GSMNP - Mount Sterling Loop - Fri, Apr 9 2021

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GSMNP - Mount Sterling Loop


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Cosby,TN   Hike: GSMNP - Mount Sterling Loop  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Fri, Apr 9 2021  9:00 am >> Fri, Apr 9 2021 4:30 pm
Registration Opens: Mon, Mar 15 2021 7:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Wed, Apr 7 2021 7:44 pm
Event Duration:7 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D6: Advanced (Exploratory)
Distance:17 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
RonnyJ (Call me Ron)
Leigh B
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:10
Minimum Group Size:3
Number Registered So Far: 6 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

GSMNP is the premier hiking location in the southeast, but there is more to it than Alum Cave, Charlies Bunion etc... Come with us and explore some other awesome trails!

This is a 3 day weekend chock full of awesome with 3 hikes for your enjoyment. Join 1, 2 or all 3 and make it YOUR weekend. All of these hikes are near Cosby TN, off the beaten path and far enough away from Gatlinburg to beat the crowds.

1. Mount Sterling Loop

2. Porters Creek and Brushy Mountain

3. Ramseys Cascade

 

Mount Sterling Loop

I have been wanting to do this hike for quite awhile... the time has finally come!

We will meet at the parking lot in Big Creek Campground and start our CCW loop on the Big Creek Trail. This 5 mile trail is filled with creek views and includes Mouse Creek Falls at about the 2 mile point. We will intersect the Swallow Fork Trail and notice an uptick in our uphill slope. This trail is about 4 miles long and keep us adjacent to the Swallow Fork creek. Next up is the Mount Sterling Ridge Trail. As you might expect, this trail leads to the summit of Mount Sterling and includes the highest elevation fire tower in the eastern US. The views here are outstanding! From here it is all downhill on the Baxter Creek Trail as enjoy many more creek views and eventully return to our cars. Somewhere along this epic trek we will stop for lunch.

This is a difficult D6 hike, recent appropriate experience is required to join the fun.


Required Items to Bring:

Water

Food

Boots

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

Camera

Poles

Deep Fryer


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Trailhead Location


Notes:


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


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