Mount Cammerer via Chestnut Branch and Big Creek Loop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC

Hike Mount Cammerer via Chestnut Branch and Big Creek Loop Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC

Class 1 16.6 miles 3700 gain 7-10 hrs Loop Jul 5, 2018
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Mount Cammerer via Chestnut Branch and Big Creek Loop GPX Track

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Although there are much shorter and easier ways to summit Mt. Cammerer to visit its historic lookout tower, I wanted to get a solid Smoky Mountains loop in because I love the Smokies and the generally lightly sloped ascents, waterfalls, creeks, and occsional views. So, I set off from the Chestnut Branch Trailhead, I followed the Chestnut Branch Trail up to the junction with the Appalachian Trail, which takes you up the east ridge of Mt. Cammerer. Eventually, you get to a junction with a spur trail leading to Mt. Cammerer’s summit. After, continue along the Appalachian Trail to a four-way junction, and take the Low Gap Trail down to Big Creek, which passes the particularly snug and pretty Mouse Creek Falls (just off the trail), and the very popular Midnight Hole Falls, which is really just a small pour-over and a rock for jumping. This wide trail takes you to the Big Creek Trailhead, so follow the forest road back to the starting trailhead.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Mount Cammerer
4928 ft
8 rise
2
Cammerer Ridge
5042 ft
800 rise

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Starting along the Chestnut Branch Trail (on right).
Starting along the Chestnut Branch Trail (on right).
Chestnut Branch Trail.
Chestnut Branch Trail.
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Chestnut Branch Trail merges with the Appalachian trail.
Chestnut Branch Trail merges with the Appalachian trail.
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A view point along the ridge to Mt. Cammerer.
A view point along the ridge to Mt. Cammerer.
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Mt. Cammerer summit trail junction.
Mt. Cammerer summit trail junction.
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Almost at the summit of Mt. Cammerer, looking back along the ridge. There are a few spots that escape the trees so you can get views.
Almost at the summit of Mt. Cammerer, looking back along the ridge. There are a few spots that escape the trees so you can get views.
The Mt. Cammerer lookout tower.
The Mt. Cammerer lookout tower.
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Mt Cammerer summit view.
Mt Cammerer summit view.
Back on the Appalachian Trail, headed southwest.
Back on the Appalachian Trail, headed southwest.
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Nice occasional views along the A.T.
Nice occasional views along the A.T.
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Eventually, the A.T. gets to a four-way junction. Take the Low Gap Trail, which is a bit narrower.
Eventually, the A.T. gets to a four-way junction. Take the Low Gap Trail, which is a bit narrower.
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Low Gap Trail follows a stream and it's a prettier section of the day.
Low Gap Trail follows a stream and it's a prettier section of the day.
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Low Gap Trial meets with the Big Creek Trail. Take this wide trail back to the trailhead.
Low Gap Trial meets with the Big Creek Trail. Take this wide trail back to the trailhead.
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Big Creek Trail is pretty relaxing because of the sounds of Big Creek and the mostly flat trail.
Big Creek Trail is pretty relaxing because of the sounds of Big Creek and the mostly flat trail.
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Mouse Creek Falls, slightly off the trail. Don't miss it!
Mouse Creek Falls, slightly off the trail. Don't miss it!
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Midnight Hole Falls.
Midnight Hole Falls.
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A waterfall just after Midnight Hole Falls.
A waterfall just after Midnight Hole Falls.
Continuing along the heavily-trafficked trail back.
Continuing along the heavily-trafficked trail back.
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Follow the forest road back to the Chestnut Branch Trailhead.
Follow the forest road back to the Chestnut Branch Trailhead.

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!