Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Cabin Flats
This relatively easy hike is one of those deep forest ventures that shows its beauty in countless little ways - a moss carpeted log with a salamander atop it, a field of ferns in a shaft of sunlight and more. Leave Smokemont Campground and walk along trout-filled Bradley Fork, crossing several bridges on the way. End at Cabin Flats, a level area that is a backcountry campsite popular with backpackers and bears. There is a nice pool at the lower end of the flats for cooling off.

Mount Sterling
A fire tower stands atop this high peak in the park's "Far East." Make a steep, steady 2=-mile climb into Canadian forest, and just when you are about to give out reach the fire tower. Bring your camera on this hike, as the 360-degree views are worth every step. There is also a backcountry campsite up here.

Little Cataloochee Church
A maintained church leftover from pre-park days is your destination on one of the Smokies hidden hikes. Leave the Cataloochee Valley and make a mild climb over Davidson Gap to the Little Cataloochee Valley. Here, rock walls, notched log structures and the Dan Burton Place are scattered in the rugged, isolated valley. The good condition of the still-used church contrasts greatly with the other relics of humanity here.

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General Information
Cades Cove

The Appalachian Trail and
The Backcountry
Cosby/Greenbrier