January 30, 2016 This 1.5 mile trail runs along the river from the park visitors center to Cherokee, NC. Along the way it passes under the Blue Ridge Parkway. Trout fishing.Mountain Farm MuseumFinished the trail. Now I have to hike back. This really really did complete my hike of every trail in the Smokies!! Got it right the 3rd time. -Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone...
Though unseasonably warm, I suppose most people spent their weekends at Christmas parties rather than on overnight hiking trips. I was the only overnight hiker. I met a day hiker on the 2nd day and a trail runner on the first day. The trail ran over the ridge crossing knobs and peaks so that there were more ups and downs than I expected. Even the "down hill" return hike had steep climbs. I counted a total of 13 ascents on the return to Wallace Creek. The "up hill" direction...
These two trails are similar in that they are short easy walks and very accessible. The Tow String trail is near the North Carolina park entrance at Hwy 441 and the Twin Creeks trail only a few miles from the Tennessee park entrance at Hwy 441. Both trails are a couple of miles long. If attempting to hike the "map" of the Smokies, both trails are easily overlooked. So was the case with me. I ran these last 2 trails to finish up my 900 miler qualification. Well, once...
The Bartram Trail intersects the Appalachian Trail in 2 places, on the north end near the top of Cheoah Bald and on the south end near the top of Wayah Bald. The loop is about 58 miles long. The Bartram trail portion includes several road walks and requires care to avoid getting off the trail. The good news is that the Bartram trail is blazed with yellow blazes and you should usually be okay if you look out for blazes. There are a few places where the blazes...
