by Julie Dodd
The Classic Hikes of the Smokies launches another season of great hikes, beginning with the Jakes Creek Trail hike on March 14.
The hike series is the second Tuesday of the month, March through December, with hikes of different levels of difficulty. Each hike features special elements of the Smokies, from wildflowers to historic buildings to waterfalls to mountain views.
A member of the Classic Hike Advisory Team leads the hike, and another team member serves as “sweep,” bringing up the rear.
March 14 – Jakes Creek
5.8 miles | Easy/Moderate
Wildflowers, Elkmont Historic District. Out & Back
Leader: Rob Howard
Sweep: Lynda Doucette
April 11 – Smokemont Loop & Chasteen Creek Falls
7.5 miles | Moderate/Difficult
Wildflowers, Cascades, Forest Walk, Loop
Leader: Danny Bernstein
Sweep: Kevin Fitzgerald
May- TBD
June 13 – Chimney Tops
4.4 miles | Moderate/Difficult
Wildflowers, Trails Forever Project, Mountain Views, Out & Back
Leader: Billie Green
Sweep: Steve Winchester
July 11– Hemphill Bald from Polls Gap
9.4 miles | Moderate/Difficult
Mountain Views, Out & Back
Leader: Kevin Fitzgerald
Sweep: Steve Pierce
August 8 – Schoolhouse Gap
4.4 miles | Easy/Moderate
Wildflowers, Forest Walk Out & Back
Leader: Beth Ransom
Sweep: Billie Green
September 12 – Mt. Cammerer Via Low Gap
11.2 miles | Difficult
Mountain Views, Forever Places Project, Historic Fire Tower, Out & Back
Leader: Steve Winchester
Sweep: Kevin Fitzgerald
October 10 – Charlies Bunion
8 miles | Difficult
Appalachian Trail, Mountain Views, Out & Back
Leader: Dolly McLean
Sweep: Steve Pierce
November 14 – Cove Mountain
12.4 miles | Moderate/Difficult
Waterfall, Forest Walk, Shuttle
Leader: Steve Pierce
Sweep: Dolly McLean
December 12 – Deep Creek Waterfall Loop
5.5 miles | Easy/Moderate
Waterfalls, Holiday Celebration, Loop
Leader: Mike Knies
Sweep: Lynda Doucette
Register For Classic Hikes
You must register prior to the hike.
Step 1: Review the Classic Hike of the Smokies Waiver here.
Step 2: Register for your hike(s) and submit payment.
After completing registration, you will receive an email the Friday before the hike with directions, and more information. All hikes begin at 9 a.m. The cost is $20 for members and $35 for non-members.
Many of this year’s Classic Hikes are part of the 100 Favorite Trails Challenge. Charlies Bunion = #27, Chimney Tops = #22, Deep Creek Waterfalls Loop = #18, Hemphill Bald from Polls Gap = #37, and Smokemont Loop = #28.
Trails Forever Improves GSMNP Trails
Proceeds from the Classic Hike series benefit Trails Forever.
Special Thanks To Our 2023 ‘Classic Hikes Of The Smokies’ Sponsors:
Interested in sponsoring the Classic Hikes of the Smokies? Email marielle@friendsofthesmokies.org.
Top of page photo by Marielle DeJong, Classic Hike to Charlies Bunion