Weekend Gem: Jenkins, Spence and Eagle Loop
Took off for this great 39.2 mile lollypop loop to see the synchronistic fireflies and Eagle Creek that has often made me curious from the Spence Shelter on guiding trips. I soon found out that this loop had many other hidden treasures in store for us, and I guess now, potentially you. Start off at the TH and if you can drive over the Dam to a quick right up Lakeview Drive West to the A.T. and BMT Trails. Hop out of your rig and enjoy the fresh morning air as jump on the BMT headed north towards the Lake. The first part of the journey has the occasional up and downs contouring the now stubby ridge line’s ends. Along the way check out the cool old cars that have been abandoned or even more intriguing, capsized along the way. Dropping down to camp #90, stay close to the Lake or heck, take a dip. After your brisk swim, keep on rocking until Flint Gap, another nice spot to take a substantial break from the summer sun. The next 7.5 miles is along a old roadbed with lots of historical human spectacles like old chimneys and house sites. As you walk into the old site of Proctor, a old logging town complete with the Calhoun House which has been oddly neglected over the years. Make a left onto the Hazel Creek TR. and continue on to your camp #84. This nice open spot on Hazel has a nice small beachy chilling spot as Sugar Branch works it way down from high and empties into the main drainage. The Synchronistic Fireflies were amazing at this spot, if you have a chance to see them you should, it is hard to describe in words!
After enjoying a night of firefly fun, hit the Jenkins Ridge TR. leading you into the Park’s mountainous interior. The Trail starts as an old road and slowly fades to a slim tread when the topography gets steeper. I am assuming that the logging company in this area tried to get higher up the mountain here but gave up and headed for the low lands, take that suckers. This Trail climbs steeply to levels and then has short spots of flat before going for it again. The first one of these is at Pickens Gap as it levels off revealing the first Flame Azaleas of the trip. The way continues to climb past Woodward and Cherry Knobs on it’s way to Haw Gap in a lovely meadowy saddle. When you can see Blackhorse Mountain through the trees on your right, it is only a short distance to Devils Race Patch which is a marshy oasis on this dry trail. Take your lunch here in the shade before heading up through the Heaths to an intersection with the A.T. where you make a left heading into Spence Field proper. As you climb a rise into more meadows, turn around to see Rocky Top rising above this grassy expanse. In the summer, it is delightful to see all the blooming Heaths and flowers. Sit down for a spell and enjoy this delightful setting with views out to Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests that seem to stretch out for eternity. Make a left onto the Eagle Creek TR. as it winds another quarter mile through high grasses past a shelter. Hit a spring with a pipe and follow that trickle as it joins with others to make a proper creek with a satisfying rush in this steep downhill section with a few small crossings. Within a couple of miles, you get down to Eagle Creek, cross it one more time to your spot at Camp #97 located in a nice nook with steep canyon walls on both sides.
After a mixed bag of different kinds of fireflies and a restful night’s sleep, continue on down the Trail crossing the Creek a few more times (15 in all!). If you suspect rough thunderstorms or snow up high and warm temps, don’t attempt this route because the Creek crossings might get dangerous. Pass by the island site #96 which is supposedly 440 ft. higher than your spot, I beg to differ. Continue dropping down on easy tread past #89 and down to the BMT once again. I believe that if I had to pick this route again I would stay at #96, it has the best ascetics on this Trail. Make a right and retrace your steps back to your rig. Hit up Smoky Mountain Brewery in Maryville for a ruben and a nice ale!
