Great Smoky Mountains Association

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Cades Cove Area Trails

Cliff

Madison, next to the Natchez Trace

Hi Don, Did most of that hike in June. In 1975 there was a bear at Siler that wanted to get into the shelter. In June there was a bear about 150 yards from the shelter and on this website another, more recent hiker reports bear activity at Siler. http://www.thebackpacker.com/trails/at_detail/348.php It is an unimproved, bearproof shelter. From there to Derricks' Knob the hike is nice, strenuous but not for long periods. It is improved but without a bear screen. From Derricks to Spencefield the hike is strenuous nearly all day but the views are the best that I've seen on the AT in the smokies, especially at Rocky Top on Thunderhead mountain. After Rocky Top the trail begins downward and is gentle with some uphill but not bad. Spencefield also improved shelter. The hike to Russell is not bad at all, very nice. I have not been on the trail down to Cades Cove since 75 and you will see from my last post prior to yours, that I have very definite memories of a steep trail, but in your case it will be a descent. My daughter and I adhered to this maxim... especially going from Derrick to Rocky Top, "five minutes after we get there everything will be fine."

don

Cincinnati

We are planning on doing a three night 4 day hike. Starting at Clinmans Dome with 1st night @ Silers Bald 2nd @ Derricks Knob and 3rd at Spence Field and then down to cades cove campground. For those that have done this let me know how doable and strenuous this would be and what kind of shape the shelters are in. Thank you for your helpful insight. We will probably go in June.

Cliff

Madison, next to the Natchez Trace

Thirty one years ago I hiked from Cades Cove up to Russel Field shelter. For three years running, a friend and I had hiked parts of the AT in the smokies, plus some associated trails, but as far as I can remember, that was the hardest, steepest long section of trail we encountered. No kidding, I remember thinking at one point that I could put my arm out in front of me, fall forward just about a foot and I would have my hand on the trail! Well, now I am thinking about taking that walk again. I'm just wondering if it is as steep as I remember! And by the way, just before I started the extremely steep section, I approached a sharp bend in the trail and all of a sudden a jeep with a bunch of volunteer trail workers came around so fast that I had to jump out of the way into a rain-catch to avoid being hit. They continued on their way as though I had not been there. Could I be the only hiker ever to almost be run down by a vehicle on a trail high up in the smokies?

Steve

The Sugarlands

Cole, Sweet deal. If it twas I, I would start at the west end, either Cades Cove or Abrams Creek campgrounds, and go all the way to the east end, say the Cosby area, them work my way back.

Bruce

Indiana

TN Hiker - Thanks for the info and web link. I checked out your site and it is great! I also have a great love for the Smokies and have hiked there since I was a little boy. We have done many family trips as my kids have grown up. They still use their daypacks with all the patches on it they earned from hiking SMNP trails. I've found the best trail for families with young kids is the Abram's Falls trail. It is an easy hike and follows the stream to the falls and kids love water. That is the first trail I took my kids on when they were able to walk. And they all loved it!