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 Reporter |
Summary: This trail will challenge you but will give something back in the way of different offerings. Spring will give array of wild flowers; summer will provide great shade from the sun while giving blooms of Rhododendron, fall will have more colors than you can count and make this hike in the winter with snow on the mountains it will provide a view of Cades Cove unlike you have ever seen. At the first intersection go left along the wooded trail to John Oliver Cabin then ascend begins for the next 3 miles. A great resting point is the overlook, Cades Cove pastures and Sparks Lane. Next intersection is Indian Grave Trail take it to the right leading to the location of the old fire tower which is a great place for lunch (the trail will fork w/o signs go left). Descend begins now (there are a few views to your left of Red Bank) to Crooked Arm Ridge Trail take it to the right and follow it back to parking area. You may have to navigate 9 possible stream crossings depending on rain Trailhead: Preferred route: I-40 (Knoxville) to 140 East to 129 South follow signs to 411N/321N then continue on 321N to 73 East and you will enter the GSMNP. 7 miles to the Cades Cove Loop. I-40 East (Sevierville) exit #407 Hwy 66 to 441 South through Gatlinburg into the GSMNP entrance then West (Sugarlands Visitor Center) on Little River Road then follow signs to Cades Cove. The Rich Mountain Loop Trail is located across from the information center at the entrance of the Cades Cove Loop. You can park here in the parking lot. (Lat:35.60689 Lon:-83.78787) Trail Guides for Rich Mountain Loop: Day Hikes in GSMNP by Johnny Molloy () Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Horses, Ranger Contact: Cades Cove Ranger 865-436-1200 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Bobby Trotter, who has posted 74 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JFF on 1/14/2008 Great winter hike. Took the loop counter-clockwise, which meant shorter, steeper uphill stretch. Great views throughout. Stream crossings were easy. Parts of the downhill stretch required minor acrobatics as recent rains had washed trees, etc across the trail. Completed in under 4 hours. 
Reviewed by Adam Gunter on 6/1/2007 It was an okay walk nothing incrediable!!! 
Reviewed by Brian on 12/3/2006 This is a fairly easy trail, with a few strenuous uphill parts. As of 11/27/2006, part of the trail appx. 1/2 mile north of the John Oliver cabin has been washed over by rains and snow-melt, so it's easy to lose the trail in this area. Basically, if you follow the creek, keep an eye on the left (west) side, for the trail eventually picks up there again. After that, the trail is pretty solid. At 3.4 miles, you'll connect to the Indian Grave Gap Trail. Follow this trail going right (going left, or west, leads down to Rich Mountain Road). After following this trail for 0.8 miles, you'll come to another trailfork. Do NOT confuse the Rich Mountain Loop Trail with the Rich Mountain Trail-- stay on the Indian Grave Gap Trail.
Reviewed by Brad on 6/26/2006 The worst part of this was all of the horses on the trail. The views were great, hiked it in October 2003 and the foliage was awesome. Wonderful peeks of Townsend and Cades Cove.
Reviewed by Mindy on 10/21/2005 Very Nice Loop Hike - We hiked this trip 10/18/05 - the area is still green with leaves... and the vistas were limited because of the trees. However, this is a BEAUTIFUL secluded mountain hike. We saw an 8 pt. buck - and a Pileated Woodpecker while hiking the trail. We passed 3 couples on horses... but didn't pass another hiker. It is a long hike - we hiked the loop in just under 5 hours. It is best to hike clockwise - Started at the Rich Mountain trail and ending at Crooked Arm. If your timing is right... you can end the trail just in time for sunset at Cades Cove. 
Reviewed by DP on 11/17/2003 Best hike I've taken in the Smokies. Went second weekend in November. Weather was beautiful, vista were all along the loop since the leaves were down. Camped at site #5 and descended the next day. Bear (Mother w/ cub) was seen along trail on th eway back. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Tennessee Hiking, Tennessee Trails, Tennessee Hikes, Blount County Hiking, Blount County Trails, Blount County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||