Hike 2: Little Greenbrier Loop

Little Greenbrier School was built in 1882. This log structure was used to teach mountain children for more than 50 years. It was also used as a church for Sunday meetings. Elsie Burrell brought back the spirit of Little Greenbrier in 1969 at the age of 65. Till the age of 95, “Miss Elsie” taught park visitors about school life in the Smoky Mountains. For our hike, we’ll meet at the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area, hike past the old school building and along Little Brier Gap trail and take a side trip to the Walker sisters’ home place. We’ll then hike on Little Greenbrier trail back toward the road.

Greenbrier Loop Hike

Hike 3: Max Patch

Max Patch is a superb example of that Appalachian anomaly - the grassy bald. Although no one is certain about the origin of naked mountaintops, we are all thankful for their presence in our densely forested hills. The view from the summit is superb. At arm's length, the grassy earth falls away with 360 degree views just beyond. It seems a short stride would plummet you to the floor of the Tennessee Valley, onto the backbone of Bluff Mountain, or atop the steppingstone crest of Mt. Sterling. Roan Mountain and Mt. Mitchell are also visible in the ultimate distance.

Max Patch Hike

Hike 4: Greenbrier

The Greenbrier area contains one of the park's largest concentrations of chimney falls and rock walls, which mark the sites of former homesteads. While most structures were removed in the 1930s, a few are preserved by the park service as representative of pioneer life in Appalachia. The Grapeyard Ridge Trail follows Rhododendron Creek over the south slope of Brushy Mountain to the Jim Bales Place at Roaring Fork. The trail passes the remains of a CCC Camp, several Rayfield homesites, and the 1920s-era remains of a wrecked Nichols and Shepard self-propelled, steam-powered engine (known as a traction engine). The wrecked engine rests in the bed of Injun Creek.

Greenbrier Hike

Hike 5: Gregory’s Bald

Gregory’s Bald is a high meadow that was used in the summer for cattle grazing by the Cades Cove farmers. There are several trails that go to Gregory’s Bald. This particular trail affords a steady four and a half mile climb to the bald through pine and hardwood forest. On the way to Gregory's Bald, Smokies hikers will go through Sam's Gap, Panther Gap, and Sheep Pen Gap Backcountry Campsite. From Gregory's bald there are magnificent views of Cades Cove as well as other surrounding landmarks. The Gregory’s Bald trail continues past the mountain meadow until it ends at the Appalachian Trail. Ambitious Smokies visitors can hike on to the Appalachian Trail.

Gregory's Bald

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