Metcalf Bottoms to Little Brier Gap

Hike #29 : November 26, 2014

2.5 miles

2.2 new miles
375.8 total overall miles

267.6 total miles of 800.8


After hiking the Cucumber Loop, I decided to go on to the Metcalf Bottoms Trail and hike up to the Little Greenbrier Trail to knock off a few more miles.

The trail starts just across the bridge in the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic area. The pull off is only big enough for about three cars but you could always park in the picnic area and walk across the bridge.

The trail is, like all the others, beautiful. Its a mostly gentle rolling trail with just a few roots popping out of the leaves.

At .6 mile, you'll come to the Little Greenbrier School and cemetery. The cemetery is severely eroded but still very touching. The school is a simple one room schoolhouse built in 1882.

I can't help but get a Little House on the Prairie vibe inside the school. I love the feeling these places stir up. 

After checking out the school and cemetery, its time to hit the Little Brier Gap trail. It starts at the top of the hill above the cemetery and climbs moderately for 1.1 miles to the junction with the Walker Sisters side trail. Here, a right turn leads to the cabin and home site. The trail sign says .1 mile but I'm guessing its a bit more than that. Regardless, its worth the walk.

The Walker Sisters' place is very well maintained and really takes the mind back in time. There's also a springhouse and corn crib on the property and all are in remarkable shape. The original cabin dates back to the 1840s and has been added on to since. 

After leaving the cabin, its back to the trail junction. Here, you can return back to the schoolhouse and Metcalf Bottoms by taking a left. But, again, I'll be going right instead to finish off Little Brier Trail by hiking on up to the Little Greenbrier Trail. The section of the trail is the steepest but is only a little less than a half mile. After reaching the junction, its time to turn around and head the 2.5 miles back to Metcalf Bottoms and call it a day.

TRAIL REVIEW

Metcalf Bottoms Trail - 1 mile
Little Brier Gap Trail - 1.5 miles

Little Greenbrier School

Little Greenbrier Cemetery

Walker Sisters' Place

Wanna hike the 900 without getting lost? Start by checking out the book Day Hiker's Guide To All The Trails In The Smoky Mountains by Elizabeth L. Etnier.

For more pictures of my hikes, check out the Smoky Mountain Hikertrash facebook page.