Getting ready to set out for a loop hike up Caldwell Fork Trail to Boogerman Loop Trail in the Cataloochee area of the Smokies
Trailhead for Caldwell Fork Trail
The nice footbridge across Cataloochee Creek at the Caldwell Fork Trailhead
Cataloochee Creek
Along the Caldwell Fork Trail
The intersection of Caldwell Fork Trail and today's destination - the Boogerman Trail
Big old growth hemlock trees were all over the Boogerman Trail
A hollowed tree along Boogerman Trail
Unidentified berries along the Boogerman Trail
Cresting the highest point on the Boogerman Trail and begin the descent
A huge old poplar along the Boogerman Trail
...which was big enough to make an apartment out of.
I thought this octopus looking tree was neat looking
Stonework from the early settlements along Caldwell Fork Trail
The end of the Boogerman Loop Trail
Caldwell Fork
Another decent sized footbridge across Caldwell Fork. The water was stained turpentine color from all the leaves that had recently fallen into the creek.
Another nice footbridge across Caldwell Fork
Picture doesn't show the scale, but these were two huge old growth hemlock trees balancing on a rocky perch
At the end of my hike, the Cataloochee elk decided to come out in the fields for a snack
This area of the Smokies is where they reintroduced elk to the Smokies several years ago.
A dominant bull elk keeps watch on his herd
The Cataloochee elk
It's about 11 degrees this morning as I set out for a snow-covered early winter hike up Mingus Creek Trail. It wouldn't get above 40 the whole day.
Mingus Mill's flume was covered in ice
Mingus Mill through the rhododenren
At this point in the trail the snow was barely visible, but as I ascended it would get thicker.
The gate on Mingus Creek that controls the flow of water to Mingus Mill
Mingus Creek near Mingus Mill
As I ascended, more snow along the Mingus Creek Trail
Snow covered footbridge on the Mingus Creek Trail
Much of the Smokies were heavily populated before the Park Service began condemning land to form the National Park, so the cemetaries, churches, and graveyards from these old settlements are everywhere in the lowlands.
The point along Mingus Creek Trail where a side trail split to go 1 mile up to an old cemetary.
Now the trail transitioned from a wide path capable of vehicle travel to hiking path. Also, the footbridges were no more so I had to cross creeks at several spots and hope to not get wet.
The snow was beginning to get thicker and it was major cold.
Bummer, somebody had been here in the snow a day before me and I had to follow their footprints in the snow.
Another creek crossing area on Mingus Creek Trail
Getting higher in the mountains along Mingus Creek Trail
At this point, the snow was caked on my summer-style hiking boots. It was too cold for the snow to melt and get my feet wet, so my feet weren't as cold as they could've been.
Nearing the top of Mingus Creek Trail
Huffing and puffing, I reached the top and the intersection with Deeplow Gap Trail
The intersection of Mingus Creek Trail and Deeplow Gap Trail
It was very cold and getting late, so unfortunately I didn't continue on from here to complete the last section of Mingus Creek Trail. I headed back down the mountain, but look forward to returning to complete the trail.
Along the return trip on Mingus Creek Trail
The flume for Mingus Mill covered in ice
Newfound Gap after my Mingus Mill hike
Today's hike was to be up Bradley Fork Trail and Chasteen Creek Trail to backcountry campsite 48. This would be an out-and-back style hike. This is Smokemont Baptist Church at the trailhead.
The trailhead for Bradley Fork Trail. The white blaze signifies that this trail is part of the Benton-MacKaye trail system. In the Smokies, the BMT uses already existing trails. More info on the BMT at www.bmta.org
The amphitheatre at Smokemont campground, which looks like it hasn't been used in quite a while
This area of the trail is heavily traveled by horses from the nearby Smokemont stables.
Getting ready to intersect with the campground entrance point for Bradley Fork Trail.
Horse path
Signs at the intersection of the horse path that runs parallel to Bradley Fork trail for a short distance
Signs at the intersection of the horse path
Now back on the main trail. The white diamond trail blaze is for the Benton-MacKaye trail, the very same trail system that passed right beside our former cabin in Cherrylog, Georgia.
The intersection of Chasteen Creek Trail. I would get off Bradley Fork Trail here and head up the mountain on Chasteen Creek Trail to backcountry campsite 48
Chasteen Creek
Higher up on Chasteen Creek Trail, it started to fog up. If you look close you can see the step platform for climbing on horses and the horse tie-ups.
At this point there the Chasteen Creek Trail turns sharply uphill and there is no more horse travel.
The creek below
Some interesting stonework along the trail, probably put down by the CCC in the 1930s.
Fogging up as head higher into the mountains
I reached my destination, backcountry campsite 48. It began to rain heavier as I rested at the campsite.
Backcountry campsite 48 on Chasteen Creek Trail
An old-style campsite marker. They've replaced these with wooden markers at most campsites.
My last 2008 hike would be an out-and-back up the Chimney Tops Trail and covering the length of the Road Prong Trail.
The trailhead for the Chimney Tops Trail, one of the most heavily traveled trails in the park.
Today I would not go to the Chimney Tops, I'll save that for some other day. My destination was the Road Prong Trail up to its intersection with the Appalachian Trail.
The first footbridge along the Chimney Tops Trail. It had just rained heavily, so water flow was heavy
Cascades along Chimney Tops Trail
This area of Chimney Tops Trail had tons of cascades and falls, but they were tough to see in many areas.
This section of the Chimney Tops Trail is gorgeous with all the waterfalls and cascades.
The last footbridge before I reached the intersection with Road Prong Trail
Crossing the last footbridge before Road Prong Trail
The intersection of Chimney Tops Trail and the Road Prong Trail. 95% of folks turn right at this spot and head up to the Chimney Tops. I'm in the 5% that will head south to the AT.
A fall along the Road Prong Trail
Cascades along the Road Prong Trail
Standing Rock along the Road Prong Trail
This fall along the Road Prong Trail that looked a lot like Abrams Falls in the Cades Cove area, but not quite as big.
A lush fern canopy scene along the Road Prong Trail
Road Prong
At this point of the trail the Road Prong actually is the trail, and it is nearly impossible to not get soaked. For about 150 yards you have to cross the Road Prong in several spots and are almost guaranteed to get wet.
A fallen tree acts as nurse for lots of new growth Fraser firs.
Huffing, puffing, gasping....finally, the end is near. This trail follows the primary route used by the Cherokee, early settlers, and Civil War regiments to get through these mountains for many years. The route was abandoned when Newfound Gap road was built, but traces remain.
Finally, a chance to catch my breath and have some tuna if I don't freeze to death first. It doesn't look cold, but believe me it was. The cold wind was howling.
The sign along Clingmans Dome road telling the story of the old road. Zoom in to read the sign (upper right corner).
