Smoky Mountains Hiking Club upcoming events

Saturday Hike: Mount Cammerer via Low Gap (10/24/2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:45:00 GMT

For our annual Fall Colors Mount Cammerer hike, we will start at the Cosby trailhead parking area and hike up the famously steep Low Gap Trail to connect with the AT in the gap. Then we will head north on a stretch of the AT until we reach the Mount Cammerer spur trail. The Mount Cammerer Fire Tower, restored and picturesque, offers stunning 360-degree views of surrounding TN and NC mountains. Following lunch, we will return the way we came.

Hike is 11.4 miles, with elevation gain of 2800 feet. Rated difficult.

To carpool, meet at the Cracker Barrel at Strawberry Plains (1510 Cracker Barrel Lane, Exit 398 off of I-40; park on the right side of the lot), ready to leave at 7:40 am. (Drive: 106 miles RT @ 7¢/mile=$7.50).

Or meet at the Cosby Hiker parking at 8:45 am. The hike leader will meet you at the Cosby Hiker parking lot.

Hike leader: Terry Martin terrymartinjr7@gmail.com; 865-399-1465.

Wednesday Hike: Shuckstack on the AT (out and back) (10/28/2026)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Starting at Fontana Dam, we’ll hike 4.6 miles to Shuckstack fire tower.

AFTER CROSSING THE DAM, WE WILL FACE A STEEP RELENTLESS CLIMB. Elevation gain 2400 feet within the first 2.4 miles. The fire tower is 60 feet of steel and wood the tower was built In 1934. There are 78 open steps to the top for 360 view of Fontana Lake, the Smokies, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

RATED DIFFICULT

For carpooling meet at Kroger‘s Alcoa, 244 South Hall Rd. (Park around the side beside KARM) ready to leave at 7:15AM round-trip 96 miles (@.07=$7.00 rounded up) or at Fontana Dam at 9:00 AM.

Hike leader: Louise Miniard lminiard00@gmail.com

Join the Backpacking and Base Camp Group (10/31/2026)

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Join a NEW group of SMHC members interested in backpacking and base camping. This is an auxiliary activity like the existing Wednesday Hikers Group. The Group designates 1-2 people to manage a weekly email communications distribution. Group members take turns selecting and leading backpacks and base camps.

For more information, contact Larry Johnson (865-776-6434, larryj11320@gmail.com), or Brian Mason (865-300-2377, BMason997@yahoo.com).

Off Trail Hike: Cat Stairs (10/31/2026)

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Let’s take a Halloween Hike to the Cat Stairs! Starting in Greenbrier we’ll follow an old, rugged manway route to visit the ruins of the Barnes’ place below the towering bluff line of the lower Pinnacle Lead. From there the real climb begins as the manway snakes its way through the thickest scrub, scree, and rhodo-tangles to an even steeper, rocky ascent of the northwest Cat Stairs bluffs where we’ll use every muscle-in-our-body to pull ourselves upward. At the summit lies a little slick of laurel-horror that eventually gives way to a tight overlook showcasing views of Woolly Tops, Le Conte, and the lower Greenbrier valley. Depending on daylight remaining and the ghoulish motivations of our troupe, several terrifying descent options are available, but don’t expect to be back before dark :-}

RATED: DIFFICULT OFF-TRAIL.

Leaders: Todd Long and Kindel Page.

For sign-up info please email: kindeledhearts1985@gmail.com.

Club 1st Saturday Work Trip: End-of-Year Tool Maintenance (11/07/2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

November is the time to start winding down the trail maintenance season. This work trip will be focused on cleaning, sharpening, repairing, inventorying, and storing the club’s tools for the winter. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.