Great Smoky Mountains - Mt. Sterling Backpacking Loop Trip

This is an extremely challenging, but also very rewarding backpacking trip to the summit of Mt. Sterling. Although subject to change (I had wanted to do the easier route up, the more difficult route down), we plan to hike up the Baxter Creek trail, a bear of a different sort with 4,100 elevation gain over 6.1 milesor about 690' per mile, with very little level spots to rest your legs.  We'll be in beautiful forest the entire way, but may also have to cross over some large trees from blow-down.  There are not many views on the way up until you get about half-way up the firetower at the top of Mt Sterling, where we will camp for the night.  At the top of the firetower, there are 360 degree views of the park and surrounding area.  There is no water other than a small stream about 500 yeards before the firetower, so bring plenty of water.

The next morning we will begin our hike down over the Sterling Ridge trail, Swallow Fork trail and Big Creek trails, about 11 miles and 4,100' elevation drop. There may be some obstacles on the way down as well, as the Ranger says that the Big Creek has just reopened a few days ago, after many trees being downed in storms over the past months. There are water sources along the last half of this trail.

The trailhead begins at the Big Creek picnic area. Bring or plan on borrowing a water filter. We'll probably make it back to the Big Creek picnic area by 3pm or later on Sunday, depending on how long we stop at some of the water sites. I'm not sure how difficult the water crossings might be on the way down. If there is a consensus, we'll stop to eat on the way back.

We will hang our food and smelly items on the cable system at our campsite.  This is a bear area.  There a small charge of $24 backcountry registration fee for the 6 campers, to be split among whoever comes.   You will be considered registered when you pay this fee.

Weather at this stage is for 30% chance of rain Saturday night and 50% chance on Sunday.  We will be doing this hike, unless there are thunderstorms predicted at the top of Mt Sterling.

Must meet at carpool (call me if this is not a possibility).

Because of the difficulty of the hike to the summit of Mt. Sterling, if you haven't done some tough backpacking trips with AOC, send an email to me describing your experience as a backpacker, and your fitness level.