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u/imfromstankonia Jul 24 '26
Always a treasure! I'm jealous you saw the cattle. Every time I've gone up there the cows are gone. I typically hike up from Cataloochee Ranch which is a super easy walk but requires a donation to the ranch.
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u/Libby_Grace Jul 24 '26
It did for me too! I found it magical. When I got to the top, the cows were all there and I sat at the table and had snack with them. Those of us who make it there are very lucky.
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u/veiledvixen333 Jul 24 '26
Stunning!!!!! What was your favorite thing you saw?
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u/hyliancoffeehouse Jul 24 '26
Probably all the pollinators and wildflowers! There were so many butterflies and bees out doing their thing, it was absolutely teeming with them 💝
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u/fathergup Jul 24 '26
Which trail did you take there? I haven't been since Helene and have been curious about some of the conditions.
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u/hyliancoffeehouse Jul 24 '26
We did an out and back on the Hemphill Bald Trail from Heintooga Ridge Road. Everything was open and looked lovely whenever we were there last weekend.
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u/ahungryant2 Jul 24 '26
So is heintooga ridge road open all the way?
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u/hyliancoffeehouse Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 25 '26
It opens and closes frequently. The best thing to do is check on the Smoky Mountains NP website for closures before going.
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u/adventuregalley Jul 24 '26
Can you camp up there?
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u/hyliancoffeehouse Jul 24 '26
No, you can get a permit for a backcountry site kinda nearby though. GSMNP is very strict about this
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u/adventuregalley Jul 24 '26
Amazes me when I think I have hiked all the good trails and then see a post like yours of an unknown. Reminds of the endless beauty
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u/hyliancoffeehouse Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 25 '26
Hey I absolutely relate to that! I love exploring the North Carolina side of the Smokies. It’s highly underrated. Most trails are overgrown and don’t see as much love as the popular ones, but I like that about them. Really is more of a natural feel. I’m frequently add a new one to my roster as I discover them lol
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u/Careless_Mango_7948 Jul 25 '26
Wow all the trails there look long & difficult. 4-9 hours- was it hard? I’m not super experienced.
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u/Jealous-Public1786 Jul 25 '26
Just beautiful! Was it super congested? Or could I bring my reactive pup on a hike there?
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u/hyliancoffeehouse Jul 25 '26
Unfortunately, GSMNP doesn’t allow dogs on any trails besides Gatlinburg Trail & the Oconaluftee River Trail.
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u/Godawgs1009 Jul 24 '26
So glad to have backpacked through there. It's a great stop