Post 900 Hike #54: Cove Mtn (8.4) & Laurel Falls (4.0)

Today’s hike was Cove Mountain (8.4 mi.) and Laurel Falls (4.0 mi.). Arrived at Food Lion ~06:50; Richard Ryburn, Charlie Woodward, were already there and Theresa Yu and Lowell Reid arrived shortly. We set out for SVC; I rode in Charlie’s SUV along with Theresa; Lowell rode with Richard. At SVC Bob Bolinger and Jim and Nancy Carmen joined us. To facilitate logistics a key exchange would be done; some would start at Fighting Creek Gap (do Laurel Falls 1st) and some would start at SVC (do Cove Gap 1st). Richard wanted to start at SVC (hiking this way had a little more climb); I elected to join him and the others set out in either Charlie’s SUV or Richard’s car to Fighting Creek Gap.

Richard and I walked ~0.5 mi. to get to the Cove Creek trailhead. After a little climb we were in essence at the Northern border of the GSMNP; from here we could see private homes and cabins, and Gatlinburg Ski Mountain. Where the road was particularly close to our trail we walked over to it to get coordinates; one reason I wanted to do this hike was to check out access to Cove Mtn. Trail via public roads in Gatlinburg. Although the access is steep from both ends, in the middle I had seen nominal potential for XC-Skiing when I had hiked this trail 2-3 years ago. These little sojourns added appreciably to our time but we were in no hurry.

Mt. LeConte was often visible to the North; three of its peaks appear slightly to the right of center; however, its Easternmost peak (Hightop) is somewhat obliterated whereas Cliff Top and Myrtle Point area quite visible (all are over 6,000 ft). We talked to our cohorts working their way East shortly after lunch; we also met a few others on the trail including somewhat to our surprise a Park Ranger.

Not much else happened until we were more than half way down Laurel Falls Trail; we could hear many voices. The falls itself is ~1.3 mi. from the parking lot on River River Rd (Fighting Creek Gap). This is a very easy paved trail from the parking lot to the falls. When I volunteered at SVC information desk I often recommended it to tourists; however, for some out of shape visitors it presents a challenge.

We arrived at Richard's car ~16:00; then it was on to Food Lion and my SUV. It was a nice and easy hike; moreover, Richard and I were not at loss for things to discuss.