Smoky Mountains Hiking Club upcoming events

Sunday Hike: New Member Hike to Rainbow Falls (05/17/2026)

Sun, 17 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Join us for this hike to one of the most popular water falls in the park. We will begin at the Rainbow Falls parking lot on Cherokee Orchard Road. The hike is 2.7 miles to the falls and back for a total of 5.4 miles. The climb to the falls is slightly over 1700 ft. on a trail that was refurbished a few years ago. The hike is rated moderate due to the climb. Because this is a popular trail, the parking fills quickly in the morning. We will start early in hopes of having ample parking spots available. After you register, e-mail the hike leader and inform him where you wish to meet for the hike (carpool or trail head).

For carpooling, meet at Kroger at 244 S Hall Rd, Alcoa, TN at 6:00am (82 miles round trip @ $0.07=$5.74 [$6.00] payable to the driver). Or meet at the Rainbow Falls Parking Lot at 7:30 am.

Leader Neil Snepp 281-797-3808, email: nsnepp@comcast.net

Wednesday Hike: Virgin Falls (05/20/2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

About an 8 mile round trip, rated moderately difficult due to some rocky terrain and elevation gain. Side attractions include several waterfalls and caves/rock houses. Virgin Falls emerges from a cave and falls 110 feet into another cave and disappears. It is a long drive.

Carpooling is recommended. 115 miles RT @ 7¢/mile=$8.00. Meet at the Lowes Harriman - 1800 Roane State Hwy, Harriman, TN Exit 350 off of I-40 at 7:30. Or at the Virgin Falls trailhead at 9:00.

Leader: David Grab, digrab@aol.com, 865-405-5779.

Saturday Hike: Savage Gulf State Park (05/23/2026)

Sat, 23 May 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Savage Gulf, 15,590 acres in Grundy and Sequatchie counties, is considered one of the state’s most scenic natural areas. It is an amazing place with an old-growth forest, stunning views, and geological formations. Start at Savage South and hike down past Suter Falls to Horsepound Falls. Then visit the amazing swale. Follow Collin’s Gulf to the historical Stagecoach Road up to Collin’s Rim, seeing several views. Return to cars. No shuttle needed.

The website registration includes a pull-down menu to plan carpooling. Total 12.1 total. Rated Difficult.

Leader: Tim Bigelow and Co-Leader Larry Johnson

Spaces: 25

Wednesday Hike: Abrams CG/Cooper Rd/Little Bottoms/Hanna Mtn/Rabbit Creek Loop (05/27/2026)

Wed, 27 May 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Starting at Abrams Campground, hike Cooper Rd to junction with Little Bottoms Trail. Hike Little Bottoms Trail and Hatcher Mtn Trail to wade across Abrams Creek at Hanna Mtn Trail. Follow Hanna Mtn Trail to the Scott Gap intersection with Rabbit Creek Trail. Hike Rabbit Creek trail to a second wade across Abrams Creek to Abrams Creek Ranger Station and our cars. Bring your water shoes for the two creek crossings.

Rated moderate with 9.0 miles and 1,800 ft elevation gain.

Meet ready to leave at Kroger in Alcoa, 244 S. Hall Rd (park around the side by KARM) at 7:30 or at the Abrams Creek Ranger Station at 8:30a.m. Drive distance 30 miles @ 0.07/mile = $2.10.

Leader: David Grab, digrab@aol.com, 865-405-5779

Off Trail Hike: Styx Branch (05/30/2026)

Sat, 30 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

This hike begins on the Alum Cave Bluff Trail. Then, above Arch Rock, the off-trail adventure begins, offering a 2000 feet elevation gain with a rock-hopping creek scramble up Styx Branch. Depending on the whims of the participants, a steep upward bushwhack leading to Myrtle Point will then ensue (e.g., 1500’/ 0.5 mi.). The return will follow the Boulevard Trail to LeConte Lodge and then back down the Alum Cave Trail. Highlights will include a stream-side stroll, the Arch Rock tunnel, a creek scramble in Huggins Hell, a bushwhack scramble up multiple cascades and/or landslide scars to steep high meadows and balsam groves, and stupendous views (weather permitting). Leader: Larry West (drwest1500@comcast.net)

Saturday Hike: GSMNP Map Marker, Newfound Gap AT/Sweat Heifer/Kephart Prong (05/30/2026)

Sat, 30 May 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Join us for a hike on the first section of trail developed in the park for public use! We will hike on the A.T. starting at Newfound Gap Parking Area and we will hike north to the Sweat Heifer Trail. This oddly named trail is where farmers once drove their cattle to the higher elevations for cooler temperatures in summertime, and cows would sweat as they climbed this trail. Thankfully, we hike downhill on this trail to Kephart Prong Trail. As we turn onto Kephart Prong, we will be passing the remnants of an old CCC camp for the workers who helped build the trails of our wonderful park!

This hike is rated as moderate for length, at approximately 7.2 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain.

Special Note: This is a shuttle hike; volunteers are needed—please let the leader know if you are available to park your vehicle at Kephart Prong Trail and return hikers to Newfound Gap at the end of the hike.

To carpool, meet at Cracker Barrel Strawberry Plains, 1510 Cracker Barrel Lane, southeast corner of the parking lot, at 7:15 (100 miles x $0.07 per mile = $7.00) or at Newfound Gap parking lot ready to depart hiking at 9:00 AM.

Shuttle drivers meet at the Kephart Prong Trail parking area at 8:30 AM. Contact: Brian via email at BMason997@yahoo.com.

Annual National Trails Day Event (06/06/2026)

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Spend a day giving back on the trails while enjoying the beauty of the Smokies and the camaraderie of fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Our annual National Trails Day (NTD) event is one of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club’s longest-running volunteer traditions and a great way to connect with others who care about protecting and maintaining our park’s trails.

Please join us to celebrate our club’s 29th annual National Trails Day event! Each year, nearly 100 volunteers come together to help rehabilitate a heavily used section of trail. Volunteers are divided into crews and assigned a section to work on throughout the day. We’ll all come back together at the end of the workday for a picnic and door prizes.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 22, 2026

EVENT AT A GLANCE:

Date: National Trails Day – June 6, 2026
Meet-Up Time: 7:00 a.m.
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center, GSMNP
Volunteer Teams: Crews of 6–8 people
Experience Needed: None — experienced crew leaders will guide all work
End-of-Day Picnic: 5:00 p.m. at Metcalf Bottoms

MEET-UP LOCATION & TIME: 7:00 a.m. at Sugarlands Visitor Center, Great Smoky Mountains National Park (1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738). After check-in, volunteers will receive crew assignments and carpool to their trailheads. The end-of-day picnic will take place at Metcalf Bottoms at 5:00 p.m.

WORK AREAS: Appalachian Trail between Icewater Spring Shelter and Double Springs Shelter.

WHAT TO WEAR: Layered clothing and boots or sturdy hiking shoes (no open-toe footwear).

WHAT TO BRING: Plenty of water, rain gear, lunch, snacks, work gloves, sunscreen, and bug repellent.

REGISTRATION FEE: Registration is free. If you would like a commemorative event T-shirt, the cost is $20. The shirt features a new design each year, and we encourage everyone to wear it to help spread the word about National Trails Day.

PLEASE NOTE: Your registration serves as your commitment to attend, as t-shirts and the afternoon picnic will be ordered and volunteer crews organized based on registration numbers.

AGE REQUIREMENT: All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.

WHAT TO EXPECT: NTD is a rewarding, hands-on volunteer experience and a great way to spend a day in the park with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Volunteers work alongside experienced trail maintainers, avid hikers, and others who share a love for the Smokies and the Appalachian Trail. Each crew is led by an experienced leader who will explain the day’s tasks and demonstrate proper techniques.

Work assignments vary in difficulty and may include trimming back overhanging limbs and brush, clearing waterbars to improve drainage, repairing or installing steps, and assisting with other routine trail maintenance. There are roles suited for different comfort levels and abilities, and no prior trail work experience is required — just a willingness to help and enjoy the day outdoors.

While the work is meaningful, the day is also about camaraderie, learning new skills, and spending time with people who care deeply about protecting and maintaining our park’s trails. By the end of the day, you’ll have helped improve one of the most heavily used sections of trail in the park and likely made a few new trail friends along the way!

All tools and instruction will be provided, and crew leaders will guide volunteers throughout the day to ensure work is done safely and effectively.

READY TO HELP PROTECT THE TRAILS WE ALL LOVE? Register today to join us for National Trails Day!

DONATIONS: Can't volunteer, but want to donate toward the cause? Monetary donations may be made at smhclub.org/donate. Please list NTD in the comments section.

QUESTIONS? Email Taylor Weatherbee tweatherbe@aol.com

Club 1st Saturday Work Trip (07/11/2026)

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

This work trip will focus on treadway rehab in the Nantahala National Forest between The Nantahala Outdoor Rafting Center and Fontana Dam. Specific locations of work will be based on prioritization of work needed. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

Club 1st Saturday Work Trip (08/01/2026)

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Each season, several hundred pounds of hardwood mulch are used at each of our backcountry privies to aid in proper composting. This work trip will focus on packing mulch to one or more of our backcountry privy locations less than 3 miles from the trailhead. Mulch is carried in 20-lb bags, and the club has extra backpacks if needed. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

Club 1st Saturday Work Trip (09/12/2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

This work trip will focus on treadway rehab in the section between Mt Cammerer Fire Tower and Camel Gap. Access to the work area will be via the 2.5 mile Low Gap Trail, starting at the Cosby Campground. Specific loca-tions of work will be based on prioritization of work needed. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

Club 1st Saturday Work Trip (10/03/2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

This work trip will focus on treadway rehab in the section between Newfound Gap to Sweat Heifer. This is our most heavily used section of trail and it sees a lot of wear each season. Specific locations of work will be based on prioritization of work needed. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

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.