Classic Hikes of the Smokies offer 100 miles of hiking in 2016

Log bridge on Porters Creek Trail — The Porters Creek Trail includes several creek crossings and wildflowers in bloom for the April hike. Photos by Julie Dodd

by Julie Dodd

Explore the Smokies and enjoy the camaraderie of a guided hike by participating in the 2016 Classic Hikes of the Smokies.

The Classic Hikes are held the second Tuesday of each month, from March through December. The hikes are led by master hiker and author Danny Bernstein, who provides information about the hike area.

To commemorate the 100^th Anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016, the 2016 Classic Hikes will total 100 miles.

Each hike is $20, which helps fund the Trails Forever program to complete major trail restoration projects in the park. New members can join Friends of the Smokies for $35 on their first hike.

After completing registration, you will receive an email the Friday before the hike with carpool specifics, directions, and more information.

Register for all ten hikes for the price of eight by mailing a check for $160 to Friends of the Smokies, 160 S. Main Street, Waynesville, NC 28786.

Registration for the overnight hike to Mt. Le Conte (the August hike) opens January 20.

FOTS hikers at Charlies Bunion — Friends of the Smokies hikers at Charlies Bunion in 2014. Charlies Bunion is the June 2016 Classic Hike.

March 8: Little Cataloochee
6.6 miles, 1,450 ft ascent
Features: Chapel & cemetery

April 12: Porters Creek
7.2 miles, 1,400 ft ascent
Features: Wildflowers, cabin & cemetery

May 10: Hyatt Ridge
9.5 miles, 2,000 ft ascent
Features: Spring wildflowers

June 14: Charlies Bunion/Kephart Prong
10 miles, 1,200 ft ascent
Features: Views & shelters

July 12: Mt. Sterling
5.4 miles, 2,000 ft ascent
Features: Views & fire tower

August 23-24: Overnight hike to Mount Le Conte
Registration opens 01/20/16
Features: LeConte Lodge, waterfalls, sunrise, park program, Spruce-fir forest & more

September 13: Mt. Cammerer
11.4 miles, 3,000 ft ascent
Features: Spectacular views and history of Friends of the Smokies

Grotto Falls - photo by Julie Dodd — Grotto Falls and Trillium Gap are the December hike.

September 27: Deep Creek Loop
13.4 miles, 1,900 ft ascent
Features: Creek & Kephart millstone

October 11: Double Springs Gap on A.T. & Andrews Bald
8.9 miles, 1,000 ft ascent
Features: Trails Forever and autumn color

November 1: Noland Creek
10 miles, 800 ft ascent
Features: Home sites & creek

December 13: Grotto Falls on Trillium Gap Trail
7 miles, 1,000 ft ascent
Features: Historic Waterfalls

For more information on any 2016 Classic Hike of the Smokies, contact AnnaLee@FriendsOfTheSmokies.org or call 828-452-0720.