Post 900 Hike #45: Huskey, Sugarland, Rough Creek, Campsite 30, Little River

Today’s hike was a key swap with several permutations. Cecil Rowe, John Hutsenpiller, and I did Huskey Gap Tr. (2 mi. from US 441 to Sugarland Mtn Tr.). Concurrently BZ Lane and John Kennerly started on Sugarland Mtn Tr. from Little River Rd (3.1 mi.). After BZ and John K. met us, the five of us set out on the 4.1 mi. leg of Sugarland Mtn. Tr.; I had not hiked with BZ for some time so we were able to get caught up on our more recent endeavors. We met two Rangers who check on bear activity by determining how long it takes them to locate sardine tins (bears love sardines).

We met up with our key swappers after reaching the 2.8 mi. Rough Creek Tr. (from L-R, all in our combined parties: Lloyd Lutekin, Cecil, John H., Dick Ledyard, Dale Teague, John K., Bill Broome, BZ). After we reached Little River Tr., BZ proceeded on it since he needed to be back to Gatlinburg shortly; Cecil, the two Johns and I went to Campsite 30 (1.8 mi.) and return. We then proceeded 4.4 mi. back to Elkmont and Cecil’s car. Today’s hike was relatively easy for a 16.7 mi. hike and because of the leisurely pace I did not keep track of times.