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Weekend Gem-Brush Mtn with N. Fork Citico+Bob Loop

Posted by eriksoltan on May 10, 2025 in Weekend Gem | No Comments

Bob Bald

When exploring the bigger mountains in East Tennessee we have two good local options to choose from. One is the Smokies and the other is the Citico and Joyce Kilmer Wildernesses that are linked together. Both are really good choices, but the Citico is the best one for a wild experience. You find your own campsite, do some light to heavy route finding depending on the trail and basically have it all to yourself! Are you down for that? If you want to hike one that is easier to to follow check out my North and S. Fork Citico Loop Weekend Gem I did a while back. But if you want to go for the gusto, hit up this Loop because it was amazing! Start out by getting to the TH which is only a short distance off the Cheoah Skyway. Start by heading up South Fork Citico TR #105 as it climbs a bit then drops down to the Creek. Follow it past unmarked North Fork Citico #98 while keeping your eyes peeled for campsites on both sides of the Creek and a sign marking Brush Mtn #97. Cross the Creek and slowly head up lovely Ike Camp Branch as it cascades down the mountain. It is sometimes hard to follow but remember that it follows Ike and jumps from one side to the other. When the Creek splits take the left fork up higher to the shoulder of Brush Mtn. The hard part of this trail is that you climb and appear to be reaching the top of some mountain only to traverse or drop off only to climb again, you do this three times. Keep looking for ribbons through rhododendron thickets, rock fields and ridge tops. After the second climb traverse the slope until you make the final climb of this seemingly longer 4.4 mile trail. When you get TR #149 take a break dammit and get some lunch. When you are satisfied with your food consumption make a right for a very short distance to the Benton McKaye TR and make a left as you make your way close to Cherry Log Gap. Here you will hit TR 54A that makes short work of the climb to Bob Bald. Grab water at the spring on the left as the forest opens up to the Bald. When the pocket meadows begin you are almost there! When you get to an intersection saying Haoe Lead, make a right on a way trail to an excellent camp in the open meadow. Enjoy this legendary Appalachian spot as the sun falls and the moon comes out in full force.

Ian Camp Branch before the split

Sweet afternoon nap

Looking south to the Skyway and the Bald River Wilderness

Yeah

After a great nights sleep, get up and have some grits and tea as the sun warms up the Bald. Enjoy some last moments at this great spot before retracting your steps back down to the intersection and then take the BMT again down to Cherry Log Gap. Continue on to TR #98 and start heading down into this fantastic valley. It begins as a big open bowl as it cruises down to where the North Fork Citico pops out of the ground and quickly gains strength as it heads downhill. The sides get more rugged and steep as you follow the Creek directly in its bed as the Roadies make a non wet way impossible. When it’s possible, the Trail gets out of the water but continues to hop over the stream as it quickly descends into a more rugged valley. Soon you will be above Old Goat Falls, a 40ft cascade that you cross literally straight above. Most of the crossings are rock hops and are easy enough until you get down into the flatter valley and the Creek swells to a more menacing size. Follow rock carins to stay left to avoid a couple of the bigger ones. At this point, you realize that this is indeed the best trail in the Citico Wilderness. You get on an old logging road as you make your way to a bridge high above where the North and South Forks meet up. Enjoy the view before getting to the South Fork TR again and hang a right. Get to your car and change into a fresh set of clothes before driving home with some good music and a calm feeling in your soul.