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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike will begin on the Lead Cove Trail, which will follow the creek and then turns and follows the ridge. At 1.8 mi you will turn right on Bote Mtn Trail. This trail has been used since the early 1830s and was developed as a road during the 1850s by Cherokee labor. At 3.0 mi the trail intersects with the Anthony Creek Trail and you can see a huge open area, which until the late 1960s you could drive your car here and a short hike to Spence Field. But today you will continue on the Bote Mtn Trail. At 4.7 mi you intersect with the Appalachian Trail turn left and look rising above you is Rocky Top. Take a break and stroll around Spence Field for some nice views as well. It is not as hard of a hike from here as it looks. Over the next mile you will go up and down through some wooded area before you pop out in a rocky bare spot that will offer you 360-degree views. From one spot you can see Fontana Lake, Clingmans Dome, Mt LeConte and Cades Cove. Return via same route. 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 Laurel Creek Road 5.5 miles west of Townsend "Y". Lead Cove Trail on the left. **Horses are allowed to the AT and then south but not north to Rocky Top** (Lat:35.60709 Lon:-83.74478) Trail Guides for Rocky Top: Day Hikes in GSMNP by Johnny Molloy () Day & Overnight hikes in GSMNP by Johhny Malloy (Menasha Ridge Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Horses, 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 jkr on 5/16/2008 I have hiked this three times, the last being yesterday (5-15-08). It is a tough hike, but the views from the top are among the very best in the Smokies. I usually start from the back of the picnic area of Cades Cove. I would recommend this hike to anyone who is in shape, but it will take most of the day to complete. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
