Cataloochee Hiking

[Running Feather]

The Hangin' Burrito organized this wonderful trek in the Smokys. We were joined by Cookie and Hickery.

HB and I got there a day early and hiked the Boogerman Trail. This is a great loop trail with tremendous old growth trees.







Following our hike we set up camp and waited for Cookie and Hickery to arrive. After a nice dinner and a little libation we knocked off in light of a long day's hike in the morning.

Our route: Yellow=Friday, Green=Saturday, Light Blue=Sunday







Cataloochee is famous for its Elk and they didn't disappoint.



Friday's hike was a little over 9 miles and we stopped many times along the way to explore the sights.



There's a lot of history here and many structures still standing. We were dog tired by late afternoon as the trail was uphill all the way most of all. Hickery went scouting for a suitable campsite and hit the jackpot - "Hickery's Hidaway". We got our tarps up to the sound of thunder rumbling in the distance but never got any rain. We all made dinner, had a little more libation, and chewed the fat around the camp fire.

Saturday's hike was a killer out of the gate. The long Bunk trail is up hill all the way and consists of rocks and roots and more rocks. We summited Mt Sterling and climbed the fire tower. We were handsomely rewarded with spectacular views.



The afternoon hike was sweet because it was all down hill. Our intent was to stealth camp somewhere along the trail but nothing presented itself along the way so we camped at site #39. Our hike was over 10 miles but that was unintentional. We had the whole site to ourselves with the exception of one ground dweller set up way in the back of the camp ground.

Potted meat, smoked oysters, and other assorted fair accented the evening meal. More talk by the fire and another beautiful night under the stars in the piney woods.

Sunday's hike was relatively short so we lolly-gagged around camp trying to ignore the fact that things were coming to an end.



We stopped to have a much deserved celebratory meal and ventured towards home.

Check it out. What are the odds? We're seated at a table that has pictures of the Linvile Gorge over it!!



Here's a link to all my photos.

Here's a link to Hickery's photos and videos.

I'll be adding HB's photos ASAP.

Thanks for visiting!

[muttly]

Most awesome!

Great pictures!

[Ken]

Thanks for the great report RF. Been wondering about you guys. What a crew!
See ya at the gorge.

Ken

[Hawk-eye]

Well just starting my morning over here ... first day in country and dang if I didn't just get to read this. What a fine trip with a good bunch of Gorge Rats! Excellent choice in tables by the way

Yeah Hawk-eye is jealous! Glad you guys had a ball. Just one question ... who set that Wood Gnome in front of that tree in the first picture?

[Running Feather]

... who set that Wood Gnome in front of that tree in the first picture?

That'd be Mr. Keebler.

[Peg-Leg]

Great trip report. You highlighted why I love the smokies trails so much, tons of historical sites. Always makes for an interesting hike.

[Hickery]

RF,great report.You & HB did a great job planning this treck.The weather was just great,the company as fine as it gets,the trail was tough at times but we didn't have to climb over or under anything,just climb.We had plenty of cool old structures and cemetarys to look at,plenty of water supply and good campsites.I'll let the pics do the rest of the report.Thanks RF for posting them. It was fitting that we were seated by a painting of the Gorge on our parting meal.So I decided to have a couple more meals by the Gorge. Hiked on up to Hawksbill around 6PM to watch the sunset.Hung that night in the gathering spot of the up and coming Fall Gorge Rat Infestation.Did a little exploring in the AM and then back to the shack.

[Running Feather]

RF,great report.You & HB did a great job planning this treck.The weather was just great,the company as fine as it gets,the trail was tough at times but we didn't have to climb over or under anything,just climb.We had plenty of cool old structures and cemetarys to look at,plenty of water supply and good campsites.I'll let the pics do the rest of the report.Thanks RF for posting them. It was fitting that we were seated by a painting of the Gorge on our parting meal.So I decided to have a couple more meals by the Gorge. Hiked on up to Hawksbill around 6PM to watch the sunset.Hung that night in the gathering spot of the up and coming Fall Gorge Rat Infestation.Did a little exploring in the AM and then back to the shack.

Great way to finish out the trip. (Jealous)

[Poppabear]

Very nice trip report and pictures.

[Cranky Bear]

Great pic's, what beautiful scenery you guy's had!
Thanks for sharing, very jealous I am!!!!!!!!