Top 5 Winter Hikes

1 The Boundary Trail, Blackberry Farm
2 Ace Gap to Blackberry Farm
3 Little River / Cucumber Gap /Jake’s Creek loop
4 Lead Cove/Bote Mountain/Finley Cane loop
5 Rich Mountain/Indian Grave Gap/Rich Mountain road loop

The Boundary Trail, Blackberry Farm:
Appearing as Loop 3 on the Blackberry Farm trail map, this route provides an ample aerobic workout coupled with the rare opportunity to immerse oneselfin silence and solitude. For much of its length this trail plays tag with the boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in one of the least travelledregions of the Park. Winter views are spectacular looking out over the vast watersheds of Hesse, Beard Cane, and Hurricane Branch. Your guide can helpyou spot soaring birds of prey, identify far peaks, and share wildlife sign and lore. 6.75 miles total (moderate to strenuous)

Ace Gap to Blackberry Farm:
This hike begins with a shuttle to Rich Mountain at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Your guide will lead you by way of the Ace Gaptrail through beautiful dips and ridges about 5 miles to the corner of Blackberry Farm property. From there you will head on over Blair Gap, enjoying broadglimpses of the surrounding mountains, rocky spines, and primal moss along the trail. 8.5 miles total (moderate to strenuous)

Little River / Cucumber Gap /Jake’s Creek loop:
Ripe with history and filled with the voice of the Little River, this is a great stroll for those who enjoy the sight and sound of a rolling mountainstream. This lovely loop runs predominately along the banks of the Little River and Jake’s Creek and an easy climb over Burnt Mountain, which separatesthe two waterways, through Cucumber Gap. It was a popular route for loggers and travelers of yesteryear. Massive boulders, waterfalls and open forestsprevail along the way. 5.5 miles (easy to moderate)

Lead Cove/Bote Mountain/Finley Cane loop:
A great blend of terrain and forest types await you on this hike. The raucous waters of Sugar Cove Branch, old settlers’ ruins along the Lead Cove trail,and fantastic views of Bote Mountain combine with giant trees and rhododendron tunnels on Finley Cane to make this loop a quintessential Smoky Mountainsexcursion. 7.1 miles (easy to moderate)

Rich Mountain/ Indian Grave Gap/ Rich Mountain Road loop:
This Smoky Mountain adventure takes advantage of seasonal road closures in the Park. Some already discreet roads in the Park are closed entirely to vehiclesin the winter, rendering them an oasis for hikers seeking to enjoy the splendor of the Smokies from a wide, smooth surface. For a very easy hike, walkout and back on Rich Mountain road, enjoying great views, rushing streams, and quiet forests while walking four abreast if desired! Or, for amped-up sceneryand heart rate, choose the Rich Mountain and Indian Grave Gap trails to make a loop of 8.5 miles. (easy to moderate)