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A trail that leads directly from the end of Forge Creek Road to Gregory Bald Trail.


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Map Key

5.0

Miles

8.0

KM

73%

Runnable

4,601' 1,402 m

High

1,956' 596 m

Low

2,677' 816 m

Up

32' 10 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

22%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Great Smoky Mountain National Park closes secondary roads on a seasonal schedule due to snow. Schedules can be found here.

All campsites must be registered with the park. Backcountry rules and regulations can be found here.

Description

This trail begins at the end of Forge Creek Road near Parsons Branch Road. The trailhead has a small parking area.

The trail follows Forge Creek up until it reaches Campsite #12. There's plenty of water at this site. From here, it's roughly a 2,400' climb towards Rich Gap - a bit more of a challenge than the first two miles. Runners will gain elevation quickly, though, and eventually reach the Appalachian Trail and Gregory Bald Trail. The four-way intersection also cuts south as Long Hungry Ridge Trail, towards the Twentymile Ranger Station.

Flora & Fauna

The Smokies are home to more than 1,600 species of plants, most of which produce an abundance of flowers in the spring. These species include mountain laurel, rhododendron, azalea, and many others. Spring wildflowers peak from early April through late May. To learn more about the plants of the Smokies and even get a trees and shrubs checklist, visit the park's website.

As for local fauna, black bears are common in the area, along with white-tailed deer and 31 species of salamanders. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, notably the northern flicker (Colaptes auratus) and red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus). For more information on black bears, refer to this webpage.

Contacts

Shared By:

Max Willner

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 6 votes

#2

in Cades Cove

#1096

Overall
  4.8 from 6 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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Trail Rankings

#2

in Cades Cove

#1,096

Overall
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1,834 Since Sep 4, 2015
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Photos

One of the three log bridges that must be crossed.   Use caution in the mornings as they may be icy with ice or frost due to the cooler temperatures around the creeks.
Nov 26, 2017 near Wildwood, TN
The trail narrows in places.   Fall brings a lot of fallen leaves, so watch your step as rocks and roots may be hiding underneath.
Nov 26, 2017 near Wildwood, TN
A tall holly bush sits off to the side of the trail.
Nov 25, 2017 near Wildwood, TN
Campsite 12 from the trail above the Campground.   The trail climbs steeply from the campground as the trail climbs more that the previous section of trail.
Nov 26, 2017 near Wildwood, TN
A break in the trees, thanks to high winds that blew through the area a couple of years ago, gives you good views of the surrounding mountains.
Nov 26, 2017 near Wildwood, TN
Turkeys scavenge for nuts in the fall along the trail.
Nov 26, 2017 near Wildwood, TN

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