Weekend Gem: Noland & Thomas Divide Loop

Peak Mountain Laurel bloom on Noland Divide

This is truly one of the Smoky Mountains best loop trips. But with some hard to juggle logistical issues like shuttling your crew between two trailheads, no camps on Noland Divide plus only one on Thomas and getting a spot at the busy Deep Creek Campground. But the rewards for putting it all together pays off when your shoes hit the trail and you quickly realize you are in for a great trip when you see the old growth in the first mile. Start by getting a car to the first TH just beyond Newfound Gap headed to Cherokee. Noland Divide TR begins on the way to Kuwohi (formally Clingmans Dome). Start the 3 day trek at this TH so you can drop the 3000 plus foot drop to Deep Creek rather than climb it and ascend the more gentle Thomas Divide instead. Once you have the cars in place start down the Noland Divide with impressive old and second growth trees around. Moss covers the cut Chestnut Oak logs that litter the trail. Even though some of these trees have been dead for more than 100 years, they look more like 5 years or so due to the extremely hard wood they consist of. When you see the old roadbed sliming down to a proper trail it won’t be long to the ridge line will get more narrow with steep inclines on both sides. Views across the mountains start getting better near the intersection with the BMT. To the left, the long distance trail drops down to Deep Creek by Camp #55 and to the right goes to Noland Creek.  Continue straight as the way skirts Sassafras and Coburn Knob where it jumps on Beaureguard Ridge. With around 8.3 miles down, you arrive at the intersection with the Lonesome Pine Overlook. Do not miss the chance to check out this spectacular vantage point with its views of the Nantahala Mountains across the Tuckasegee River Valley, as well as Bryson City almost underneath you. After soaking in the goodness at Lonesome Pine the Trail opens up on both sides of you with views of the incredible North Carolina section of the Smokies. Wind your way down the last final bit to trail down to the Deep Creek Campground. Find your camp, set up and hang your food as the day turns to night. Enjoy the last rays of sunshine as the night creeps in just in time for you to get some shuteye.

North Carolina’s biggest Yellow Birch

Moody Noland Divide

Lonesome Pine Overlook

Mountain Laurel madness

A Dark-eyed Junco Nest

Getting down to Deep Creek

When you get up and get moving, retrace your steps back to the TH you came out of the woods and hang a right into the  parking lot. Keep to the road on the left and follow it over a bridge that spans Juney Whank Creek. Stay on this road for about 2 miles as it passes a the trail leading to Indian Creek. In a short bit get to the Thomas Divide TR as it   climbs to the Divide top. First you pass Stone Pile Gap TR and then Indian CR Motor Trail where you finally ditch the logging road you’ve been on and get on a proper trail that climbs to the ridge top. This quickly improving section of trail climbs this more rounded ridge before dropping a short ways to Deeplow Gap. The last half of the Thomas Divide is as lovely of a stretch of trail as any other ridge hike in the Smoky Mountains with interesting diversity every zone you pass through. Open forests lead to views of the North Carolina side of this marvelous Park and provide spotty flower pocket meadows that change with the elevation and the seasons. Soon you will be jumping on the Newton Bald Trail for a short distance to Camp #52 which is one of my favorites in the Park. Good sunsets and sunrises can be seen here no matter how full the canopy of leaves is, enjoy the last bit of day as the sky turns burgundy.

The first part of the Thomas Divide

Bears

A lovely moment

Big trees are on both Divides

After a good night’s sleep, start your morning easy as conversation of the legendary qualities of this loop inspire you to get back on the trail today. Begin by heading back to Thomas Divide and hanging a right as the way climbs to the Fork Ridge Trail.  Drop to Tuskee Gap and climb up to the small, but beautiful Nettle Creek Bald area. The Trail now traverses with less climbs and more traversing ridge top or descending in short intervals. Pass the Kanati Creek Intersection as the way slowly drops back to the Hwy. When you get back to this quiet TH, change into some comfy city clothes before getting a burger to top off the night and reflect on how good life can feel when you surrender to Mother Nature.

Pink Lady’s Slippers

Misty morning on Thomas