Lumber Ridge Trail is a 4.1 mile trail from the Tremont Institute to Meigs Creek, Meigs Mountain Trail intersection. My ultimate goal was to hike the length of Lumber Ridge then continue for an additional 1.9 miles to the intersection with Curry Mountain Trail. Having hiked up Curry Mountain Trail and out Meigs Mountain to Jakes Creek to Elkmont last year I needed to get this 1.9 miles in to finish out Meigs Mountain Trail.
I dressed in layers as the morning was a bit chilly. As I climbed up the initial incline I could feel my muscles warming up as my heart rate increased. I caught up to and passed a genteel older couple. We wished each other well and remarked on the beautiful day. The sun was out, the skies were blue and the gentle breeze was cool. I didn’t see another soul for the length of Lumber Ridge Trail.
The trail was a bit rocky as I climbed the initial incline and made a right turn away from the sounds of traffic. The views of the mountains were awe inspiring first on my left then after a few twists and turns and winding my way along I got to see great views on my right. I stopped and stared off at the Mountains rolling away as far as the eye can see. Standing in the midst of them I suck in deep breaths and let them go. I am a transient being. My problems and difficulties fade in the presence of God’s magnificent creation. These mountains are ancient and weathered. Shaped by nature and natural disaster. Marked by man and beast they endure. I will survive the IRS, Obamacare penalties, and severely reduced circumstances due to losing a prized job. I will survive petty irritations, aggravating situations, and personal losses. I too will endure until my time is no more. The monkies on my back scatter, running off into the wilderness to play, losing themselves on the ridges and in the hollers. I let them go, my load lighter and my steps assured.
Lumber Ridge Trail climbs for 2.5 miles more or less to where it peaks out at a saddle. Elevation gain is somewhere around 1300 to 1400 ft. Spread out over the 2.5 miles it is not terribly strenuous. After the trail peaks it drops towards Meigs Mountain intersection the drop levels out and it is fairly level out to the intersection. The trail is soft after leaving the rocky start. It is easy walking on the feet, the terrain is rolling not level. But it’s ups and downs are gentle. I met some hikers at the Meigs Mountain, Meigs Creek, Lumber Ridge intersection. As I kept right onto Meigs Mountain Trail I met a group coming from the other direction. I let them pass. Meigs Mountain Trail was pleasant. I passed campsite 19 and decided I would break there on my way back through. I met a group of folks exploring old homesites near the intersection with Curry Mountain. One gentleman’s great aunt is buried in the cemetery off this trail. He said his folks left Tremont and moved to Wear’s Valley. My grandfather was a member of one of the logging companies working the Tremont area during the 20’s and 30”s. When the logging shut down he moved to Jefferson County where he got on with the contractors building Douglas Dam. My grandmothers people were from Wear’s Valley. Small world. As we talked a family came up Meigs Mountain from Elkmont. They had a dog. I didn’t say anything. Dogs are not allowed on trails inside the Park. The lady was friendly. I guess rules just don’t apply to some folks. If I took a dog with me the Park Rangers would catch me before I ever made it to the back country.
I stopped at Campsite 19 for a really nice snack break. It was so nice I did it again. I hiked on leaving my beloved walking stick behind. I was a mile down the trail before I realized I was a walking stick short of a full compliment of gear. With a great outburst of frustration I spun on my heels and retraced my steps. I did this mile of Meigs Mountain Trail 3 times today. Luckily, it was a nice easy trail. I ended up getting 2 extra miles in. Yay me!
I met another hiker at the intersection with Meigs Creek who told me he came up by the manway from Spruce Flats Falls. Apparently, this is a popular manway. I met a couple other hikers who said they made their way to Lumber Ridge by way of this man way.
I was wearing down the last couple miles of Lumber Ridge. Going down hill bangs away at my joints. My feet hurt and my knees were thinking about protesting their inhumane treatment. I was passed by a young couple on the last mile. I did what turned out to be 14+ miles in 7 hours. Wild flowers that were starting to show on my last hike were much more abundant on this hike.
MrsSmithsLifeUnexpected 