Muddy Boots

Rating: Moderate  
Distance:   7 Miles
Elevation Gain:  900 feet
Leaders:   Dennis and Pam Gurley  865-657-9042

This is a 7-mile out-and-back hike, starting at The Sinks parking area on Little River Road. It is a beautiful trail through a rhododendrun and fern covered forest. For the most part it is an easy hike. However, there are some steep sections and after about a mile, you will come to Meigs Creek and begin the first of 18-20 stream crossings. You may get your feet wet. You may decide just to walk through the stream as the safest way to cross. The crossings are tricky and the rocks can be slick. There is a chance you will fall. There were six of us on the pre-hike, about half of us did little dances on the rocks, but none of us fell.

We highly recommend that you bring a walking stick to help keep your balance as your cross the streams.

Bring water, a trail lunch, walking stick, hiking boots, and $4.00 per person for gas for your driver.

Directions to Townsend Visitor Center: We’ll meet there before going into the Smokies. Route 321 through Maryville. The Townsend Visitor Center is on the right, about a mile past the Back Porch Restaurant.

From there, we’ll go into the Smokies. At the “Y”, turn left toward Gatlinburg, and drive 6 miles to The Sinks parking area. (Just before a bridge). The trail begins on the right of the parking area.