Hike Big Frog Mountain Cherokee National Forest, TN

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The first peak of my epic southeast road trip started with Big Frog Mountain. There seem to be a few ways to access this peak, but I chose this route because it seemed like the standard trail, while likely being quite pretty and offering some exercise since I just got off a plane. The other option (coming from the southwest) seemed like more driving for a lot less hiking. This trailhead is easy to get to on gravel roads, and the trail was in great condition. It starts by following a roadbed which is so old that it wasn't even obvious at first that it was a road. The trail then climbs at a light/moderate pace along the north ridge of Big Frog Mountain. The last mile or so is the most intersting, where the trail side-hills some steep green slopes and goes through a rhodedendron tunnel. Additionally, you might get an inkling of a view, though obscured by trees. I had fog, so I really didn't have much to look at aside from trees, which was fine after so much time in the desert!

The summit is located just off the trail along a social trail, but there aren't views to look forward to.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Big Frog Mountain

4200 ft

2480 rise

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The trailhead for my route up Big Frog Mountain.

The trail follows an old roadbed, but most of the road carving has been covered by vegetation.

Junction with the Rough Creek Trail. Stay on the old road bed.

Junction with the Yellow Stand Lead Trail (marked as such) at a spot called Low Gap. Stay on the Big Frog Trail, marked.

The trail becomes slightly more overgrown, but still nothing to complain about in the least.

Junction with the Fork Ridge Trail, about a 2/3 of the way up to the summit.

Some minor views along what I believe is called Fork Ridge, which leads up to Big Frog Mountain.

A prettier section of trail that hugs the slopes as it makes a switchback to gain the final ridge to the summit of Big Frog Mountain.

Fun rhododendron tunnel

Within the rhododendron tunnel, shortly before the summit

Last push to the summit. A spur trail leads to the right at a certain point to get to the true high point of Big Frog Mountain.

Big Frog Mountain summit.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!