Day Hikes, S-W

Easy	Moderate	Strenuous

Caution! Rocky terrain	Caution! Difficult water crossings	Caution! Difficult grade

Kid friendly trail (with close adult supervision)	Access currently closed due to construction	Access closed in winter

Shuckstack Fire Tower:
6.6 miles

Trailhead:		Appalachian Trail trailhead, north side of Fontana Dam. Construction on Fontana Dam currently restricts vehicle access, adding about a mile to the hike.
Take note:		The fire tower is not recommended for those who fear heights.
Highlights:		360° view from the Shuckstack Fire Tower. Great hike during fall color!
Great Idea:		Plan on lunch from the fire tower... bring your camera.
Route:		Walk approximately 3.3 miles north along the Appalachian Trail. Take the trail to the Shuckstack Fire Tower on Twentymile Ridge. Return via the same route.

Steve Woody Homestead:
2.0 miles

Trailhead:		Rough Fork trailhead, end of the Cataloochee Road.
Highlights:		Stream views, bridged crossings, Steve Woody home and springhouse. Cataloochee is a great place to visit... the Park's best kept secret. This is a great, easy day hike ideal for beginners, elderly, or those with very small children.
Route:		Hike from the trailhead about 1.0 miles and return via the same route.

Straight Fork/Smokemont:
11.2 miles

Trailhead:		Hyatt Ridge trailhead on Straight Fork Road, north of Cherokee, NC. Vehicular access to trailhead restricted during winter months.
Take note:		This hike requires a second vehicle at Smokemont Campground
Highlights:		Wild forest, beautiful stream views, Chasteen Creek Cascades.
Caution!!!		Poor trail conditions on Enloe Creek trail past the campsite. Often overgrown.
Route:		Begin on Hyatt Ridge, traveling northwest. Take the Enloe Creek Trail to its junction with the Hughes Ridge Trail. Take a left and follow the Hughes Ridge Trail until you see the Chasteen Creek Trail. Take a right and follow Chasteen Creek until you encounter the Bradley Fork Trail at backcountry campsite #50. Take a left and follow Bradley Fork until you reach Smokemont Campground.

Sugarland Mountain:
12.3 miles

Trailhead:		Park at the Fork Ridge trailhead on Clingmans Dome Road. Vehicular access to trailhead restricted during winter months.
Take note:		This hike requires a second vehicle at Laurel Falls Parking Area.
Highlights:		Great views, generally easy downhill walking.
Route:		Cross the road from the Fork Ridge trailhead and walk 0.2 miles down the Appalachian Trail until you find the Sugarland Mountain Trail. Turn onto the Sugarlands Mountain Trail and follow it to the Laurel Falls Parking Area.

Sutton Ridge Overlook:
3.4 miles

Trailhead:		Lower Mt. Cammerer trailhead, Cosby Campground.
Take note:		Park in Hiker Parking to avoid the wrath of the campground host.
Highlights:		Easy walk (great for beginners), beautiful view.
Great Idea:		Take a flashlight and leave an hour or so before sunset. The overlook is the ideal place to watch it! Bring a camera!
Route:		Take the Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail ~ 1.7 miles. You'll see a horse-hitching post and a small sign for the steep side trail (about 200 yards). Return via the same route.

Twentymile Loop:
6.6 miles

Trailhead:		Twentymile trailhead, just past the Twentymile ranger station.
Highlights:		Great loop trail, generally very quiet trail, Twentymile Cascades.
Route:		Hike the Twentymile Trail, taking a right after the bridge onto the Wolf Ridge Trail. Take a right onto the Twentymile Loop Trail, then a right back onto the Twentymile Trail. Follow the Twentymile Trail back to your car, and be sure to stop at the cascades!

Walnut Bottoms:
10.6 miles

Trailhead:		Big Creek trailhead at the Big Creek Picnic Area
Highlights:		Absolutely beautiful river walk along Big Creek.
Route:		Begin at the trailhead and walk 5.3 miles to the junction of Big Creek and Low Gap Trails at backcountry campsite #36 (this is also a great place to stay the night!!). Return via the same route.

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