Thunderhead Mountain via Russell Field Loop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC

Hike Thunderhead Mountain via Russell Field Loop Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC

Class 1 15.8 miles 4100 gain 6-8 hrs Loop Nov 2, 2016
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Thunderhead Mountain via Russell Field Loop GPX Track

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I started out from Cades Cove and ascended the Anthony Creek Trail, then took the Bote Mountain Trail up to the Appalachian Trail, which marks the border of the Tenneesee and North Carolina border. I headed east, passing Rocky Top and onward to Thunderhead Mountain. From Thunderhead Mountain's summit I headed back west, crossed Spence Field, and continued until the junction with the Russell Field Trail. I took this trail north, descending back to the Anthony Creek Trail, completing the loop.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Rocky Top
5441 ft
41 rise
2
Thunderhead Mountain
5527 ft
1087 rise

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From Cades Cove, I headed along the Anthony Creek Trail, doing the loop clockwise.
From Cades Cove, I headed along the Anthony Creek Trail, doing the loop clockwise.
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Ascending pretty slowly along the Anthony Creek Trail.
Ascending pretty slowly along the Anthony Creek Trail.
A pretty bridge along the Anthony Creek Trail.
A pretty bridge along the Anthony Creek Trail.
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Junction with the Bote Mountain Trail. I headed south to join the Appalachian Trail.
Junction with the Bote Mountain Trail. I headed south to join the Appalachian Trail.
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Nearing the junction of Bote Mountain Trail and the Appalachian Trail.
Nearing the junction of Bote Mountain Trail and the Appalachian Trail.
Along the Appalachian Trail, heading east toward Thunderhead Mountain.
Along the Appalachian Trail, heading east toward Thunderhead Mountain.
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Rocky Top, a minor hump on the way to Thunderhead Mountain.
Rocky Top, a minor hump on the way to Thunderhead Mountain.
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Ascending to Thunderhead Mountain.
Ascending to Thunderhead Mountain.
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Thunderhead Mountain.
Thunderhead Mountain.
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Heading west along the ridge toward Russel Field.
Heading west along the ridge toward Russel Field.
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Descending back to Anthony Creek.
Descending back to Anthony Creek.
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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!