Guided hikes continue as fall gives way to winter
Hike amidst flowing creeks and historic remnants along the Smokemont Loop Trail on a guided hike through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Thursday, Nov.15. The hike is sponsored by the Friends of the Smokies.
Danny Bernstein, hiking enthusiast and author of two regional hiking guides, will lead the 6.2-mile hike. It is categorized as moderate in difficulty with a total elevation gain of 1,400 feet. The trail begins at one of the most popular campsites in the park, then walkers will embark on the Smokemont Loop Trail. The guided jaunt is part of a series of hikes called “Classic Hikes of the Smokies.”
Participants will meet in Asheville at 8:30 a.m., in Maggie Valley at 9 a.m., or at the Park at 9:45 a.m. A donation of $35 to go to the Friends’ Smokies Trails Forever program is requested and includes a complimentary membership to Friends of the Smokies. Current Friends of the Smokies members hike for $10. Hikers who bring a friend hike for free. To register contact Friends of the Smokies at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 828.452.0720.
The next, and last, Friends of the Smokies guided hike in the 2012 series will be a half-day hike along Mingus Creek Trail near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on Dec. 15. The outing will include a stop by the Visitor Center where hikers can participate in the Holiday Homecoming festivities and purchase holiday gifts.
