Archived Outdoors

Hike explores Smokemont

out smokemontThe season’s first hike in Friends of the Smokies’ “Classic Hikes of the Smokies” series will explore Smokemont Loop Trail in a 6.2-mile hike led by hiking guide and author Danny Bernstein.

The trail takes hikers by the historic Lufty Baptist Church and the secluded Bradley Cemetery, named after a family that settled in the region in the early 19th century. It features a 1,400-foot elevation gain and is classified as moderately difficult. 

In addition to the scenery, hikers will learn about Friends of the Smokies’ efforts to fund projects to protect and treat ash trees. Emerald ash borer, an invasive pest that’s spreading through the country, devastates forests by feeding on the inner bark of ash trees, which destroys the trees’ ability to carry water and nutrients. The insects can be accidently transported in untreated firewood. 

$10 for Friends of the Smokies members; $35 for nonmembers with a complimentary one-year membership included. Members who bring a friend hike free. All proceeds benefit the Smokies Trails Forever Program, which provides skilled reconstruction for priority trails in the park. 

RSVP to Anna Zanetti at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.