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Mount Sterling Ridge Trail is accessible via many trails and offers a great view from the ridge.


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Map Key

5.4

Miles

8.7

KM

92%

Runnable

5,682' 1,732 m

High

5,200' 1,585 m

Low

716' 218 m

Up

572' 174 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

Mount Sterling Ridge Trail begins at Laurel Gap Shelter and heads east, ending at Mount Sterling Gap. To the west, the trail connects perpendicularly to Balsam Mountain Trail. To the east, runners will come to a 4-way junction from which they could take Swallow Fork Trail to the north, continue on to Mount Sterling Trail eastward toward Mount Sterling Gap, or head south on Pretty Hollow Gap Trail. Long Bunk Trail can also be accessed if runners pass the 4-way junction and continue east.

Mount Sterling Ridge Trail from Laurel Gap has a fairly significant elevation increase, but the views from the ridge are well worth the effort on the way to the Mount Sterling Firetower. This trail is part of the Mt. Sterling Loop Big Creek / Baxter Creek.

Flora & Fauna

As with any trail in the Smokies, you might see black bears. There are abundant salamanders (31 different species) in the creeks. Spring wildflowers peak from early April through late May along the entire route, with some later blooms at the higher elevations.

For more information on black bears, refer to this webpage: nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/b…

Contacts

Shared By:

Max Willner

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 5 votes

#1

in Raven Fork

#10843

Overall
  4.2 from 5 votes
5 Star
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3 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#1

in Raven Fork

#400

in North Carolina

#10,843

Overall
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1,917 Since Sep 4, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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