Hikers in east Tennessee looking to hit the trail with a group of like-minded outsiders have several options in June. Thanks to the Knoxville-based Smoky Mountains Hiking Club, hikers have six adventures to choose from this month.
History of the Hiking Club
The Knoxville YMCA played a critical role in the founding of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club. Following a suggestion by Marshall Wilson, Assistant Boys Work Secretary at the Y, and George F. Barber, Physical Director at the Y, the YMCA Board of Directors agreed to sponsor an adult hiking program.
George Barber and his brother, Charlie, were selected to organize a trip to Mt. LeConte for Oct. 19-20, 1924. A group of about 20, while resting on Cliff Top, agreed that their experience should be shared by others. As a result, subsequent meetings led to the formation of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club, an organization separate from the YMCA.
The first scheduled hike was to Mt. LeConte on Dec. 6, 1924, with eight hikers. Additional hikes were scheduled through 1925. A club emblem was designed and is still used today. Then in 1926, a pamphlet was put together describing the origin and purpose of the club, a list of each hike with dates and a summary. Also included were suggested clothing and food, an invitation to join, club officers, and two photos of the club outings. The following year the first yearly handbook was published with expanded information. The size and general layout of the handbook have remained the same to this day.
Smoky Mountains Hiking Club members have always been dedicated to both enjoying and preserving the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. They did this first by supporting, promoting, and actively working to make the formation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park a reality. Now they continue to build around their core values: enjoyment of the outdoors, education efforts to convey the many values that a touch with nature can provide, conservation efforts to ensure that the wonderful environments endure for future generations, promoting the beauty and grandeur of the Great Smoky Mountains and helping to maintain the Appalachian Trail.
Early June Hikes
Grab your pack, lace up your boots and meet the club members, beginning with a couple of outings this weekend:
June 11 – Spicewood-Chimney Top Loop, Frozen Head State Park
Frozen Head Start Park is a treasure in Knoxville’s backyard. The hike will start at the main trailhead area past the Visitor Center, to Spicewood Branch, and then connects with Chimney Top Trail. Hikers will then turn south and pass Mart Fields campsite, then ascend to the marvelous rock formations known as the Chimneys. Finally, he hike ends with a descent on Chimney Top trail to the Visitor Center and a short walk on the road back to the cars. The hike is about nine miles, rated moderate, with some big climbs.
June 11 – Frowning Rock Prong Off-Trail
The excursion will take hikers deep into the Smoky Mountain wilderness to explore one of the most remote creeks in the park. A warmup with a quick stroll from Smokemont to Bradley Fork Trail to Campsite 49 leads to the real adventure. Then a rock-hop or wade in the creek for about 2 1/2 miles up the unusually flat and serene Bradley Fork leads to its confluence with Frowning Rock Prong. For nearly a mile and a half, hikers will pass beautiful tumbling cascades and deep, cold pools. Next is the legendary Frowning Rock Scar, where the adventure will conclude with a thrilling rock scramble up to the Appalachian Trail. After all this, hikers will end the hike, probably wearing headlamps, at awaiting vehicles at Newfound Gap. This is a massive day hike involving all the obstacles the Smokies throw at hikers who abandon the trails.
June 12 – Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail-Sutton Ridge Overlook Easy Hike
Hikers begin the hike at the hiker parking area at Cosby Campground. The route consists of the Lower Mt. Cammerer trail to the Sutton Ridge overlook and then returns to the beginning. There may be stops at the Dorsey Cemetery and a couple of other interesting sites. The hike is around 4 miles.
Heading Into Summer
June 18 – Gregory Bald via Gregory Ridge
On this classic early summer hike, hikers will visit Gregory Bald in hopes of experiencing the flame azaleas in bloom. Participants will use the Gregory Ridge Trail and climb steadily to its intersection with the Gregory Bald Trail. From there it’s a short climb to the summit of Gregory Bald. Also, hikers will see Cades Cove and Fontana Lake if the day is clear. The total distance of the hike is roughly 11.3 miles (3,000 feet elevation gain). The hike is rated moderately difficult.
June 22 – Metcalf Bottoms-Little Brier Gap-Little Greenbrier-Laurel Falls trail
Hikers will visit the Little Greenbrier School and the Walker Sisters cabin on the way to the Laurel Falls trail for a distance of 9.1 miles (2,064 ft. elevation gain). Additionally, those who want to can add one mile each way and 441 ft. elevation gain can go on to the Cove Mountain fire tower. The hike is rated moderate.
June 25 – Clingmans Dome-Newfound Gap
This high elevation hike should provide a respite from the valley heat. After arranging a shuttle at Newfound Gap, hikers will start at the highest point in the Smokies – Clingmans Dome (6,443 feet). The hike goes north through Appalachian Trail sections that the club maintains and through a beautiful conifer forest accented by moss-covered logs and ferns. The hike is rated moderate and the mileage is 8.4 miles.
The hikes don’t end when June comes to a close. Additional information about club hikes can be found on the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club website or in the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club newsletter.
Pre-registration at SMHClub.org is required for all hikes.
Hiking Club Membership
There are a few club membership options, including one-year individual ($20), family ($22-26), and supporting memberships ($30). In addition, a lifetime membership is available for $750.
