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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike has many rewards but with trail sacrifices Most of the trails used on this loop are horse trails that are rocky, muddy and not maintained. But the campsite is one of the highest in the park with a climb to the lookout tower provides panoramic views. Begin on Little Cataloochee Trail for 1.0mi to Long Bunk Trail turn right, for 3.6 mi to Mt Sterling Trail turn left, 1.8 mi to Mt Sterling Ridge Trail and then .4mi to Campsite 38.Water is located .4 mi down Baxter Creek Trail.Day 2 south on Mt Sterling Ridge Trail for 1.8 mi to Pretty Hollow Creek Trail which provides a beautiful setting but is muddy as it winds in and out of the creek for 4 mi to Palmer Creek Trail.Then 1/2 mile to connect to Little Cataloochee Trail.Ascend 1000' to Davidson Gap and the rewards start to payoff with a better trail, late 1800's home sites and church that was built in 1889 and still serves a gathering spot for descendants of this community.Then follow trail back to trailhead. Trailhead: From TN:I-40 East exit 451,turn left after crossing Pigeon River(backcountry permits at Big Creek Ranger's Station) left again after 2.3 miles onto Mt Sterling Road for 6.8 miles to Little Cataloochee Trailhead on right. From NC: I-40 exit 20 onto route 276, turn right on Cove Creek Rd (Old NC 284) for 15.7 miles to Little Cataloochee Trailhead. For a day hike of 5.5 miles to the lookout tower only, park at Mt Sterling Gap and use the Mt Sterling Trail to Mt Sterling Ridge Trail to tower. This also a strenuous hike. (Lat:35.6761 Lon:-83.08744) Trail Guides for Mt Sterling/Little Cataloochee: Day & Overnight hikes in GSMNP by Johhny Malloy (Menasha Ridge Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Horses, Ranger Contact: GSMNP Big Creek 865-436-0120 Backcountry Permits 865-436-1231 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Bobby Trotter, who has posted 74 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Lucinda on 5/27/2004 I have hiked this same loop with a backpack. Would not suggest this method for these trails. Only a horse is worthy of hiking here. Mt. Sterling was worth the bad trails. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: North Carolina Hiking, North Carolina Trails, North Carolina Hikes, Haywood County Hiking, Haywood County Trails, Haywood County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
