On Saturday March 31, 2018, I headed to the Tremont area of The Great Smokey Mountains National Park. I entered the park from Townsend, turned right towards Cades Cove at the Townsend Wye drove a short distance to make the left towards the Tremont Institute, Parking for Lumber Ridge Trail is at the Institute. Leaving the Jeep I headed up a short gravel access road and followed the signs towards the trailhead.

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.

It is Spring in the Mountains.

In 2015, we began the grand adventure of exploring our great country, targeting National Parks and taking in some State Parks along the way. During the summer of 2016 we set out from Tennessee to cross the country to spend a week at Glacier National Park in Montana. We left the farm as night settled on Thursday June the 30. We had chosen two State Parks to visit on our cross country jaunt. The first of these was Rock Cut State Park in Illinois.

Life is an adventure I want to make the most of. We left the farm around 9:30, two vehicles packed with people and camping gear. We drove over 25 to Corbin, Kentucky where we hit 75 through Lexington. In Lexington we hit 64 to Indianapolis and in Indianapolis we hit 65 to Chicago. I drove until I couldn’t see straight then turned it over to Mom and she drove until she couldn’t see straight and we stopped in the wee hours of the morning at a rest area just past Indianapolis to get a couple of restless hours of sleep. I drove us up 65 through Chicago, which we all gave the open jawed hillbilly stare.

We arrived at Rock Cut State Park and located our campsites. Mom and I set up our tents and Craig, his daughter Abby and Abby’s friend Amber found their site and did the same. We got our sites for 2 nights. I collapsed in my tent and took a nice afternoon nap. The sun was out, the sky was blue and the temperatures were warm and comfortable. The Campground was nice. Rock Cut State Park is the biggest state park in Illinois. The Campground was full of families.

After my nap Mom and I went exploring the park. It’s main attraction is by far the Lake. People were kayaking, water boarding, and paddle boating. They were fishing and there is a sunny beach where swimming is allowed.

The hiking trails are mostly flat easy strolls. A highlight is the boardwalk running beside the big rocks that give the Park it’s name. Blasting operations in the rocky outcrop by railroad construction crews in 1859 to provide a suitable roadbed gave the Park it’s name. I checked it out solo our first day. I passed family groups, young people and kids out enjoying the beautiful day.

On day two Craig and I ventured out into the Willow Creek wildlife area. There is a nice paved bike path and dirt trails meandering around the  wildlife area. We were passed by serious Mountain bike riders, and by casual bike riders as well as a few joggers. It was a nice easy walk in the woods.

Rock Cut State Park has a little bit of everything for a nice family friendly camping experience. The ambiance is relaxed and the amenities are sufficient for a truly enjoyable stay.

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.

After a month’s absence from the trail, I met my friend Rhonda Honeycutt Rhobertson at the Wal Mart Parking lot in Rogersville, Tennessee and we set out for Cades Cove to hike to one of the most popular waterfalls in the Park. I last hiked this trail out to Abrams Falls and back in July of 2015 with my beloved spouse. Today, Rhonda and I planned to hike the trail to its end at the intersection with Hannah Mountain Trail, Hatcher’s Mountain Trail, and Little Bottom Trail.

Abrams Falls Trail is a crowded Trail, the parking area large with a couple of bathrooms to accommodate the tourists who venture here. I am always happy to see a toilet myself. We got to the trail head at 10:00 o’clock. Traffic had not caught up with the lovely day yet, so the trail was lightly populated. It had rained for most of the week, however the sun broke forth in all its winter glory the day before our hike. The sun shone brightly but brought very little warmth with it. The wind had a definite winter bite to it so I was bundled up against its penetrating chill.

The water levels were high. We started up the trail, and it was beautiful from the outset. The trail follows Abrams Creek. As we headed towards the Falls the trail rose above the creek bed and the views below of the water are stunning. The trail was muddy in places, it had roots and rocky places to traverse. The trail has a little bit of everything and not too much of any one thing. It is rated moderate. The climbs will get the heart rate up but they don’t last long. The lack of canopy afforded long stunning views of the valley below with the creek. The Falls are 2.5 miles in on the 4.2 mile length of trail. We could hear the sounds of the Falls below as we neared. Then we could see the Falls below us through the bare trees. It was hard to appreciate the true beauty and volume of the 25 ft. Falls from above.

We decended down towards the Falls and made the left to the base of Abrams Falls. Crossing the footbridge we found that there were only 4 other people there. We found a spot and took some pictures and just soaked in the ambiance. The huge volume of water flowing over the Falls boomed and roared. The pool at its base roiled with white froth with a mist hanging above it; the spray off the Falls was icy cold. Having the view of the Falls unimpeded by human traffic was a treat in itself.

We left the Falls, making the left turn that would take us to the end of the trail. We climbed and followed an easy trail above the creek. The sound of the flowing water was a constant companion. We crossed a couple of side tributaries and descended to walk the last little bit of trail beside Abrams Creek. We stopped short of trails end for a break. It was good to have a companion. We talked and laughed and exclaimed over the beauty of God’s creation. We unloaded weeks worth of personal garbage and cleared hearts and minds.

We passed fellow hikers coming in from Happy Valley on this section of trail. On the way back we made good time retracing our steps. At the Falls, we found a crowd of admirers. We took a second look and a couple more photos of the tremendous display of nature’s power. Abrams Falls Trail has been written about as being one of the most dangerous in the Park due to fatalities. The sheer volume of water over the Falls creates tremendous undercurrents that can pull even the strongest swimmers under. There have been nearly 30 drownings in Abrams Creek since the formation of the National Park. Warning signs posted tell of the danger, but the placid looking pool is a deceptive temptation in summer. Today, the frothing water was its own warning. Still people ventured onto the rocks beside the raging torrent, some with small children in tow. We watched amazed as the tourists came and went, then we packed it up and headed out.

On the exit hike we passed a near constant stream of humanity. All shapes and sizes, prepared and unprepared alike. It made us glad for our relatively early start and the time we had at the Falls earlier.

Abrams Falls is a must see for any waterfall lover. Just be aware of timing and the crowds that may be encountered. The trail past the Falls is lightly traveled but well worth the extra effort.

 

On Saturday, February 3, 2018, I headed back to the Tremont/ Cades Cove area for a loop hike up Lead Cove to Bote Mountain, down a section of Bote Mountain to Finley Cane Trail where I descended back to my Jeep. I added a short section of Bote Mountain so I could complete this trail.

The trail heads for Lead Cove and Finley Cane Trails are side by side off Laurel Creek Road between the Townsend Wye and Cades Cove. There were several vehicles already parked at the trail heads. I found a spot and disembarked, gathered my backpack and walking stick and headed up Lead Cove. The temperatures were chilly but bright sunshine promised they would rise as the day progressed.

As I started up Lead Cove I crossed a couple of streams and entered a winter wonderland. Lead Cove is fairly steep as it climbs towards Bote Mountain. It took me a quarter to a half mile to get my trail legs under me. My heart pounded and my breathing was a bit ragged leaving me wondering what the heck I was doing there. I pushed through the initial discomfort and convinced my protesting body that yes, we were going to do this and it was going to be a good day!

Lead Cove is 1.8 miles in length. At the intersection with Bote Mountain I made a right turn on Bote Mountain. I wanted to get the 1.2 miles of Bote Mountain from Lead Cove to the intersection with Anthony Creek Trail. The snow on this section was a couple inches deep and I tromped up towards my goal. By doing this 1.2 mile section I finished putting together the full length of Bote Mountain trail. I pieced Bote Mountain Trail together in 3 different hikes. I took a break at the Anthony Creek Trailhead. Then I turned around and headed back down Bote Mountain towards Finley Cane. The sun highlighted the snow making it sparkle and twinkle like little jewels dotted the ground. The views of the mountains were stunning as the peaks stood against the deep blue skies.

As I descended the snow cover faded. I passed other hikers doing the loop coming up Finley to descend Lead Cove. The views off Bote Mountain Trail are nice. Bote Mountain Trail is a rocky, rough litttle piece of trail with gullies in places. One must watch ones footing especially as  one descends. I left snow covered trails for slush and mud.

The temperature rose into the 40’s and when I turned onto Finley Cane I left the last dusting of snow covered ground behind me. Finley wound towards the trail head with a gradual elevation change. I enjoyed the dramatic change from winter wonderland to forest trail in browns and muted greenery. I passed no other hikers on Finley Cane Trail.

The loop hike was a nice change from the in and out hikes I have been doing lately as I piece together my map. I expect this challenge to take me a while. Days like today make that prospect one to look forward to.

 

On January 27, 2018, I went back to the Smokies for another solo hike. The short government shutdown over, the NPS was back in business in our beloved park. The target trail for the day was West Prong Trail in the Tremont section of the Park.

In September of 2014, my daughter in law Danielle and I camped out for a weekend in the Cades Cove Campground. The Campground is very nice and our stay most enjoyable. One of the hikes we staged from the Campground was the 12+ mile round trip hike up to Rocky Top on the AT. That is a sweet little tale for another day however. On that hike we hiked the upper part of Bote Mountain Trail. Today I parked at the Bote Mountain Trailhead on Laurel Road. Bote Mountain Trailhead is across the road from Schoolhouse Gap Trailhead. There is a pull off at Bote Mountain for 2 cars. Schoolhouse Gap Trailhead has additional parking available.

Using my Park Trail Map I pieced together a hike that would help me complete Bote Mountain Trail. It promised to be a pleasant day as I unloaded myself and my back pack, lightly packed with first aid kit, Gatorade, snickers, and a few other possibly useful paraphernalia. I noted the time, it was 11:00 am. I hiked up 1.5 miles of Bote Mountain Trail to the intersection with Finley Gap Trail then backtracked to the intersection with West Prong Trail. Leaving Bote Mountain Trail, West Prong Trail declines toward campsite 18. It is a narrow winding trail in places. The lack of canopy, due to the season, gave some nice, magestic views.

Physically, I motored along with ease. My new job is more sedentary than my previous position and I worry I am not getting enough physical activity to maintain my stamina and endurance. I am taking actions to step up my activity during the week adding more cardio to my karate classes and using Fitbit to motivate me to get at least 5 miles in daily and a minimum of 10 floors in elevation change. Sometimes, I have to walk down the hill here at the house and back up it to meet the elevation goal. Some days I can’t talk myself into heading out in the cold, dark, damp night to satisfy an arbitrary goal on a watch. So goes the battle with self. Some days I win and some days sloth is the victor! I will not totally give in so there is hope.

Campsite 18 is a very nice backcountry campsite next to the river. The sound of the water rushing along is one of the most pleasant, soothing sounds in nature. I explored the large campsite and imagined how nice it would be to camp at this site. Easy to get to and large as it is, I also imagine it is a popular campsite during the season which dampens its appeal to me. I am not totally anti social but then again my favorite activity is to take off into the mountains by myself.

Leaving campsite 18, I climbed up for a ways before beginning a descent towards the trail head at Tremont. I passed a few other hikers climbing as I descended. I walked to the parking area in Tremont where I turned around and headed back passing some of the same hikers as before only roles reversed, I climbed and they descended. I got to go back downhill to the river.

I stopped at Campsite 18 and munched down my Snickers bar. Then I climbed back towards Bote Mountain. It was a warm day for January in the Mountains. I ended up removing my fleece overshirt. It was overcast and the hint of a mist hung about the tops of the trees. It started to sprinkle rain as I made my way back down Bote Mountain Trail to where my Jeep waited on Laurel Road.

I got back to my Jeep at 4:30, getting a little over 8.5 miles in for the day. I made good time for me too. I am not a speedy hiker. Contentment, a sense of acceptance and inner peace, is so foreign in the world today. At this point in my life, I desire contentment more than anything else I can imagine. I want to be satisfied with who I am and where I am, to be off to the side of the rat race, to turn my back on the drivers of society and walk my own pace to the sound of an internal drumbeat that matches the rhythm of my heart. I can’t totally disengage because I have a mortgage, but as I walk I come close, so close and I can feel the chains of expectation slipping free of my soul. There will come a day…

On Saturday, January 20, 2018, I met two very dear friends, Tammy Honeycutt and Rhonda Honeycutt Rhobertson, and we drove to Hampton, Tennessee. Laurel Fork Falls is a gorgeous waterfall off the Appalachian Trail. The AT crosses Dennis Cove Road and enters the Pond Mountain Wilderness area. The AT crosses the Wilderness for about 6.6 miles with the Laurel Fork Falls Shelter setting on the High Water Trail above the gorge where Laurel Fork Falls sits in splendor.

The first time I visited this magestic waterfall was in May of 2014. I was still in the early stages of my developing love of hiking. My friend Tammy Honeycutt, familiar with many local trails, was one of my truest go-to companions. She introduced me to many trail heads and road crossings of the AT. I am truly blessed to have so many different options when I sit back to plan a day or two of hiking.

The hike from Dennis Cove road to the Falls and back out is approximately 4 miles especially if one makes a little loop out of it. The first time we ventured to the Falls we followed the High Water Trail then circled back to the Falls from where the high water trail hooks back into the AT.

As we followed the AT back towards the Falls following the river, we hugged rock out croppings and walked the trail along the river bank. Making our way back towards the Falls,  the water flowing swiftly to the side; it was easy to see why there needed to be a high water trail.

Laurel Fork Falls does not disappoint, no matter what season you venture there. On this January hike, after an intense cold spell, we were hoping to see the Falls in a frozen state. The temperature was rising after single digit cold but snow was still on the trail at elevation. Laurel Falls is a moderate, popular hike so we were not surprised to pass others on the trail. The first leg of the adventure is a sweet little walk that crosses a very nice wooden bridge then hugs the side of the gorge until the trail takes a 90 degree turn and heads down some steep stone steps to the base of the waterfall. This is where the High Water Trail continues in a straight line toward the Shelter. The AT is marked with white blazes, while the High Water Trail is marked with blue blazes.

The snow was melting as temperatures were rising. The bare trees let us look out over the gorge and peer down towards the river we could hear flowing. We made the left turn towards the base of the Falls. The steep, rocky decent was treacherous with mush and ice. This made this trip to the Falls more strenuous than previous visits. I slipped and muttered curses under my breath as I hit slippery spots and caught myself several times averting falls of a different kind. Slowly, carefully, with the measured steps of an old lady I followed my more sure footed companions. I caught up with them at the base of the Falls. It was the best of both worlds, the Falls were partially frozen and the contrast between the swiftly flowing water and the ice clinging to the rocky face of the cliff was stunning. We watched as other hikers made their way down, slip-sliding and even falling, just to see nature’s ice-sculpture before it inevitably thawed.

We decided to head down river and go back up using the High Water Trail hoping to avoid ice and mush and treacherous footing. We followed the river and climbed over rocky outcroppings void of ice and congratulated ourselves on the decision to take the alternate way out. We stopped at the Shelter and snacked then headed back towards Dennis Cove Road. The melting snow made a couple of places on the trail more treacherous than they had been coming in. Climbing with body momentum forcing one forward and up  is easier than descending where gravity and momentum collaborate to create the conditions for tumbles with high potential for injury. In fact, I sat down and butt scooted down one little set of rocky steps. It was not one of my prouder moments, but sometimes it is good to embrace humility.

Ladies, I look forward to our next adventure.

 

 

 

On December 30, 2017, wanting to do a short little hike due to time constraints,  I decided to ride down to the Smokies; and I chose Schoolhouse Gap Trail, a short little 2.2 mile trail from Laurel Creek road to Scott Mountain Trail, as the adventure of the day. Solo hiking has forced me to do more in and out hikes than through hikes or loop hikes. As a result 2.2 Miles becomes 4.4 and the hike fit the bill for the day. On my last hike in and out Chestnut Top I turned around at the juncture with Schoolhouse Gap.

Schoolhouse Gap is a wide, well defined, easy trail. It has a decent enough elevation gain to get the heart rate up. I started my hike around 11:30 in the afternoon and got back to my Jeep at 1:45. Not bad for me, I tend to be a slower paced hiker. I was not the only one out enjoying the day. I passed folks going up and coming back down. It was 38 degrees when I climbed out of the jeep and 38 when I returned. I dressed in layers, merino wool base layer, t-shirt, fleece shirt and light jacket. Layers are definitely the way to go when seeking to enjoy the great outdoors in chilly weather. I stayed comfortable the whole hike.

The first part of the trail winds away from Laurel road following a pleasant little creek, then one begins to climb away from the creek towards the intersection with Turkey Pen Ridge Trail. Past this intersection the climb follows along at a gentle grade towards the intersection with Chestnut Top Trail. From Chestnut Top Trail intersection it is only 0.2 mile down to Schoolhouse Gap and the end of the trail which ends at a road and is at the boundary of the Park.

I walked to the end of the trail and looked across the road at the house that sets there then I turned around and headed back the way I came. I was cold when I started but once I walked up that first decent incline my heart rate rose and my body warmed with activity. I was comfortable. I did not have to take off any layers on this hike as I stayed fairly comfortable, never quite overheating and never too cold for comfort. It was a bit overcast, but never threatened rain.

This was my last hike of 2017. Looking back over my Trail journal, I see I hiked 268 total miles in 2017. It was a year of upheaval, marked by change, forcing me to redefine myself not once, but twice. I was forced out of a job I had for 28 years in October of 2016 and I would be lying if I said I have made peace with that. I battle bitterness. I win that battle most of the time, not allowing the anger to define me. The first job I got was an adventure into a career in sales that I never quite settled into. I am not a salesman. I proved that. The job I got in October fits me better but it is a step way down the financial ladder. Hiking, looking forward to wandering the trails of my favorite National Park, has helped me maintain and overcome. I look forward to 2018. See you on the trail!

On December 2, 2017, I headed through Wears Valley into Townsend to enter The Great Smokey Mountains National Park on the quiet side. I drove a little way into the Park to the Townsend Wye where the road splits and takes you either to Cades Cove or towards Sugarlands Visitor Center. There is a large parking area and a popular swimming hole across the road from the trail head. In the summer parking here is at a premium, but on this chilly December morning parking was plentiful. Chestnut Top Trail is a 4.3 mile long trail that ends where it intersects with Schoolhouse Gap Trail. It runs along the park boundary in places.

The trail starts with a pretty steep climb up above the road. As you climb you can watch the traffic flow into and out of the Park, the road and river getting smaller as you climb higher. Then you round a bend and the view changes. Looking out you can see into Townsend and the campgrounds that line the road up to the Park boundary.

I ran into a few fellow adventurers on this day. Once you top out from the initial climb the trail more or less fades into a more gradual incline. The views are great as the summer canopy is lying underfoot crunching and rustling as you tread along the trail. I was feeling pretty good about slogging along with my lightly packed backpack when two trail runners overtook and passed me, water bottles in hand and big smiles on their faces.

I took my time as I walked along, stopping to admire views and take pictures. I met two older gentlemen at the trail intersection. One said he was training for a go at the Appalachian Trail in the spring and the other was a member of the 900 mile club, a goal of mine. He was very encouraging, said it could be done in day hikes if you could get your logistics down. I will have to play around with that.

The world was a wee bit foggy and damp when I started my hike the leaves underfoot quiet and a little slippery underfoot. By the time I topped out and started the more gentle rise it had warmed and dried out. The weather was fantastic, in the mid 60’s. The sun came out forcing me to shed layers. I stopped more than once just to stand in the sun and soak it in. As the days keep getting shorter heading towards the winter solstice the sunshine becomes of more value fighting off the dullness and lethargy the cold damp winter brings with it. I wish I could bottle the sense of pure contentment I am filled with at different times on the trail. I find myself saying ‘man, I like this trail!’ Then I have to pause and raise an eyebrow. Is there a trail I have done that I did not like?

I took advantage of a day off work over Thanksgiving to go on a 9 mile hike starting out at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area. It turned out to be a glorious day to be outside. It was 38 degrees F when I exited the Jeep at Metcalf Bottoms. It is a short 0.7 Miles from the Picnic area to the Little Greenbriar Schoolhouse. On the way I actually passed a couple of groups of hikers, unusual for me as I am a slow hiker. The fact that said groups had small children in tow probably accounted for my ability to overtake them and leave them behind.

The highlight of this trail is the Little Greenbriar Schoolhouse. It was full of tourists out enjoying a post holiday Mountain adventure. I checked out the building and read the historical plaque then started up Little Briar Gap Trail.

I walked the well preserved trail to the Walker Sister’s Cabin. I wandered around the Cabin, imagining what life must have been like in bygone days. The sky was so blue overhead and I was warming up. Layers are wonderful things. I layered down and finished Little Briar Trail. Where it intersected with Little Greenbriar Trail I hung a right and began to climb. I passed a couple of older gentlemen coming down the trail and one of them warned me with a wry smile that it was about to get a little strenuous.

It was a 2.4 mile hike along the border of the park. It was a steep, steady climb and I had to layer down once again about 1/2 way up. Layers are wonderful things. Little Greenbriar is a beautiful little trail winding up towards its intersection with Laurel Falls Trail. There were terrific views of Wear’s Valley along the way.  Vistas are open now that the leaves have fallen off the trees. I took some pictures of the distant valley. There were rocky sections and green tunnels and leaf blanketed sections. I made the climb easily.

I topped out at the Intersection with Laurel Falls Trail. Folks coming from Laurel Falls spoke to me as I sat snacking. The hike back to the Jeep backtracking was not challenging at all.

Leaving all the tourists with their little taste of the Mountains, I wondered how they could be satisfied with skimming the treats and never tasting what offers real sustenance to the heart and soul. To experience the Park one really needs to leave the car behind and walk.