Rich Mountain

Hike #6 : June 15, 2013

8.5 miles
8.2 new miles
80.3 total overall miles
71.0 total miles of 800.8



This hike was originally supposed to be to Gregory Bald but Cades Cove was infested with bicyclist and it was going to take too long to reach that trailhead so we decided on this impromptu hike instead. The trailhead for Rich Mountain is just a few steps beyond the gate leading to Cades Cove Loop Road. We figured this to be an easy walk through the woods. In fact, its a quite strenuous trail.

The first mile and a half is a simple walk through the woods until we came to the John Oliver cabin in Cades Cove. From here things go up and get rocky. After about 3 miles we came to the Indian Grave Gap Trail and made a right to continue the loop. At 4.2 miles, the trail merges onto Rich Mountain Trail where the trail starts the level out a bit. There's not a lot of breathtaking views but its a very nice hike through the woods and there are occasional glances of Cades Cove.

At nearly 6 miles, we reached the junction with Scott Mountain Trail and Crooked Arm Ridge Trail. We make the right turn onto Crooked Arm Ridge to head down and complete the hike. 

Most notable about this hike was the baby bear that had evidently decided to rest beneath a pile of fallen branches and limbs. As we walked by unknowingly, we spooked it and it in turn spooked us. We stood silent for several minutes looking and listening for the little feller or perhaps its mother to no avail. 

Eddie made some new friends on this trail also. I suppose they have a lot in common. I thought I was going to have to leave him there. 

Yeah... that's poop. And that's it for Rich Mountain. Happy trails!

TRAIL REVIEW

Rich Mountain Loop Trail - 3.4 miles

Indian Grave Gap Trail - 2.6 mile

Crooked Arm Ridge Trail - 2.2 miles

For more information on this hike and many others, visit Hiking in the Smokys