Gregory Bald Loop - `Great Smoky Mountains National Park

[13 mi, +3000'/-3000']

This is a great loop for a half day outing. Get there early to beat the Cades Cove crowd! Start/Finish is at the end of Forge Creek Rd.

  

My group chose  to run the loop clockwise for better footing on the ascent and a more "gentle" descent, Gregory Bald Trail has some horse trail qualities. The ascent is approximately 3000' with some nice lookouts before reaching the excellent views on Gregory Bald.

Complications: Cades Cove is sometimes closed and Forge Creek Rd. is also sometimes closed. Check the webiste for more info. If Forge Creek Rd. is closed, one can park at the Visitor's center and just add 3 or 4 miles to the run.

More info: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Website