Hike Mount Sterling via Baxter Creek Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC

Threat to Our Public Land!

Recent proposals could transfer or sell off national forests, BLM land, and wilderness areas. This threatens the trails, wildlife, and access we all love. Once they're gone, we don't get them back.

The push to sell off public lands is being driven mostly by Republicans. What's frustrating is that many who vote for this party still love hiking, hunting, and exploring. If you keep voting for politicians who promise to "cut red tape" and "shrink government," don't be surprised when your favorite trailhead is fenced off and leased to a mining company.

Resources

Public Land for Sale Map
Write Your Senator
Utah is Not for Sale
About the Spending Package

Directions

Route Map

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Mount Sterling via Baxter Creek GPX Track

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The Baxter Creek Trail seems like a lesser-traveled route up to Mt. Sterling, especially because there is an easier route from the west via Mt. Sterling Gap. However, this longer trail follows the pretty Baxter Creek before heading up along a series of ridges on the northern side of Mt. Sterling. Much of the trail is forested and not particularly noteworth, but the last mile or so to the summit enters a gorgeous, mossy, and lush sections, the easy highlight of the hike. The lookoout tower has some nice views of the surrounding landscape, otherwise views are limited.

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

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Mount Sterling

5842 ft

663 rise

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Along the Baxter Creek Trail.

Following Baxter Creek for a while.

The trail leaves the Baxter Creek drainage and heads up a ridge.

Lots of pretty forest on the ascent up to Mt. Sterling, but nothing particularly noteworthy.

The occasional views through winter trees.

Along the ridge, a rhododendron tunnel.

The trail start to get some ferns and mosses, really increasing the appeal of the hike.

Beautiful mossy rocks and light.

Just before Mt. Sterling summit.

Mt. Sterling lookout tower.

Mt. Sterling view from within the lookout tower.

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!