This hike begins at the familiar Groundhog Ridge parking area with a climb up one of the branches of Groundhog Creek to the Lower Mount Cammerer Trail. This trail is used to zip around the mountain to Robinson Creek where the narrow valley leads up into the Highlands. The climb then turns toward the Panther Stairs as the trek passes by five nice waterfalls set in a broad almost gentle valley. These gentle slopes give way to the cliffs beneath the Panther Stairs. At this point, the hike becomes a scramble up the open sandstone faces and along the narrow spine of the Panther Stairs affording excellent views into the Smoky Mountain valleys below. The hike will proceed to the Mount Cammerer Lookout Tower and then return by the old Groundhog Ridge manway.

Total trip is 5.2 miles, 3.8 being off trail. Rated difficult.

Previous off-trail experience encouraged. Preregistration for this off-trail hike is required – please contact trip leaders to get details, including meeting time and place.

Leaders Greg Harrell (GSHarrell@milligan.edu) and Ken Wise (kwise@utk.edu).