TN>GSMNP>Classic Mt. Sterling Loop (clockwise)

**MedicineMan** · 08-25-2014, 13:43

This past weekend Poof and I did the Mt. Sterling loop. Most go via Walnut Bottoms then down but we climbed Baxter Creek Trail to Sterling
first then down to Walnut Bottoms-this got the hard part (6.2 miles/4200 feet of gain) over the first day. This was Poof's longest sustained climb
yet and mine since Katahdin. The big hurdle was the heat/humidity-85F at the trailhead but of course waking up Sat.morning I had my hooded
down vest on. I like Mt. Sterling, it reminds of Roan High Knob with the moss/fir and always big wind. Sadly it was socked in most of the time
with fog to negate photography.
Interestingly I'm over 317 Smoky miles now and still NO bear on the trail. I think some years ago Backpacker Mag said this is one of the great
loops in the country (?????) but I wouldn't put it above too many others in the Park, just depends on if you get views (and are brave enough)
to climb the tower to get the views.

**blackbalsam6214** · 08-25-2014, 14:20

Nice, been a while sense I have been to the Big Creek, Mt Sterling area. Still beautiful I see. Thanks for the video.

**2ply** · 08-25-2014, 16:53

Another great adventure. Thanks for sharing.

**Steve D** · 08-25-2014, 20:08

Hey MountainMan, sorry to threadjack but what kind of socks were those you were wearing. Found out about a month or so ago that I have PF in my right foot. Stretches, ice and boot/shoe inserts are helping a lot but a pair of socks like that might be a good investment, especially for days that I know I'm going to be on my feet all day.

**TheFirePitGuy** · 08-26-2014, 00:19

MedicineMan, I regret not being able to do another quality weekend hike with you and Poofadora. Your video and stills was great as always.

**twotrees** · 08-26-2014, 07:18

Another great trip under the belt for you two! You went the wrong way for bears. They are all in town eating the good stuff.

**Firebird** · 08-26-2014, 12:26

Hey MM and Poof, another good trip and video. Nice sunset from Mt Sterling and even though the sunrise was foggy I'm sure it was well pictured in your mind. Good to see your landing gear is doing better after the work on it, a long trek the other week and this with a "nice" climb at the start was a good test. Hope it holds true for you. Thanks for sharing.

**joshjv** · 08-26-2014, 13:32

Looks awesome! I'm pretty bummed right now, we were going to do this loop among other hikes in GSMNP next week. My SO just accepted a job teaching middle school though, so we'll have to put it off for a while. Pretty excited for her to be teaching again though.

**MedicineMan** · 08-26-2014, 13:48

Thanks every body, Josh sometimes best to have a job--trail will wait for you two

Steve here you go:
http://www.backcountry.com/feetures-...FU4F7Aod3yoAcw
TwoTrees I'll keep looking for one, my day will come.
Firebird thanks, so far so good. We'll repeat the knee shots again in 7 months and repeat the cycle. I'll go until I just cant walk before accepting the scalpel.

**STinGa** · 08-27-2014, 11:02

MM and Poof,

Another nice trip. Thanks for taking us along.

Thanks for posting the link for the socks and calf sleeve. I have that stuff bookmarked now.

STinGa