Turkey Pen Ridge Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

On Saturday March 10, I braved the forecast and headed to the Smokies. My schedule being booked for March 17, karate tournament, and March 23, Spa day with my beautiful daughter in law in Hot Springs NC, left me limited chances to hit the trail. I hiked Lead Cove and Finley Gap a few weeks ago and when I got back to my Jeep from that hike I noted the Turkey Pen Ridge Trailhead off the other side of Laurel Creek Road. Turkey Pen Ridge Trail hooks onto Schoolhouse Gap Trail another trail I had previously hiked. Check out the blogs for those trails if you get a chance. I looked up Turkey Pen Ridge Trail and read a little about it in my Little Brown Book.

At 3.6 miles of relatively mild elevation gains the trail rises then rolls its way in gentle winding waves towards its end at Schoolhouse Gap.

I slept in until after 8:00 am then hemmed and hawed around entertaining my excuses until I reminded myself how good I felt the first few days of last week after my hike with Rhonda and how long it would be before I could hit the trail solo or in good company again. I decided it was easily doable in a short afternoon. The forecast called for 50% chance of rain lowering to a 30% chance as the afternoon progressed. I packed my rain gear and rolled out.

i arrived at the trail head at 11:50. The day was overcast and cool and damp. The light had a dull penetrating quality to it that made for some sweet photos. Misty clouds were hanging around the distant peaks and rising from the hollers and valleys between peaks. I had packed my rain gear but as luck would have it, I didn’t need it

The trail begins heading back towards the juncture with Crib Gap Trail. For a short ways the road is on your left and the hum of traffic heading for the ever popular Cades Cove is relentless. Then you turn right and cross a couple of creeks, rock hopping to keep the feet dry. I met two ladies coming out from doing this very hike. They were red faced from exertion and smiling. We spoke, they were fellow members of the FB group Hike The Smokies, a popular forum dedicated to hiking this beautiful park. It is always a treat to meet and recognize fellow enthusiasts. They warned me I was getting ready to elevate. I smiled in anticipation and waved farewell. I like a nice climb. It is where it’s at. Cardio, muscle challenge, gut check…the total package.

It wasn’t a bad little climb at all. I took lots of photographs. I got some nice photos of little wild flowers blooming, harbringers of spring. I am so over winter. I do not like to be cold.

It was chilly, but I was prepared and the hike kept me from chilling. I passed a couple of wet weather water Falls. I climbed then descended then climbed again winding my way up and down and around making my way along. The climbs were never overly strenuous, all in all a sweet walk in the woods. I made it to Schoolhouse Gap where I saw a couple more folks.

I headed back the way I had come. I walked about 1/2 mile then took a short break eating a fig bar and sipping Gatorade. As I ventured on I was passed by a couple on horseback. I decided too late I should have taken a picture so I picked up my pace but they were moving too fast. I lost sight of them and slowed back down my heart thumping and sweat dampening my brow.

To my surprise I did catch up with them. They had stopped and were waiting for me. They needed information, and honey I had it! The gentleman dismounted and pulled out a park map and we talked about the trails and the distances and what might be encountered. I made friends with Bo, a nice looking brown boy and Jas, a sweet white mare. Their riders let me give the horses a treat. It made my day! I hiked back to the Jeep with a spring in my step.