AT, Dry Sluice Gap, Cabin Flats, Bradley Fork, Smokemont Loop

AT previously done 4.4, Dry Sluice Gap previously done 1.3 & new 2.9, Cabin Flats 0.6 new (& out .6), Bradley Fork 2.3 (previously done), & Smokemont Loop 3.9 (16 mi.total & 7.4 new).

Judy picked me up at the Atlanta Bread Co.; we then proceeded to the usual Food Lion pick-up point at 8:00 a.m. This hike was scheduled for Judy Collins and me; all she needed was Dry Sluice Gap (she'll finish all trail at least by this fall) but I needed the lower 2.9 mi. of Dry Sluice Gap, Cabin Flats, and Smokemont Loop (3.9). Liz took care of logistics; it was complicated because we began our hike on the AT from Newfound Gap and finished at Smokemont Campground. Although 9 of us started at Newfound Gap ~10:00 a.m., Judy, Manfred, Jim, Betty and Nancy did a little shorter route than Bob B., Charles, Karen, and I.

The AT sections we did I have done several times. Dry Sluice Gap (old & new sections) were not particularly unique except for the large tuliptrees (see pic). The most exciting thing about the Cabin Flats section (besides cooling one's feet)was the dead rattler we found next to the trail. Smokemont Loop presented a fair climb for the first portion (~1200 ft); this is not a particular delightful task at the end of the day. When we reached the trail’s terminus we had to study the map to determine which road would take us to the campground. Arrived home ~7:15 p.m.