According to the Brown book this trail has 18 water crossings along its 3.5 mile length.
The trailhead is located at The Sinks along River Road. I drove into the Park from Townsend, Tn. I drove through Newport and into Sevierville, crossed the main drag and drove through Wears Valley into Townsend. I have fond memories of Wears Valley. As a child I accompanied my Father and Mother as they brought my paternal grandmother to visit her mother up one of the hollers off Wears Valley Road. My great grandmother Rebekah lived in an ancient Home back in the hills there; in fact, I can remember when they got indoor plumbing installed. I was 5, maybe. It was a big deal. Great Grandma lived to be 107. Grandma lived to be 101. There is something about these mountains that lends to hardy stock. Maybe it is only something as simple as Darwinian survival of the fittest. Seeing how Mountain Folk fought the land for sustenance lends itself to this idea. My roots go deep in the soil of these Mountains on both sides of my family.
The drive was very pleasant and there was plenty of parking at the Sinks. The Sinks is a popular water spot and parking can be at a premium here. Meigs Creek Trail starts just past the platform overlook for the Sinks. It starts with a nice set of stone steps leading away from the river towards the backcountry. The trail went up and around then through some bottomland before climbing up over a ridge to meet and follow the creek. The water levels were down as we have not had much rain in the last month and a half. I never managed to get my feet wet as I skillfully rock hopped the many crossings. I did not count them. I just crossed them.
There is a really nice cascade waterfall about 2 Miles or so back in. I went down to the base of the falls to admire them and take photos. I ran into a few hikers out enjoying the trail. I really enjoyed the ambiance of this trail and the sound of flowing water is one of my favorite sounds in nature.
As I walked I took time to pray. I prayed prayers of heartfelt thanksgiving. My 3 month job search is over. God is so good! And his creation is a marvel. His timing is perfect. There are times out and about on the trail when I find myself overwhelmed by my own insignificance. Then I reach out humbled and anchor myself in His presence. I may solo hike but I am never alone!
It was not a terribly strenuous hike. It had a few decent climbs that got the heart thumping and the sweat rolling off the brow, but it was mostly level. I have yet to meet a trail I do not like. Each trail has its own personality. I could see doing this one again as part of a longer loop hike. Maybe with higher water levels to really test the water shoes. Until then!!!
MrsSmithsLifeUnexpected 