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Weekend Gem-Little River, Collins and Goshen Lollipop Loop (Winter 2025)

Posted by eriksoltan on Mar 2, 2025 in Weekend Gem | No Comments

LeConte

It’s been awhile since I had been in the Smokies for a backpacking trip and I was excited! I have done all these trails except this section of the Sugarlands Mountain TR before both on my own and guiding clients. Goshen Prong, Clingmans, the A.T stretch and Campsite #30 hold special memories for me when I revisit them again. Anyway, get up to the TH in Elkmont to start the show. The first part of this trip is along an old roadbed which follows the River further back into the Mountains. When you get to the Goshen Prong TR the way becomes more trail like passing by Camp #24 and crossing several small creek’s trickling off Sugarlands Mountain. When you reach an ominous crossing at Meigs Creek this is the first of two possibly hard to cross crossings. If you get pounded with thunderstorms with an 3/4 or an inch of rain or more, be weary of this section up to Camp #30. Other than that, cruise on up to camp just past the second crossing, the best spot is to the left where the trail fades into the forest. On the left of that, look for a higher ledge above the group camp layout. Do yourself a favor and camp here. Eat your dinner on a high boulder adjacent to the creek where I’ve seen otters hanging out. Enjoy this great spot on the boulder until the churning leaves mesmerized you until you get sleepy.

You know, just crossing creeks all day

After a good night’s sleep it’s time for breakfast as you break down camp. Cross back over the River and go back the 1.8 to the intersection where you turn right up Rough Creek. This lovely trail is an example of what makes the Smoky Mountain great for hiking. A cascading creek footpath in a tight valley that slowly makes its way up to the source and then the high country, who can ask for more? In just under 3 miles reach a snowy Sugarlands Mountain TR where you heat right to the A.T. This gentle trail slowly climbs up past nice old trees and burns that open up the land to berry bushes and good views. It’s cool to think that this trail climbs above the adjacent valleys from the low lands of Sugarlands Visitor Center. After a while you start to enter the deep, mossy conifer forests of the Appalachian High Country as sweet piney smell fills the air. When you see the sign to purify the water, you know you are near the Mt. Collins Shelter, your destination for the night. Grab some water now to avoid coming back down here for water. Settle in for conversation and dinner as nighttime settles in.

Moss gives way to snow

The last bit of Rough Creek before Sugarlands Mountain TR

Galax

Burned area

Lovely winter conditions high on Sugarlands

Now this is going to be a long beautiful day of hiking over Clingmans Dome and beyond so start with a big breakfast. Finish off the last bit of the climb to the A.T, when you hit it make a right. Hike a few short up and downs before climbing Mount Love and then to Clingmans. Follow the side trail to the Dome and check out this modest viewpoint which provides views in every direction. In winter the road is closed which makes this a much better time to visit in my opinion. After soaking the view in, head left on the A.T towards Goshen Prong as views open up to Gatlinburg and Knoxville between the rock slabs. Soon the pocket meadows open up revealing views of the Citico and Slickrock Wilderness, the true wild side of the Smokies. Next you start descending into nice mossy old growth as your day gets better and better. After guiding this section several times it has a special place in my heart. Hit Goshen Prong TR and hang right onto this lovely creek trail. It immediately starts dropping down as seasonal views open up into the valley below. After a while you’ll hit the creek proper as it steeply descends wild and frothy. When the canyon wall widens out on the right side keep an eye out for Campsite #23, one of favorites in the Park. The last bit of this Trail cruise creek side passing pocket meadows that have nice displays of Fringed Phacelia in early April. The flower gives the land a look that a powdery flurry has moved through ironically after winter has passed. After a rhododendron tunnel or three arrive back to the Little River Trail where a left will bring downstream back to your car. Finishing this longer day on the old roadbed is nice as the sun goes down and the trip comes to an end.