Mount Sterling via Mount Sterling Gap in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC

Hike Mount Sterling via Mount Sterling Gap Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC

Class 1 5.6 miles 1900 gain 2-4 hrs Out + Back Jul 7, 2018
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Mount Sterling via Mount Sterling Gap GPX Track

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My little brother came to visit me in the south for a southern BBQ tour, and I remember from a couple of years ago when I hiked Mount Sterling via Baxter Creek that the view was great. We decided to head to the summit via the standard route, the Mount Sterling Gap Trail, which follows a wide forest road almost the whole way to the top. The hike was uneventful since it was pretty much just a road walk as it made its way to the ridgeline above, where we met with the junction with the Mount Sterling Ridge Trail. The last bit along the Mount Sterling Ridge Trail was overgrown enough to feel more like a real trail. Unfortunately we ended up having no views, but the fog was pretty regardless.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Mount Sterling
5842 ft
663 rise

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Starting up the Mount Sterling Gap Trail.
Starting up the Mount Sterling Gap Trail.
Prepare for just a bunch of forested photos of a dirt road walk.
Prepare for just a bunch of forested photos of a dirt road walk.
A junction. The Mount Sterling Gap Trail is well-signed.
A junction. The Mount Sterling Gap Trail is well-signed.
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Switchbacks on the way up to Mount Sterling.
Switchbacks on the way up to Mount Sterling.
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Nearing the Mount Sterling Ridge Trail, which leads to the summit.
Nearing the Mount Sterling Ridge Trail, which leads to the summit.
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Approaching the summit of Mount Sterling.
Approaching the summit of Mount Sterling.
Mt. Sterling lookout tower. Sadly, no views today.
Mt. Sterling lookout tower. Sadly, no views today.
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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!