Mt. Cammerer via Low Gap Trail

I've been wanting to hike Mt. Cammerer since I first heard about it.  Low Gap trail is the most popular route to the summit likely because it is the shortest however, it is also the steepest. This is a solid D5 hike, a strenuous 11.1 mile out and back with 3,149 ft of elevation gain. Sections at the top are rocky and uneven.

It's in the Smokies and temperatures are usually cooler there, but are still expected to be warm this week. 

Consider hotels reservations as soon as possible.  I will share my hotel info after we have the group formed.

GSMNP park pass is recommended to buy online in advance or make arrangements to ride with someone who has one.

Note: This is a training hike that is scheduled for the day before Ramsey Cascades, a D4 hike. You are not required to do both hikes. Sign up for each hike separately.  I hope you will come to the Gatlinburg area a do both hikes with us.

We will begin in the Crosby Creek Valley and climb until we reach the Appalachian Trail. The trail begins to level out at 3.7 miles thanks to the ridge.  There we will turn left and enjoy the views of Cosby Valley, Snake Den Ridge and Inadu Knob along the way.

As we approach the fire tower there is a rocky spur trail for 0.6 miles where we will need to take our time and be careful. The highest point on the trail is 5,054 awe inspiring feet.

We will have lunch at the fire tower.

Hiking poles are recommended for safety purposes and due to the descent, which is notoriously more difficult to handle than the steep hike up the mountain. 

Recent D5 experience required.

 

You can find the trailhead using your GPS by entering Low Gap Trailhead in Crosby.

Come into Gatlinburg and take the third light, at the 441/321 junction, eastward to Highway 321/73. Drive 18.2 miles and the road will run into Highway 32. Go right towards Cosby Creek and 1.2 miles further until you reach the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance. Take a right into the park and go for 2.1 miles to reach Cosby Campground.

Inside the campground, park in the large area on the left, which is designated for the Low Gap Trailhead, which is where your hike to Mt. Cammerer commences. Make sure to park in the correct parking lot, or you’ll face the wrath of the host of the campground.

About the firetower:  The "western style' lookout atop Mount Cammerer. "Western" refers to the fact it isn't located on an elevated frame to get above treeline. The tower was built in 1937 by the CCC and manned as a fire lookout until the 1960's.