Camel Gap Loop

Hike #35 : April 18, 2015

16 miles

10.2 new miles
457.9 total overall miles

326.0 total miles of 800.8


Since this was a solo hike, I wanted to do a loop. I love loop trails. As I continue along this journey, I'm finding them much more elusive than they used to be. But after looking at the map and referring to Day Hiker's Guide To All The Trails In The Smoky Mountains, I decided on the Camel Gap Trail as it can be connected to the AT and Low Gap trails to form a nice 16 mile loop. And here we go...

The hike begins from the Cosby Campground and meanders a short way along Cosby Creek before reaching to junction with Low Gap Trail. Low Gap is an unrelenting climb for nearly three miles and often over many, many rocks. Make no mistake, it's brutal.

Low Gap Trail

Upon finally reaching the junction with the Appalachian Trail, you'll find yourself at a four way stop. The AT goes left and right while Low Gap continues straight across. Going left here would lead to Mt. Cammerer. Going straight, which was my original plan, would take you down to Camel Gap Trail and going right along the AT also leads to Camel Gap. I decided last minute to go right on the AT. My thought was I'd avoid a possible crowd of thru-hikers by getting along the AT early and plus Camel Gap would be all downhill.

This section of the AT was surprisingly nice with great views on either side as the trail climbs and the elevation tops out around 5000 feet. The trail was muddy from recent rains and an abundance of hikers.

The Appalachian Trail between Low Gap And Camel Gap trails.

After just under two and a half miles, I came to the junction with Camel Gap Trail. For the next five miles or so, its a pleasant downhill walk along the trail. Early on, the trail offers some nice mountainous views to the left.

The view from Camel Gap not far from the AT.

Much of Camel Gap follows along side of Big Creek and that is where a lot of the beauty of this trail comes from. There are many small cascades and water features to marvel.

Around eight miles into the hike, I came across some old relics from when the trail was likely a railroad bed used by lumber companies. Its always cool to connect a trail with the history of the past.

An old wheelset rests in Big Creek

When I reached campsite #36, I stopped for lunch before continuing on to the junction with Low Gap. Some refer to Low Gap as Low Gap I and Low Gap II since its divided in two by the AT. From Camel Gap up Low Gap to the AT is very similar to the pain and suffering of going up Low Gap from Cosby to the AT. Its rough and made even more so with over ten miles already behind you.

Once reaching the AT, its back down the other side of Low Gap to Cosby. The steep decline and rockiness makes the hike down difficult and slow.

View of the AT from Low Gap near the end of a rigorous climb.

All in all, though getting to it is very strenuous, Camel Gap Trail is fantastic! No doubt I'll be returning here again someday. Happy hiking!



TRAIL REVIEW

Low Gap Trail from Cosby to AT - 2.9 miles

Appalachian Trail from Low Gap to Camel Gap - 2.4 miles

Camel Gap Trail - 4.7 miles

Big Creek Trail - .6 mile

Low Gap Trail from Camel Gap to AT - 2.5 miles



Cosby Knob Shelter

Campsite #36

Campsite #37

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.

Hiking Trails of the Smokies or "The Little Brown Book" from the GSMA

Hiking Trails of The Great Smoky Mountains by Ken Wise

There is loads of information in the pages of GoSmokies.com.