mount sterling

This is a rewarding hike, but it is not easy. First of all it is not easy to get to the trailhead. To get to the trailhead take I-40 to exit 451 (Waterville Rd.). Turn right across the bridge that crosses the river and drive about 2 miles and then turn left at an intersection onto Mt. Sterling Rd. The road proceeds up a steep hill and in a short distance becomes a gravel road. You have to drive about 7 miles on this narrow, rutted, twisty gravel road to reach the trailhead at Mt. Sterling Gap. It will take a minimum of 35 minutes to reach the trailhead once you exit the interstate as you have to drive about 15 mph on the gravel road. At first there are a few houses along the road and about half way to your destination you enter the national park at which point it becomes so isolated you imagine that you might run into the guys from "Deliverance" at any moment. You continue upward and finally reach the trailhead at the crest of Mt. Sterling Gap. There are about two parking spaces, but don't worry you won't have to fight the crowd on this trail. The trail proceeds steeply up the hill, but is a good packed dirt trail for approximately the 1st mile. The trail is steep except for a few level area and climbs about 2,000 ft. in elevation in about 2.3 miles. The trail becomes very rocky and after the 1st mile and you have to watch your step carefully. You should wear sturdy hiking boots on this trail and I would also recommend hiking poles / sticks. At 2.3 miles the Mt Sterling Trail reaches the Mt. Sterling Ridge Trail. Turn right and hike another 0.5 miles on this relatively flat trail until you reach the abandoned fire tower. You can use the steps to climb to the top of the tower, but the steps are wood and a little shaky so be careful. The view from the top is an outstanding 360 degree view of the mountains. It is one of the best views in the Smoky Mountains. I would not recommend this hike for young children or people who are not physically fit as it is very demanding.

Mount Sterling truly provides one of the best views anywhere in the Smokies! A large, steel fire tower stands atop this 5,842-foot peak, offering a complete 360 degree view of the eastern side of the park as well as to the surrounding national forest. The Black Mountains of North Carolina are even visible from the tower, unless extreme haze or fog prevents such viewing. From the top, such features as Mount Cammerer, Low Gap, Mount Guyot, Mount LeConte, and Cataloochee are seen. The only drawback to hiking Mount Sterling is if one has a fear of heights. Unless you climb the fire tower, you have no views from the top of Mount Sterling. Therefore, expect to climb if you aim to see views at the top.I hiked to the top of Mount Sterling on May 23, 2008. My brother and I began our hike at the Big Creek Parking Area and first took the very strenuous Baxter Creek Trail 6.2 miles, gaining 4,200 feet to the top of Mount Sterling. The Baxter Creek Trail, while relentlessly steep, is a beautiful hike offering everything from beautful streams and moss-covered forest floors to arid ridgelines. If you plan to hike up Baxter Creek, be sure to take plenty of water!The view from the top is spectacular, easily one of my top 5 favorite views anywhere in the park! I have attached some photos to display the beauty. Unfortunately, the day we hiked it was a bit hazy, but it was still unbelievable!From there, we took the Mount Sterling Ridge Trail to the Swallow Fork Trail. This trail starts off very hot & dry, but soon you get into the lush forest again & it becomes pleasant. Actually, the last half of the Swallow Fork Trail before you reach Walnut Bottoms is perhaps my favorite stretch of forested trail in the entire park!From there, we caught up with the Big Creek Trail, which we took another 5 miles back to our vehicle. In total, the hike was 17 miles and gained (and lost) 4,200 feet of elevation.Aside from the beautiful trails that accompany a hike to Mount Sterling, the destination is truly spectacular! There are several routes one may take to the top, although Baxter Creek and from the Mount Sterling Road are the two most popular.If you have questions about Mount Sterling or the route I took, feel free to message me. Enjoy the photos!Sean

fire tower, great views from tower. excellent tentsites. long way down to good water. Baxter Creek trail very steep. Bear got my food out of tree here one night.