The maze of trails around Cosby Campground can be confusing. But since they are on the “Dollar Map” and in the 900 Miler excel sheet they are necessary for anyone wanting to complete all the trails in the Smoky Mountains. The inset in the upper right of the dollar map is actually a pretty good guide to those trails. We will hike a clockwise circuit of Cosby Campground in the most efficient way (I think). Along the way we will see what is left of an old Dodge Business Coupe and an intact double-sided chimney and possibly some early wildflowers. From the parking lot near the campground check-in we will begin by going a short distance on Gabes Mountain Trail then a connector back to the campground loop A. The Snake Den Trail is a short distance away past a restroom. Next we will connect to the Horse Trail which will take us to Low Gap Trail and then a bridge over Cosby Creek. Doubling back after the bridge we will return again to the campground, B loop. A right there puts us on Lower Mt Cammerer Trail. Off trail here is the old car. Suttons Overlook is 1.3 miles away and possibly our lunch stop. Another off-trail detour will take us to an old homestead location where a chimney remains. On our return we can decide if the water level is low enough to take the Horse Trail back to the entrance road. Combining all the connectors, the trip to Suttons and the off-trail attractions the mile total is 7.3 with about 1250 ft of elevation gain. Rated moderate. Meet at Cracker Barrel off exit 398 and be ready to leave at 8:00. Drive 112 miles roundtrip 10 cents per mile = $11.20. Or meet at the Cosby Campground parking near the Campground Kiosk at 9:15.

Leader: Randy Mitchell

Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.