Finishing the Map: The Final 100 miles

When you look at the "dollar map" provided by the park it really doesn't seem too much of a stretch to knock all the trails out in a relatively short amount of time. If you attempt to hike all the trails in the park you may even be encouraged with the quick progress you initially make. Its only until you get to the final 100 or so that you realize how many miles of trail GSMNP really has and how hard some of them are to get to. Truth be told I started my map in high school almost 15 years ago, thinking that within a few years I would be one of the select few who have hiked them all. Here I am now, still trying to knock off trails.

Caitlin and I decided we would try and finish my map this year, which would get her a pretty good start on her map as well. For round number 1 of the map project we picked something pretty easy, a few rambling miles near Fontana Lake.

For our second round of map miles we did some more logistical cherry-picking and did a nice loop off of straight fork road. This was a surprisingly nice hike with all the smokies elements, plenty of views, wildflowers, and creek walking. Unfortunately this is one of our last remaining easy short loops in terms of what I have left in terms of finishing the map.

The entire Cataloochee area is pretty much a blank spot for both of us. If we are able to get out on the trails again in the next few weeks were considering a figure eight type loop of caldwell fork trail, etc. at the end of Cataloochee road. If not Cataloochee, we will most likely be back over by the lake to clear some bits and pieces I have remaining over there.