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 Reporter |
Summary: Your hike begins on a old road that once could be driven to the first intersection of Gabes Mtn Trail at 1.2 mi.It's well graded and only a few steep inclines as you look down on the area that was once lived and farmed here.The Baxter Cabin built in the late 1800's has been refurbished to allow us to get a glimpse of housing of over a century ago.This Virgin Forest was owned but outlasted Champion Fibre Company offers a great collection of Eastern hemlocks, tuliptrees, American beeches and maples. At 3.0 mi the Albright Loop makes it's side trip that meanders through a open forest that includes even more huge trees and evidence of even bigger trees that has fallen over time.Halfway through the loop the trail will peak out for great 360 degree view of the forest around.This loop is only .7 mi and will intersect soon with the Maddron Bald Trail. For a 15 mi challenging hike you can continue to the bald where it intersects with the Snake Den Trail or return as you came in Trailhead: From Gatlinburg on US 321, go 15.5 miles to Baxter Road 1/10 mile East of Yogi's Camground. Follow road and keep to the right to signed trailhead. Small parking outside the gate for a few cars but not recommended for overnight parking. (Lat:35.76952 Lon:-83.26675) Trail Guides for Maddron Bald & Albright Grove: Day Hikes in GSMNP by Johnny Molloy () Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Greenbrier Ranger Station 865-436-1231 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 JP on 4/15/2009 Our group started from the Cosby Campground parking lot around 1pm. The first day, including the side trip to the falls, was fairly straight forward. There are a few climbs that get your heart going but overall it is a good warm up day with a pack. Campsite 34 was very nice but I could see it getting busy during the summer. The second day led us to Campsite 29. Probably the most frustrating part of the day 2 is the fact that you descend down almost to the same elevation you started from prior to going back up to approx. 4,600 feet to Campsite 29. While the hike wasn't a killer, I was certainly tired after almost 7 miles and 2,500 feet of elevation gain. Albright Loop was boring. Day 3 was easy and provided some great vistas.
Reviewed by Patrick on 4/24/2008 Beautiful scenery and tons of stream crossings. Saw some wildlife. I'll be brief: my friend and I were in decent shape and were exhausted once we got to campsite 29 on the first day. The Gabes Mountain Trail is moderate with a gradual ascent to campsite 34. From 34 to the Maddron Bald junction is fairly easy. Turn left on the Maddron trail for 4.2 miles to campsite 29 and prepare for a VERY VERY VERY strenous hike. We bypassed the Albright Loop due to exhaustion. The two miles from the loop to 29 are uphill. 29 is a small but nice campsite next to a stream. 1.1 to the top of the mountain then downhill on the Snake Den Ridge Trail back to Cosby. Honestly, the view at the top is breath taking and rewarding.
Reviewed by Carol on 10/26/2007 Hiked with family on 10/25/07 - it is a beautiful forested trail. The trail is well maintained but is completely uphill to the top of the Albright Loop. It took us 3 hrs. 15 minutes to complete the 6.5 miles. It's good to remember to start early enough in the day to have plenty of time to stop and enjoy the trees before it starts getting dark. The tulip poplars were beautiful. We especially enjoyed the forest inn the Albright Loop - huge, spectacular trees. The hike is well worth the effort.
Reviewed by LB on 11/27/2006 LOVED IT! 
Reviewed by Gordon on 5/20/2006 My son & I hiked the loop from Cosby to Henwallow Falls, to Maddron Bald, to Snake Den trail, back to Cosby in April 06. A scenic & diverse trail with flowers, vistas, alpine streams, a waterfall, old growth forest, scrub brush balds. No wildlife spotted :( Well marked but a GPS or map is helpful. Camp site 34 is nice, Camp site 29 is also nice but rocky. Bring a freestanding tent. Beware of the pack eating mouse that climbs the bear cable at the 1st pad. Nice sunset views on the side trail 1/2 mi. before 29, or on the main trail 400 yrds past 29. Site 29 is rationed, so make reservations. Prepare for long ascents & descends. 17 mi in ~9 hrs backpacking on trail. Nice overnight loop. Moderate to strenuous. 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, Sevier County Hiking, Sevier County Trails, Sevier County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
