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 Reporter |
Summary: This area was once home to the Little River Lumber Co. and we'll explore some old logging roads and railroad grades sketched in the terrain via man ways (distinguishable trails but unmarked) For those that want to stay on the trail you will have a nice hike of 8 miles RT.The first 2 miles will ascend over 1000 ft before leveling off for a nice walk on top of Lumber Ridge. There are several species of wild flowers to be enjoyed in the spring and the mountain laurel is abundant in early summer.At the 4-mile mark there will be a junction of 3 trails two marked and one unmarked. For those who want to stay on the trail enjoy a snack and return via Lumber Ridge Trail.All others grab your GPS [and/or] compass and map and follow old RR grades in out of creeks to splendor beauty of cascades and hidden water falls.The waypoints on the map are key to navigating the man ways but please e-mail me for complete details.This hike has emerged as one of my favorites and maybe yours too! 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. Turn right on Little River Road then next left to Great Smoky Mtns Institute at Tremont. Park near the visitor center. Trail marked Lumber Ridge Trail I-40 East (Sevierville) exit #407 Hwy 66 to 441 South through Gatlinburg into the GSMNP entrance then right (Sugarlands Visitor Center) on Little River Road then next left to Great Smoky Mtns Institute at Tremont. Park near the visitor center. Trail marked Lumber Ridge Trail just beyond the Tremont dorms. ****GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK**** (Lat:35.64153 Lon:-83.68984) Trail Guides for Lumber Ridge/Spruce Flats Falls: Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: GSMNP 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 Jeff on 9/29/2009 I have hiked this area many times since 1972. There was a shelter and outhouse up at Honey Cove area back in the early '70s. The manway over to Lumber Ridge trail was a maintained trail at that time. Has anyone noticed that there are no Spruce trees or Flats at Spruce Flats??? 
Reviewed by DS on 9/24/2009 This was a very nice trail. We parked at Tremont and hiked to the falls. These falls were true gems, and I'm surprised a waterfall this large has been kept so well secret. It was a 2 mile moderate hike, but it was a little bit tight in some spots. After the falls we noticed an unmarked trail on the other side, and followed it but it just disappeared about a quarter of a mile past the falls.
Reviewed by David L on 4/28/2007 I hiked the Lumber Ridge Trail to the intersection. Took the right and followed the man way to the falls. I didn't think to cross there and continued on. I ended up going off the side of the mountain. The hike on the LR trail was very nice. The man way was awesome. I thought to myself why don't they make it a maintained trail. But, then I realized that would take away the solitude, log jumping, and creek crossing. I look forward to making the trip again. Next time I will start at the Falls trail.
Reviewed by AC on 4/7/2007 When we hiked the Spruce Flats Falls trail we parked at the Tremont visitor's center. We did not hike any on the Lumber Ridge trail, but followed the signs to Falls Trail. If you go just to the falls it is a 2 mile round trip moderate hike. Although, there are some difficult points. But, you can also cross the waterfall and there's an unmarked trail on the other side. We did not follow it to the end, but we plan to try to next time. It was a fun adventure.
Reviewed by DAL on 4/20/2004 The Spruce Flats Falls Hike begins at the opposite end of the parking area from Lumber Ridge. It's a beautiful, but sometimes challenging 2.0 mile RT, with a spectacular place to each lunch at the lower of the three falls. Plenty of great views and very convenient to Townsend. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||