The hike begins at the Kanati Fork trailhead with a climb of about 2100 feet over 2.75 miles to the Thomas Divide trail. Kanati Fork is a constant climb with an average grade of 770 feet per mile. This time of year, one can anticipate seeing a variety of spring wildflowers growing along the trail to help take the mind off the climb. We then hike the Thomas Divide trail to the Newton Bald trail.

We will stop at backcountry campsite 52 for lunch, then continue on the Newton Bald trail for a short distance to the Mingus Creek trail. This will lead us down the ridge line and along Mingus Creek to the Mingus Mill Parking area.

The total distance is 12.5 miles with a total climb of approximately 4000 feet. The hike is rated difficult due to distance and climb.

Meet to carpool from the Cracker Barrel at 1510 Cracker Barrel Lane, Knoxville (exit 398 I-40) Be ready to leave at 6:30 A.M. The drive to the Mingus Mill Parking area via I40, 66 (exit 407), 441 is 126 miles round trip. $0.07/mile = $8.82 rounded up to $9.00 cash for the driver.

Alternatively, meet at the Mingus Mill parking lot 8:30 A.M. The hike leader will meet everyone at Mingus Mill. We will gather at the Mingus Mill parking lot where we will load everyone into as few cars as possible and drive to the Kanati Fork trail head to begin the hike. After the hike those who shuttled people to the trail head will be taken back to get their cars.

E-mail the hike leader when you register to indicate if you are planning to carpool from Cracker Barrel. To facilitate the logistical arrangements, registration for this hike will close on Thursday evening April 24.