Little River, Cucumber Gap, Huskey Gap (4.8 new trail miles, hike ~6.3 miles)

Starting last week I decided that I should hike twice each week (i.e., Wed. one with the group and the other at the most convenient time). For this second hike of the week I chose a loop in Elkmont and started out on Little River Trail. Within 50 yards of the trailhead I met a very accommodating deer; look carefully and you’ll see vegetation of some sort in his mouth. The first part of Little River Trail is a paved road that usually is adjacent to the river (2nd pic); it is a very easy trail. After I came to the intersection with Cucumber Gap Trail, I decided to stay on Little River Trail until it reached the junction of Huskey Gap Trail; this section was much more like most trails. I then retraced my steps until I reached the trailhead for Cucumber Gap Trail. While tooling along on the latter for ~1.5 miles (had not yet seen anyone—sort of reminded me of my solo trips to Clingmans Dome on cc-skis), someone yelled from behind—it was a runner. He decided to walk with me for ~0.5 miles; although he had not done all trails in the GSMNP, believe he said that he had completed the AT. As we walked along he pointed out Cove Mtn; that’s where I hiked on 2/1. Cucumber Gap led to Jakes Creek Trail for a short distance. I then reached a paved road and found myself to be in what in essence was an abandoned village; most homes were in dire need of repair as you can see by the picture (Cove Mtn. is in background).

The houses and hotel in Elkmont have not been in use since 1992. At this juncture the decision has yet to be made on whether to tear them down or restore (at least the hotel) as historic structures.