One Day Wilderness-Mt. Cammerer Loop

Wow!

This magnificent day hike in the Eastern Smokies is a great introduction to the more isolated Cosby corner of the Park. With cascading creeks, spring wildflowers and great views from A.T. and Mt. Cammerer’s lookout tower, now is the perfect time to hit up this 14.8 mile classic. Start out from The Cosby Campground off Hwy. 321 and head up the road following the trail markers to the Low Gap Tr. Cross a scenic footbridge over Cosby Creek as the trail gently makes it’s way to the obvious low point in the ridge ahead of you. Keep an eye out for budding dogwoods and other hardwoods while scoping the forest floor for violets and anemone as spring returns to these ancient mountains.

This short and relatively easy climb ends at the A.T, where you hang a left to traverse this legendary tread. Say hello to a thru hiker or two as views open up to Rocky Face Mtn. and down to Panther Creek Valley. This section of the Appalachian Trail is also quite gentle with the ups and downs as you continue to the Mt. Cammerer Trail, where you hang a left. This .6 mile climbs a bit more before a little light scrambling is required to get to the lookout tower for a better view. Sit back and enjoy the marvelous 360 degree view of the Smokies as well as more far flung mountains in the Shining Rock and Joyce Kilmer Wildernesses. Perhaps the best view, is of close Sterling Mtn. and it’s lookout tower posted high on the Benton Mackaye Tr. to the southeast.

An icy morning on the A.T.

Once you got your fill of conversation and lunch, head back down to the A.T. and hang a left. Continue on as the trail slowly descends to the Lower Cammerer Tr. and take that left. This lonely 7.3 mile trail crosses over a couple of small creeks before meeting up with Groundhog Ridge and a small way trail trailing off to a nice viewpoint along it’s spine. Next, you cross over Rowdy and Leadmine Ridges as it slowly winds down to the valley floor. Along the way, you will be treated to a series of lovely cascades as they make their way down in the folds of mountain. I suggest you take a load off creekside and reflect on another fine day in this amazing range. Once back at the roadbed, hang a right and continue back to your car. Go get some barbecue and a beer as the sun settles in the distance.

Nice cascades on the Lower Cammerer Trail