So the last day I did the trail we will probably do second next year. We always do the first part of Chestnut Top at the Townsend Y as soon as we get to Townsend. Next year we will do the trail to White Oak sink as our first long hike.
"The trailhead for Whiteoak sink is located on the left just past the Turkeypen Ridge Trail junction on Schoolhouse Gap Trail, approximately 1.1 miles from the parking area on Laurel Creek Road. You will know you are at the Whiteoak Sink trailhead because entrance is blocked by a gate which allows hikers to pass through but stops horse traffic.
The first 1.1 miles on the Schoolhouse Gap trail is a moderate climb. The trail was originally a road so it's easy to follow with lots of room.
At 1.1 miles on the Schoolhouse Gap trail, turn left through the gate just above the Turkeypen Ridge trail junction. The next 0.3 miles is an easy walk down to a flat open area. At this point the trail seems to split. Take the left across the wet boggy/creek area."
We also went above the gate at the Turkeypen Ridge junction. We were certain we had seen pink Lady's Slippers there one year, but alas, we could not find them this time. :-(
Here are a few of our finds. We will not say how many flowers we saw that were not in bloom yet. Oh my! I was amazed and kept reminding myself and Bob these were just the ones we knew how to get to! I wonder how many God had blooming in areas where no human eye would see them?
I was exhausted and sore the rest of the day and the next day, too! But it was worth it to see the splendor of His hand in the Park.
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We love Gatlinburg. It's been a long time since we were there. It was a small little town when we used to visit during our college days at UT in Knoxville. Changed a lot.
ReplyDeleteDan