Mt Sterling Trial, Mt Sterling Ridge Trail, Balsam Mountain Trail, Palmer Creek Trail and Pretty Hollow Gap Trial

Mt Sterling Trial, Mt Sterling Ridge Trail, Balsam Mountain Trail, Palmer Creek Trail and Pretty Hollow Gap Trial
October 5, 2015
16.8 Miles Total
14.5 New Miles
533.09 Total Smoky Miles to Date (Since November 2013)
222.30 Total Miles in 2015

If you like a challenge this is a good loop for you!  Especially if you go after a week of rain!  

We started our hike on the Mt Sterling Trail.  This trail is straight up for 3.2 miles and the climb starts as soon as you get out of the car.  I pulled up on my parking brake a few times just to make sure because even where you park is steep!  It was a foggy day but the leaves were just beginning to change colors so it was pretty.  I don't mind the fog sometimes,  it's kinda neat looking and it keeps you feeling cooler.  After the first climb of 3.2 miles the rest of the trail is pretty easy other that the distance.  This was the longest day hike I had done so far.  We ended up walking a total of a little over 19 miles because you have to walk down Balsam Mountain Road for a bit to get to Palmer Creek Trail.  Palmer Creek Trail offers many challenges as it is in need of some trail maintenance from the storms.  There were trees down across the trail around every turn it seemed.  I don't mind the challenges though, it keeps the hike interesting.  

You can barely see Sam up the trail from me because of the fog

Thought this tree was pretty neat

The trail was basically a creek all day

The view from Mt Sterling Ridge Trail

Our second trail of the day was Mt Sterling Ridge Trail.  Being up on the ridge gave us a break from walking in the creek/ trail.

The roots of a tree that had fallen

Beautiful view of the colorful leaves

As we started heading down the Balsam Mountain Trail we got back to walking in the creek/ trail.

Laurel Gap Shelter
We stopped here for a lunch break.

This creek crossing was just about impossible.  It was about 2 feet deep at the crossing and flowing fast.

More trees across the trail, this set of trees were especially challenging.

Pretty Hollow Gap, the final trail of the day.  Very happy to see this sign.

"The start is what stops most people"- Don Shula

Forney Ridge Trail, Springhouse Trail, Forney Creek Trail, Whiteoak Branch Trail & Lakeshore Trail

Forney Ridge Trail, Springhouse Trail, Forney Creek Trail, Whiteoak Branch Trail & Lakeshore Trail
September 19, 2015
13.7 Miles Total
11.9 New Miles
516.29 Total Smoky Miles to Date (Since November 2013)
205.50 Total Miles in 2015

When hiking in a large group with a set time that you have to be at the end in order to get a ride back to your car, you miss out on being able to enjoy the little things and taking photos.  Luckily there wasn't really a whole lot of unique scenery along these trails once you pass Andrew's Bald.  The trails were all mostly downhill with the exception of a few short climbs which you were actually pretty thankful for because all that downhill will make your knees very angry.  A few challenges along the way included rocky terrain, the trail being washed away in a few places and the angry mob of yellow jackets that we had to go off trail to avoid.

The best moment for me was realizing that last year at this time I wouldn't have even considered taking on a 14 mile hike.  Not only did I take it on, I kicked its butt!

The tunnel to nowhere was much longer than I expected.  And much darker.

About halfway through the tunnel.

The tunnel from the outside.

Got a little dirty, as usual.

Smoky enjoyed the hike, he doesn't look nearly as tired as me for some reason.

The view from Clingman's Dome at the end of the day.

"The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it."- Moliere

Road Prong & Chimney Tops Trails

Road Prong & Chimney Tops Trails
September 5, 2015
5.5 Miles Total
2.4 New Miles
502.59 Total Smoky Miles to Date (Since November 2013)
191.80 Total Miles in 2015

Got my 500 miles pin today!!!!

It may have rained a little on our hike :)

Climbing to the top of the Chimney's.

That's the peak we climbed.  (Chimney Tops)

 The storm rolling in.

About a mile of stairs to get to Chimney Tops.

Not an easy climb by any means.

But so worth it!

Still a few blooms to be found

The 500 Miles Point

 Lots of creeks and waterfalls along Road Prong.

Found a skull along the trail

 Can't wait to go back and swim!

 Yup, that's the trail.  Time to make use of those water shoes :)

We started on Road Prong, a lovely, fairly easy trail.

"It's your road, and yours alone.  Others may walk it with you but no one can walk it for you."-  Rumi