GSM01

Dist: 16.68 mi	Points: 1637	Calories: none
Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

Great Smoky Mountains

Location: 35.699825°, -83.120445°
Overlook of mountains at sunset. ©Jason Sangster

GSM001

Location: 35.751839°, -83.109741°
From parking area, begin @ Big Creek trailhead on L side of road 0309246E 3958477N

GSM002

Location: 35.743294°, -83.120911°
Midnight Hole; deep blue gem replenished by a 15-ft. waterfall; watch for colorful trout below 0308215E 3957550N

GSM003

Location: 35.735725°, -83.133820°
Mouse Creek Falls, a rumbling feeder for Big Creek 0307030E 3956736N

GSM004

Location: 35.735714°, -83.145416°
Brakeshoe Spring, named for the train part once wedged here to create a fountainlike effect; refill bottles 0305981E 3956758N

GSM005

Location: 35.718628°, -83.162918°
Veer L onto Swallow Fork Trail; pass through Walnut Bottom (old logging camp, now tree-filled). Option: Stay straight on Big Creek Trail for great campsite 0304356E 3954897N

GSM006

Location: 35.691662°, -83.139259°
Continue steep ascent; go straight @ old RR grade intersection 0306431E 3951859N

GSM007

Location: 35.686466°, -83.141685°
Pretty Hollow Gap; great break spot. L onto Mt. Sterling Ridge path 0306199E 3951287N

GSM008

Location: 35.698257°, -83.125198°
Stay straight @ Y to ascend Mt. Sterling; see flora change from hardwoods to conifers on this breezy ridgeline 0307719E 3952563N

GSM009

Location: 35.702339°, -83.122581°
Mt. Sterling summit (5,760 ft.), small glade with prime tent sites, lookout tower, magical views; L to Baxter Creek Trail 0307966E 3953011N

GSM010

Location: 35.717655°, -83.108871°
Straight @ Y 0309243E 3954683N

GSM011

Location: 35.746731°, -83.114151°
Hike through flat, tree-covered area, once home to a logging camp 0308835E 3957919N

GSM012

Location: 35.750057°, -83.109856°
Turn L; cross Big Creek; return to parking lot 0309231E 3958279N