It has been too long since our last Humdinger Hike, but we are still committed to finishing the project. The theme for our most current hike is "Seems More Like A Road". We decided on a loop hike that would begin with the short Gatlinburg Trail and later include the Twin Creeks and Old Sugarlands Trails.
Hiking Trails of the Smokies lists as highlights on the Gatlinburg Trail: lack of hills, homesites. To this I would agree and add that it is really not so much of trail as it is part of a road and what amounts to a city park walk. The "trail" begins with views of the park maintenance center on the left and the Little Pigeon River on the right.
In order to get to the Twin Creeks trailhead, we had to walk through Gatlinburg. As has been mentioned on this blog in the past, I am not the biggest fan of Gatlinburg, but at least we saw some wildlife on our way through the town.
The Twin Creeks Trail is much more of the typical trail one would find in the park. It is relatively flat and would probably make a good short hike to do with kids, especially if taken in the opposite direction that we hiked it. There are a couple of stream crossings that could present a challenge after it has rained, but overall it is an easy hike.
Hiking Trails of the Smokies states that the hardest part of hiking this trail is finding it.
If you are starting from Ogle Cabin, I would agree. There are no clear signs that mark where the trail begins. There is a path marked as a nature trail which if followed straight to the creek leads to an old mill. This short walk would be great for those who are not looking for a hike, but simply a short stroll through the woods.
We happened upon the mill by accident when we turned right instead of left upon arriving at the end of the Twin Creeks Trail. If you want to start this trail from Ogle Cabin, simply follow the nature trail until you come to the first trail to the right. The trail is just under two miles of mostly downhill travel from this direction.
Since we were traveling the other direction, our path was to lead us 3/4 of a mile up Cherokee Orchard Road to Ashley's least favorite trail in the park so far, Rainbow Falls. We easily found Old Sugarlands trailhead at the top of the hill and began the descent to Sugarlands Visitor Center. Old Sugarlands Trail is one of my favorites in this part of the park as it winds through an old settlement. You can still see signs of the days when people lived and worked in this area.
A good part of the trail follows the Little Pigeon River, but unlike the Gatlinburg Trail there are no signs of modern civilization. A friend and I once happened upon a mother bear with several cubs while walking this trail.
I am glad that we found a day to pick back up on the Humdinger Project. Our hope is to get back to more frequent hikes. If any of our readers are interested in joining us, you are always welcome!
