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

Spruce Flat Falls

Hello, this relatively short walk (2.5mls.), in what has become somewhat more difficult over the recent past, took place Monday the 1st, between Tremont and Spruce Flat Falls. This reference to difficulty is probably due to the wear this trail gets consistently from visitors to Tremont and that the last two times I've been on it it has been slick! I commend the groups who were being led on instructional hikes w/ folks from the institute as some parts of the route would require close attention to where and how one steps.

The falls were busting as this picture shows and the "staircase" (top of page) was new to me covering some of the type of terrain I noted earlier. The trails are now posted w/ what appears to be permanent signage even though they are not on the maps. Though this tends to be the case for some of the more pleasant hikes. Peace.

Spruce Flats Falls

Just a short excursion to get out in the awesome weather! Today I took a short route behind Tremont and a trail over to Spruce Flats Falls which is maybe 3mls RT. This short trail is rough and difficult at times and would not be recommended for anyone w/ "challenged body parts" (i.e. bad ankles, knees).
I've seen theses falls in the dryer parts of the last two years and posted pictures though nothing w/ the volume of water like I saw today. Awesome thing it was and adding to the experience was that I saw no children after leaving Tremont. Great time for reflection. Peace.

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

West Prong (Fri. 12/12)

I chose this trail for it's convenience and to see what the creek that runs through campsite #18, looks like after heavy rains and some snow. Compare this picture of the stream w/the one taken on August 26th, which are only a few yards from each other. The West Prong trail took me through some snow about halfway through the walk which peaked just above the snow line. Along which the temperature (40's) varied w/ elevation, some wind, and the often cloudy skies. Beautiful views could be seen of the frozen peaks surrounding this area. This is a fun, moderate, walk and is usually abscent of many hikers. Peace

And Then It Rained...some more

Hello, Yea! It's raining some more again today!! It started around noon and has varied in intensity but is falling steady. Rock On! We've had about 2" of rain over the last 2 days. And it was a soaking rain which helps some w/ this years below average rainfall.
I went for a walk this morning for several miles (4+) before the rain. From West Prong Trailhead at Tremont up, around, and down to #18. The creek at #18 was running a bit stronger w/ the recent rains and the spring which crosses the trail just before you reach this site, coming from Tremont was strong as well. On the return I took the unmarked trail which is just about halfway, and at the approximate high point of this walk (approx. 2000'). It's a really cool change and makes the walk a "spoon" shaped route instead of a RT on all the same trail.