Great Smoky Mountains Camping and Hiking Trip

Tuesday-Friday, May 14-17 – Great Smoky Mountains Camping and Hiking Trip.  Joint activity with the Murfreesboro Chapter, Sara Pollard.  Contact Joan Hartvigsen to reserve a spot in Cosby Group Campsite, jhartvigs@comcast.net or 931-636-2914. Hike Schedule:    Tuesday – Sutton Ridge Overlook by way of the Lower Mount Cammerer Trail.  3.6 miles out and back.  400 ft. elevation change.  Easy.  Views of Gabes Mountain, Cosby Valley and Gilliland Ridge. Wednesday – Mount Cammerer Lookout Tower via Low Gap, Appalachian and Mount Cammerer Trails.11.2 miles out and back.  2,780 ft. elevation change.  Strenuous.  Features streams, ridgeline, geologic interests, summit, spectacular panoramic views.  Thursday – Porters Creek Trail, 7.2 miles out and back. Moderate. This hike features a lovely creek, Fern Branch Falls and wildflowers. Friday – Ramsey Cascades Trail is only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. .  8 miles round trip, rated strenuous. 2,000 ft elevation change. Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in the park and one of the most spectacular.  Water drops 100 feet over rock outcroppings.  The trail follows rushing rivers and streams for much of its length.  The last two miles pass through old growth cove hardwood forest with large tulip trees, basswoods, silverbells and yellow birches.  Alternate Friday hike – Hike to Hen Wallow Falls via Gabes Mountain Trail.  4.4 miles round trip.  Rated moderate. The waterfall is 90 ft. high.  Tuesday we will share a potluck dinner.  Another evening we will have dinner at Carver’s Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant.   Each camper needs to purchase a parking tag, which are available online.