Newton Bald—4.7, Mingus Creek—2.8 PD, 2.9 N, Oconaluftee River Trail 1.5 N

Had originally planned to camp at Smokemont and also get Kanati Fork and Kephart Prong done; however, wife talked me out of going Sunday (Jim Harb also needs latter two trails). Walked across US 441 and the trailhead for Newton Bald was ~250 yds toward NG. Started the 3000 ft climb on Newton Bald’s 4.7 mi. at 7:47 and arrived at its terminus at Mingus Creek at 9:37. Although I had originally planned to go in and out, I decided that it would be more expeditious to cover the 2.8 mi. of Mingus Creek previously done and then get back to US 441 on the 2.9 mi. section of Mingus Creek that was new rather than do an in and out on it. At 10:44 I finished the first section of Mingus Creek; although I saw a switchback the signage did not identify it and my choices at first seemed to be to go where I did not want to go or to return where I had just been. I then looked further down the switchback and sure enough there was a sign indicating that it would take me to US 441 (see pic). The latter trail had a section that truly made me appreciate that I was going down rather than up; the last section was just road and I arrived at Mingus Creek at 11:42.

Although there were a few cars at Mingus Mill, I ventured out on US 441 and wondered if I should walk to Oconaluftee Visitor Center (~1 mi.) or walk back to my car at Smokemont (3+ mi.). I chose latter hoping that someone might feel sorry for me and give me a ride. I was quite sweaty (not sure if my Bounce would cover odor); thus I thought that the only appropriate vehicle for me to ride in would be a pick-up (in its bed—I would have even ridden on a motorcycle). So I just buckled down and used my poles like I was going up a mountain (in this case US 441). In retrospect the countless cars that passed me probably just assumed that I was trying to set a record in getting to Newfound Gap; I finally got to my car at 12:35. Somewhat to my surprise on the way up where the road is close to the river I saw a woman laying on a rock in midstream; her pose (topless) was such that had I looked closer I might have seen someone painting her. (I did not take a picture for it would have upset my stride.)

After snacking in the car while icing my knee, I drove down to the Visitor Center to do the 1.5 mi. Oconaluftee River Trail; this took me 30 min. The neatest thing about it was reading the Indian lore written in English (and apparently in Cherokee). After taking a picture of the trailhead from Cherokee (see pic), I then retraced my steps and went back to my car. My mileage for the day, including the trek on US 441, was 16 mi.