Momentous Adventures-Bote and Little River Loop
Morning sun breaks up the storm along Bote Mtn.
In a effort to explore some of the more isolated sections of the southern Smokies, I decided to set off on this 55.3 mile trek. Starting off from Elkmont, I headed up Meigs Mtn. Tr where some evidence of spring was already taking hold of the forest. Going over Buckhorn Gap, the trail climbs up to better views of surrounding wilderness as you hop onto Lumber Ridge. This fairly level ridge coasts along for a bit before dropping down to Tremont Institute located in a picturesque nook in the forest. Saying “Hi” to some folks that are having a cookout, I found the West Prong Tr. off the main road to the right of the bridge. This trail casually climbs away from Tremont along Fodderstack Mtn. before dropping down to the West Prong River and my camp for the night at Site#18 as some dark clouds settled in.
Meigs Creek
Where the sidewalk ends…Tremont!
Cool mural at Tremont
In the morning after a hard rain the night before, I awoke to a dry morning and had some breakfast and a cup of joe. Heading up Bote Mtn. Tr, the sun breaks through the mist and warms my soul on a cold morning as I climb steadily up to the A.T. Once on this lofty spot, hang a left and hike for .3 of a mile before making a right on Jenkins Ridge Tr. You will automatically notice a huge difference in the tread on this more isolated ridge as you follow this meadowy ridge past Devil’s Race Patch, a rocky expanse that creaps up the hillside near a delightful creek. Next, pass over Haw Gap as views south to Fontana Lake and the Hazel Creek Valley open up like a book in front of your eyes, a truly amazing sight! Passing to the side of Cherry and Woodward Knobs, the trail descends through Pickens Gap as it slowly winds down to Hazel Creek. Make a left on this old roadbed as giant rhododendrons tower overhead making you feel small. Usually, I avoid these old roads, but this one is fantastic and well worth the hike in this isolated corner of the Park. Hike a bit further to Site#83 at the head of Bone Valley and set up camp.
An Icy Appalachian Trail
A frozen world high on Jenkins Ridge
Devils Race Patch
After enjoying a lovely night, head on down Hazel Creek to a meadowy spot that crosses this creek and then follows another road bed up out of the drainage proper. Once out, the road becomes a trail as it follows Cold Spring Branch for a bit before climbing up to Welch Ridge and an intersection to High Rocks. Take this very short side trail to the old lookout site and dilapidated cabin for a marvelous views north and west. The trail continues to follow the ridge as it climbs to Water Oak Gap, where you can see the the high ridge where you will be again joining the legendary Appalachian Trail. The forest starts opening up as the tread goes in between Hawk Knob and Mt. Glory and slowly winding up through Mule Gap. Once back on the A.T, make a right to travel through The Narrows, a slim and rocky section that hugs the top of the ridge. Continue on to Double Spring Shelter, your home for the night located in a peaceful meadow. Kick back and enjoy the trail journal as the sun goes down pleasantly transitioning to a starry evening.
I saw two coyotes and lots of animal tracks along Hazel Creek
A cool boulder, more lichen than rock on the A.T.
After a great breakfast, hit the trail and make a left for a short bit before dropping down to the Little River via the Goshen Prong Tr. It is mostly all downhill from here, so pat yourself on the back for climbing in and out of those drainages. Soon you will be following the stream of the same name as it hurdles downhill to meet the Little River far below. Once on the river, enjoy the large boulders that impede it’s progress and add a rugged quality to the River’s makeup. If you have a few minutes to spare, look for a salamander or two under the rocks that hug the edges of this watercourse. Their are over 30 different kinds of them in this Park, just one of the many reasons that it is so special. Once you hit the valley floor, make a left and take the Cucumber Gap Tr. as it climbs this small notch giving you one final look at the surrounding Mountains. Hit the end of this trail and follow the road back down to Elkmont where your car is. Take a minute to relish in the isolated corner of the Park that you visited before hitting the road back to civilization.
Curious mushrooms on the Little River
Great views from Cucumber Gap