GSMNP Rich Mountain, Indian Grave Gap, Crooked Arm Trail Loop

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GSMNP Rich Mountain, Indian Grave Gap, Crooked Arm Trail Loop

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Cades Cove Entrance

Hike: GSMNP Rich Mountain, Indian Grave Gap, Crooked Arm Trail Loop

Date(s) & Time:

Thu, Oct 23 2025 8:30 am >> Thu, Oct 23 2025 1:30 pm

Registration Opens:

Sat, Oct 11 2025 6:10 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Wed, Oct 22 2025 6:00 pm

Event Duration:

5 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult (Exploratory)

Distance:

8.5 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Linda L
Ann

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Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

5 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

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:

Please join me for a hike on the Rich Mountain Loop Trail in Cades Cove. This is one of three GSMNP hikes I will be leading. Join one, two, or all three. I will be staying in Gatlinburg Tuesday and Wednesday nights. If anyone is interested we can meet for dinner.

I have not done this hike so it is noted as Exploratory.

We will start the hike at the trailhead which is located in the opposite parking lot from the Cades Cove entrance. The hike starts by one of the beautiful meadows. We will pass by John Oliver Cabin till we reach Martha's Branch. We will continue to the Indian Grave Gap Trail and Crooked Arm Ridge Trail.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/rich-mountain-indian-grave-crooked-arm-trail?u=i&sh=pebdiv

This is a moderately paced, 2.7 mph, D4 hike with 1700+ elevation gain. You should be able to keep the pace with the group with minimal rest breaks. We will stay together as a group. To join the hike, please have solid D4 AOC hiking experience in the last 4 weeks.

Please plan to arrive 10 - 15 minutes early so we can start the hike promptly at 8:30 a.m. We might try to meet at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and carpool to the trailhead.

Required Items to Bring:

Trail shoes

Wear appropriate clothing

Water (2 to 3 L)/hydrating drinks/electrolytes

Lunch/snacks

GSMNP Parking Pass

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

Hiking Poles, if you use them

Hat/Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Bug Spray

Poncho, in case of rain

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Park at the entrance gate to Cades Cove.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/W526j7BTjRUitFdF8

Notes:

Fee information: While there is no entrance fee, a paid parking tag is required for those who park longer than 15 minutes. You may purchase a daily, weekly, or annual tag online at the visitor's center. For more information, please visit: https://www.nps.gov

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

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