Mount Cammerer Loop
15.2 mi
Distance
7 hrs 8 min
Time
terrain
2,635 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult loop trail to Mount Cammerer in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
This trail goes by Low Gap, Sunup Knob, Sharpton Gap, Mount Cammerer, 35, and Sutton Ridge Overlook.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
stars
stephenncollins 3 years, 7 months ago
Went on an overcast Friday morning with light rain. Perfect hiking weather! I took the counterclockwise route (Low Gap) by mistake, but was really happy I did. The climb is steep and a tough workout, but it gets you to the lookout FAST. As others have said, by going this way, going down the Lower Cammerer feels pretty boring, but the more gradual grade is more forgiving on the knees than the Low Gap would be, for sure...which is important to us old guys. :)
The trail as of August 21, 2020 needs some maintenance, without a doubt. I was left wondering if COVID has set the crews back, because there were several downed trees across the trail, and a couple of them were genuinely precarious to get over or around. On the Lower Cammerer, there were many places where the brush has become unruly and has even grown over the trail. It made me hyper aware of my steps, as I was concerned about timber rattlesnakes which live in the area. There was also numerous deep muddy spots that I just had to slog through.
All in all, it was a great day out on the mountain. I only saw 5 other people the whole day...and one bear! And as everyone else has said, the view from the summit is breathtaking. The best I've personally experienced in the Smokies. Worth every step.
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