One Day Wilderness: Crooked Loop

This lovely 8.7 mile loop is a great Smoky Mountain sampler of what makes our trails memorable, mellow ridge walking, good views and a bomber waterfall. Start out by getting out at the TH and cross the road and walk down a couple hundred feet to the actual beginning of the trail on the right. Take the short trail that leads up to the Rich Mountain Loop TR and make a quick left onto the Loop. Cross a couple of small side streams as you make your way over to the John Oliver Place, stop on in if you haven’t been there before. After enjoying people’s startled reaction about where the heck you came from, continue on the Trail upwards to Cave Ridge and the start of the Indian Grave Gap TR. The tread climbs more to an intersection where you can make a left and check out Campsite #5 in a rad location on the shoulder of Double Mountain. Your hike however stays on top of the ridge as it skirts Cerulean Knob, good views down to the Cove can be found along this stretch. After you pass a strange sign that points you in the direction of Crooked Arm Ridge, but doesn’t actually say you are on it? At any rate, continue down this odd corkscrew of a Ridge to this Loop’s finale, the Crooked Arm Cascade that tumbles down the steep topography to the Cove. The Waterfall is especially cool because it appears slanted somehow as it shoots down the Ridge. Continue down to the short side trail that leads back to Cades and a nice snack in the now quiet parking area at the start of the driving loop. Big thanks to Deidra for the great pics!