BMT - Thunder Rock Campground to Big Frog Mtn - D7 Prep - Mon, Feb 2 2026

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BMT - Thunder Rock Campground to Big Frog Mtn - D7 Prep


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Thunder Rock Campground   Hike: BMT - Thunder Rock Campground to Big Frog Mtn - D7 Prep  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Mon, Feb 2 2026  9:00 am >> Mon, Feb 2 2026 5:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 7:15 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Sun, Jan 18 2026 7:15 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sun, Feb 1 2026 8:00 pm
Event Duration:8 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D6: Advanced
Distance:19 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Tim W
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:8
Minimum Group Size:12
Number Registered So Far: 1 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

Note, since there's a long list of signups for my D7 hike in April, this will be considered a 5th qualifying/prep hike giving everyone more options. Therefore, hikers on the waitlist for the D7 hike will be given priority on this hike.

Come join me hiking the BMT in Big Frog Wilderness, TN.  This challenging out and back hike will follow the BMT south from Thunder Rock Campground on the West Fork and Big Frog trails to the top of Big Frog mountain before retracing our route back.

We'll climb steadily from the Thunder Rock Campground trailhead ascending 3000 ft over 9 miles to the top of Big Frog Mountain.  Along the way we'll skirt Chimneytop Mtn following a beautiful ridgeline to Big Frog Mtn. After reaching the top of Big Frog Mtn we'll have lunch and turn around to head back.  The climb is up Big Frog is long and steady, a good endurance test.

This is a solid D6 hike covering 19 miles with 4300+ feet elevation gain. Average pace should be around 2.7 mph.  Recent D6 or high end D5 experience is a prerequisite.  Be sure you're comfortable with hikes lasting up to 10 hours (moving time) at a fast pace (up to 3.0 mph).  Hikers without D6 experience may get an email to assess your compatibility.


Kudos to Ron for the original writeup for this hike.


Required Items to Bring:

water and/or sports drink

lunch and snacks

sturdy and comfortable hiking shoes or boots

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

hiking poles

rain gear

sunny disposition

towel


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Thunder Rock Campground Trailhead parking is across the river and to the right.

Click here for trailhead location

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):130Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 7:15 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $52.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.