Appalachian Trail, Sweat Heifer, Grassy Branch and Dry Sluice Gap

Appalachian Trail, Sweat Heifer, Grassy Branch and Dry Sluice Gap
August 1, 2015
13.6 Miles Total
6 New Miles
485.09 Total Smoky Miles to Date (Since November 2013)
174.30 Total Miles in 2015

We started out on the Appalachian Trail at Newfound Gap.  We took the AT until the junction with Sweat Heifer.  One of my new favorite trails.  There were waterfalls, creeks and flowers all along this almost fairy-tale like trail.

We took a lunch break at the shelter at the junction of Sweat Heiffer, Kephart and Grassy Branch.  Then we were on our way for the 3 mile climb up Grassy Branch.  Not an easy climb but not one of the hardest climbs we have done either.  Grassy branch still offered some beautiful views, flowers and creeks.

The bird that was sitting on these eggs flew out and gave me a heart attack as I passed by

Onto Dry Sluice Gap we went.  The climb wasn't over but we knew the climb on Dry Sluice was shorter than the climb we had just made.

We finally were back on the Appalachian Trail.  Still had 4.4 miles left of our hike but we knew this was the final stretch and that we would get to see the view from Charlie's Bunion on one of the most clear and beautiful days I had ever experienced in the Smoky Mountains.

She didn't even notice us walking by

How blessed am I to get to experience all these beautiful places?!?!

"If you can dream it, you can achieve it"- Zig Ziglar

Rough Fork, Caldwell Fork and Big Fork Trails

Rough Fork, Caldwell Fork and Big Fork Trails
July 18, 2015
10.2 Miles Total
10.2 New Miles
471.49 Total Smoky Miles to Date (Since November 2013)
160.70 Total Miles in 2015

Butterflies, Bridges and Bugs!  

This is a beautiful area to hike and explore.  We were along the water most of the day which I love except that when you are on a horse trail and near water you get to spend your day fighting with bugs.  I have actually never used bug spray until today and I used it many, many times.  

All three trails were beautiful and very peaceful.  Rough Fork does have quite a climb.  Around 2000 feet in 2 miles.  The humidity made it feel much hotter than it actually was.  But there were several neat things to see along the way;  such as the Woody Home Site, huge trees, butterflies, frogs and creeks.

Caldwell Fork was a nice, flat, calm area.  Perfect for a rest after the climb on Rough Fork.

Then we were onto climb Big Fork.  It only climbs about 50 feet over 2 miles but it feels much steeper when your legs are tired.

I had to do a small section of Boogerman that I missed last time as well.  It was very overgrown but not difficult at all.

Loved how the split was trail on one side and creek on the other

Woody Home Site

Mr. Grasshopper

Mr Frog

"Believe you can, and you're halfway there."  Teddy Roosevelt

Roundtop Trail

Roundtop Trail
July 11, 2015
7.6 Miles Total
7.6 New Miles
461.29 Total Smoky Miles to Date (Since November 2013)
150.50 Total Miles in 2015


Roundtop Trail isn't challenging as far as the elevation gain but the terrain is challenging.  The trail is hardly ever hiked so it is very over grown, narrow and hard to find in a couple places.  We put off hiking it a couple times because the end of the trail crosses through the river at the Townsend Wye.  The crossing can be challenging after a good rain.

About half a mile into the hike we came around the corner and came up behind this momma bear.  I came to a dead stop and waited to see what she would do.  She turned to face me and stared at me for a while, then she started walking off the trail so we thought we were safe.  Then all the sudden she bluff charged us.  She jumped forward about 10 feet within seconds and made a loud grunt with her mouth.  I backed up with my hands in the air and gave her her space.  I then looked over to the left of the trail and saw her two babies, one on a log and one up in the tree.  After a few minutes the bear family walked on down the mountain and we continued our hike.   This is definitely a day I will never forget.  I absolutely love black bears and am so glad I got to experience this.

We came upon a few wildflowers on our hike.  And a giant mushroom.

Towards the end of the trail are several really cool rock formations.

Then we reached the end of the trail and in the water we went.  The water was up to my belly button and flowing pretty swiftly.  It almost knocked me down a couple times but I made it across. Then since I was already wet and the water felt good, I figured I might as well enjoy it!  

"If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere."-  Frank A Clark