To help the club celebrate its Centennial Year, a reenactment of the famous S.O.S. Wilderness hike seems very appropriate. Back in 1966, SMHC and five other hiking clubs got together and organized a hike in protest of a new over mountain road proposed by the NPS Director at that time right through the heart of the Smokies wilderness. It is estimated that 576 hikers participated. There is a famous picture of Harvey Broome addressing the group before the hike. This effort plus others were successful in canceling any further plans for the road project. The club also reenacted the same hike in 2009 at the celebration of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park 75th anniversary. The route we will hike begins at Clingmans Dome parking lot and goes west on the AT to Miry Ridge trail which we follow down to Jake’s Creek trail on to Elkmont. The hike is 15.6 miles mostly downhill. We hope to provide more historical details on the hike. A shuttle bus is being arranged to simplify the driving with the $60 cost being split amongst all participants. Since the capacity of the bus is 24, the group size will be limited to that number. Meet at Jake’s Creek trail parking at Elkmont 7:30 am. Don’t forget a GSMNP parking pass will be required. Rated difficult due to length and elevation loss. Shuttle driving distance one way is 30 miles. Please register early with the leaders to help with planning.

Leaders: Ed Fleming & Pat Watts

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