Monday 01/14/2008 Sugarland Mountain Hike
I always enjoy hikes with John Burgess and Frank Carter. They both hike regularly with the Retired Citizens of the Smokies and do their research into the areas where they lead. They are a great couple of guys.
Distance: about 5 miles one way
Total Elevation climb: I didn’t record it
Trail Type: single track dirt, but mostly off-trail
Temperature: 40s, cloudy
Time: I didn’t record it
Significant Features: the walk through Meigs Valley and the Old Elkmont settlement
This hike starts on the Sugerland Mountain Trail at the Laurel Falls Parking Lot and ascends for about a mile where it turns down an old manway into Meigs Valley. There were several creek crossings, but no one fell in. The walk through the valley was gorgeous, and an easy walk for off trail.
We stopped for lunch at the Elkmont Campground, then explored the old settlement of Elkmont and the remains of the old Wonderland Hotel. When the park was formed, the residents of Elkmont were allowed lifetime leases to live on their property. The last of those folks he passed away now, and there has been quite a bit of controversy over the fate of the settlement. It appears the Park Service will destroy all but a few of the cabins there. The Wonderland Hotel is already demolished.
Then we took a bit of time in the Old Elkmont Cemetery where the large number of children buried there are an indication of the harshness of mountain life. Several never survived their first day.
The short return to the beginning was a nice stroll. Take the chance to hike with John and Frank if you get it.
Pictures are HERE
Related posts:
- Sunday 1/13/2008 Hike-Old Sugarland Trail
- Wednesday 01/16/2008 Hike-Husky Gap-Ash Hopper Branch-Spring Branch
- Monday 1/15/2007 Hike-Courthouse Rock-strike that
- Thursday 1/18/2007 Hike-Ted’s Creek in Greenbriar
- Tuesday 01/15/2008 Qulliam’s Cave and Courthouse Rock
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park , Hike Log , Wilderness Wildlife Week
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Posted:January 14th, 2008
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