Will be leading a guided hike up to Rocky Top on Thunderhead Mt in the Smokies next month, so went there last week to check trail conditions. It's about a 14 mile hike with plenty of climbing - from Cades Cove picnic area to near the top of Thunderhead.
Hike begins on the Anthony Creek Trail. It's a fine rocky trail that climbs rather quickly, with many fine views of Anthony Creek.
Anthony Creek is a typical Smokies stream - plenty of mossy riffles and splashes, plenty of big boulders carried and rounded by the powerful flow.
There are even a few small waterfalls along Anthony Creek.
Next trail is Bote Mountain Trail. It's an old road, once used to drive cattle to the high country pasturage of Spence Field. Some fascinating geology along the way, and also some dropping temperatures!
Bote Mt Trail ends at the Appalachian Trail. From here, we hike through fields and young woodlands, along the crest of the mts.
Trail gets steeper as we approach Thunderhead. Steep trail is good encouragement to slow down and notice the details, like these diverse lichens and fungi.
And this Polypody fern. Also called "resurrection fern," because of its unique method of surviving drought. Fronds will curl up and appear dead when dry, but quickly open and flourish when rains return.
There are actually two rocky outcroppings on Thunderhead that might be called Rocky Top. Each offers excellent views of the the surrounding mountains. Here is the first Rocky Top.
And some of the views from this spot. Sure wish it had been a sunnier day...
There's a carved rock at the second Rocky Top - at least two of the cow herders left their names behind.
And here are some views from Rocky Top #2.
Hike back down was quick and uneventful, full of good memories of the high country. Hope you enjoyed the hike, and will share your comments & critique!
Originally posted by mole 
Post #1 by mole
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