwood trees looking like intricate crystal sculptures. Campsite #26, which is set off the trail some, was further along approx. 8/10 of a mile and this campsite looks like a great one for both summer and winter. Protected from the wind by large trees, both evergreens and hardwoods, w/ a couple of rigs to hoist packs up on. More detailed information about the history and plant life here can be found in the "lil brown book". The high canopy here covers a big open area for tents and the fire ring. I sat on one of the large logs laying around this site and retied my boots, at some gorp, had some water, and appreciated, w/ gratitude, what was around me. On the return trip about halfway down Panther Creek Trail the snow was melting some as the sun had been shining through the now partly cloudy skies and adding another winter hiking element, some mud. By the time I reached my car it was dark and time for a warm shower. Oh! I forgot my camera so if you wanna see what's there, come on and let's take a walk! Peace.

Blisters in the Back Country 02/08/08

W

This back country excursion began at the parking area for the West Prong trail head across the road from the main building at the Insitute at Tremont. After parking and "losing" my tent; as I had reservations in shelters the next 2 nights, I started my walk up Tremont road and the approx. 3.7 miles to Middle Prong Trailhead. It was a nice walk and only one car passed along the way. Once at the trailhead I continued up the Middle Prong Trail enjoying the full stream; Lynn Camp prong, which flows along side the trail, and the rock formations stacked beside it, in it, and over it as well. Just over 4 miles into this trail I came upon some day hikers who were very pleasant and told me of Indian Flats Falls, just ahead and to the right, down an unmarked spur. This was worth the detour of only about 150 yards and as I'm sure the couple I'd met new, it makes a great destination for a 8 mile+(RT) day hike. Indian Flats Falls (see pic) consist of at least three large falls cascading down into the Indian Flats Prong w/ lots of rocks to sit or lay on while appreciating the peace. All these "prongs" end up playing parts in forming the Little River. I took a few pictures and returned to the trail and up just a little bit connected to the Greenbriar Ridge Trail.

Greenbriar Ridge Trail continued the noticeable ascent up Davis Ridge which had just become more obvious of an incline back about 1/2 mile or so, as the previous trail ended w/ some consecutive switchbacks. Greenbriar Ridge was pleasant trail, one I'd rate as difficult for the novice, as the next 4 miles we're gaining some serious elevation. The Derrick Knob shelter, which is only 3/10's of a mile from where Greenbriar Ridge intersects w/ the AT, sits at 4890'.
Upon my arrival at the shelter I met, what would be the only other guest here, Josh and Shannon. They were old friends and it seems Josh, an AT sectional hiker had convinced his friend, who had never backpacked before, to join him. I wonder if they're still talkng? Ha, ha, As they were in the middle of, what is described by some, as the most difficult section of the AT and were hiking the next day through to Mt. Collins which meant some serious stuff! Hey guys please tell us how it went! I thanked Josh the next morning for introducing his friend to the Wild before they departed, and complimented Shannon for meeting the challenge. Rock on!

So, after reading in 'Hiking Trails of The Smokies', about how difficult the next 6.3 miles of the AT would be I quickly dismissed it as information for the beginner hikers, such as one of my new friends from Alabama. HAAAA! I'm the novice!! How little I really know. The AT between Derrick Knob and Spence Field was some serious "Stuff". I suggest reading about it in the previously mentioned text (p86-87) and heed any notes of practicality about the section to be hiked. Not that I did mind you, but I'm paying for it today. Well, that and another not so well thought out decision but more about that in a minute. Along this part of the AT there was no water basically, until you reach Beechnut Gap, at this point there is an obvious spur down off the AT to a big; at least on this day, broad, flowing spring. I passed a group of folks here who seemed to have been here before and were very pleasant as we shared greetings, etc... .
All along this portion of the AT, my excursion was very rewarding w/ the spectacular views both east into North Carolina, w/ Fontana Lake off in the distance, and west back over Tennessee, and Cades Cove (see pic). Throughout this there were "ups and downs" along the trail and most "ups" without switchbacks and involved often steep, extended inclines. Now I'm no light wieght yet these were/are strong challenges to ones strength, endurance, and determination, at times. How many of you reading this have hiked here, or somewhere similar, and asked yourself while in the middle of it "What the _____ am I doing?" Only to be smiling a few moments later as you look over a cliff at the valley below and answer your question w/ an affirmative smile and saying "because I love this"। Whatever "this" is. Endorphins, solitude, peace... . OK, so I get to the turn off for Bote Mtn. trail, 2/10's of a mile from the Spence Field shelter; which I checked out, and I have been toying w/ the thought of completeing my walk out today. I didn't do anything smart like review my map or consider what I had just accomplished and went w/ it, my initial thought, thinking "oh, the next 6 miles won't be a problem, heck it's all down hill, 20 minute miles and I'll be out before dark". After 1.7 miles into my descent I look at the map as I arrive at the crossroad w/ Anthony Creek trail to get a bearing on my estimated time of arrival and begin to realize what a potentially serious miscalcualtion I had made. It was just over 10 miles, not 6, out along Bote Mtn., to the West Prong trail and out to my car. Being the stubborn person I am sometimes, I marched on re-adjusting my ETA by at least an hour.
Practicing lots of acceptance about "who's responsiblity" it was for where I was at that moment. I enjoyed the trail and the various levels and types of forest I passed through, again see the previous referenced text, (p129). Upon reaching campsite #18, I was rejuvenated knowing I had "only" 2.7 miles to go, though this was tempered by a camper I spoke w/ breifly as I passed who told me it was "just over the top of that little mountain and then it's just down from there". Well "Them there" natural pain killers kicked in and I gotter done! Despite some developing blisters, sore legs and occasional personal mental abuse about some of my descisions that day, I was very pleased w/ what I had accomplished and offered lots of "thanks to the spirits that be", for the opportunity to experience what had been allowed me that day. Peace

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.