Article Menu
Introduction
Cataloochee Divide Area
Mt. Sterling Area
Balsam Mountain Area
Cataloochee Loops
Essentials
Map

Related Features
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Naturalist Activities
People & Folkways
Practicalities

Related Resources
GORPtravel
GORPtravel - Hiking
GORP Hiking
GORP North Carolina Resources

online favorites
Summer's Top Parks
Summer Mountain Festivals
Beach Travel Blog
Parks and Outdoors Guide
2008 Summer Buyer's Guide
from Outside Online
DESTINATIONS
Cataloochee Trails
Top Trails: Cataloochee Loop Hikes

Menasha Logo
Excerpted from
Smoky Mountain Hiking and Camping
by Lee Barnes
Numerous longer loops can also be made in this area. The loop from Cataloochee Campground (or the end of the paved road) to Spruce Mountain Campsite #42 and along Balsam Mountain is especially gorgeous. Or, go to Spruce Mountain and back to Cataloochee Valley (use Mt. Sterling Ridge Trail, Balsam Mountain Trail, Spruce Mountain Trail, and Rough Fork Trail).

The loop from Polls Gap around the rim of Cataloochee Valley to Hemphill Bald offers impressive views to the north and east. From Hemphill Bald and Cataloochee Divide, several side trails (Hemphill/Double Gap Trail, McKee Branch Trail, or Rough Fork Trail) lead down to Cataloochee Valley and back to Polls Gap. Another recommended loop in the Cataloochee Valley Area goes to Mt. Sterling Firetower (use Pretty Hollow Gap Trail and Mt. Sterling Ridge Trail) and then returns to Cataloochee (use Mount Sterling Gap Trail, Long Bunk Trail, and Little Cataloochee Trail).

© Article copyright Menasha Ridge Press. All rights reserved.

Move on to * Essentials

Return to * Top

Smoky Mountain Hiking and Camping
Smoky Mountain Hiking and Camping
is available from
the Adventurous Traveler Bookstore.
Click here to order!

Menasha Logo
Click here to visit
Menasha Ridge

RELATED GORP LINKS
*GORPtravel
*GORPtravel-Hiking
*GORP Hiking
*GORP North Carolina Resources
*Great Smoky Mountains National Park



Related Southeast Trips

Related Day Hiking & Trekking Trips

Road Trip Guides

National Park Guides

Hiking Guides

Today's Gear Guy

Gear Guides
[from Outside magazine]