Rich Mountain Loop- Smoky Mountains

This hike is really a combination of several trails and starts at the entrance to Cade's Cove. This is a very popular driving tour of 11 miles that can take 2-3 hours to get around during peak months. You can get some views of Cade's cove without this drive on the Rich Mountain Loop. This hike also has tons of different trees and vegetation. I only wish I had brought along the book "Smoky Trees in the Fall" if you like to know what you're seeing.

Start this hike at the large parking lot at the entrance to Cade's Cove just behind the bicycle sign. Bynthe way, another option for this area is a bike rental when they shut down the road on Sunday and Wednesday until noon. The 11 mile road can be visited by bike to see all the historic homes and sites.

The first part of the hike begins on the Rich mountain loop trail (you will make a left at the first short junction) We went the other direction (counter clockwise) and the ascent up was much steeper.

The John Oliver cabin is quickly seen on the trail at 1.4 miles and this is an easy stretch. Cars can park and walk to this so it may be busy. The rest of the trail is quiet. We only saw 3 other groups the whole time. Also bears are seen on this trail as well. The other people we passed saw a coyote , rattlesnake, and a bear the same time we were traversing the trail.

At 3 miles you pick up the Indian Grave Gap Trail and catch a narrow-field view trail of Cade's Cove.

When you hit the junction with the Rich Mountain Trail you will be at the highest point of the mountain called Cerulean Knob about 3,500 feet. The highlight of this trail in October is the myriad of colors of the trees. The most vibrant of reds, oranges and yellows and you are hiking right through them. We didn't think the views were that spectacular, more the experience of hiking in this u usual forest- so different from Colorado. The smells and growth of humid fungi, mushrooms, lichen can be spotted along the way.

In about two miles you come to a 3 way junction with the crooked arm trail which you take on the right. This trail completes the loop. The trail descends deeply through horse ruts and tree roots. Bring your poles for this section. Enjoy the colors as you pass through. I'm not sure this trail would be as interesting without the color in the summer but maybe there would be wildflowers (not mentioned in the guidebook)

This 8.6 mile hike took us about 6 hours. 1,500 gain elevation.