We will do this 10-mile in-and-out hike with an elevation gain of 1,335 ft. Rated moderate. This trail is named after William Holland Thomas, who was a North Carolina State Senator, but the only white person to be chief of the Cherokee. Starting from the Thomas Divide trailhead on Newfound Gap Road, it will be an out-and-back hike to Campsite 52. The first 1.8 miles are mainly uphill until Kanati Fork junction. Shortly after passing Kanati, there is a climb up and over Nettle Creek Bald, follow by a descent of 2 miles to the Sunkota Ridge Trail junction and finally 0.4 more miles to Campsite 52, where we will have lunch.

For carpooling, meet at Kroger, 244 S. Hall Rd., Alcoa (park at the side of the building near its SE corner), in time to leave at 7:00 am. Drive 106 miles RT at 7¢/mile: $7.50. Or meet at the trailhead ready to hike at 8:45am.

After you register, please send the hike leader an email indicating whether you will meet at the Carpool or the trailhead.

Leader: Maricarmen Rogers, maricarmenrogers54@gmail.com, 865-250-3103. Leader will meet at the trailhead.