Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

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Handbook/ 1931/ Smoky Mountains Hiking Club

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  • wcu_great_smoky_mtns-9831.jpg
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  • and into deep, cool gaps. Cold Spring and Equa Nulty Gaps are the lowest places on the trail. Numerous cattle, horses, and sheep are encountered on the trail, and an occasional herdsman. More animals and birds are seen in this section than elsewhere in the mountains. Wild flowers grow in profusion, but of different species from that of the LeConte country. The views from high points are magnificent. From Gregory's and Parson's the power developments and their mountain-bordered lakes along the Little Tennessee River are clearly visible. Mountains and their secluded valleys stretch away in jumbled confusion for a hundred miles to the south. Looking back towards Knoxville, we may see Cade's Cove stretched out like a checkered carpet at our very feet, and beyond the valley of East Tennessee is open as far as the Cumberlands. Standing on Gregory's, a high grass-covered dome without trees or shrubs, one has the feeling of being far above the world, in contrast to the shut-in feeling induced by LeConte and Clingman's. Thunderhead is also an open, treeless mountain with fine views in many directions. A delightful beech woods surrounds it, in which are found the mountain laurel, rhododendron, and flaming azalea, unfortunately out of bloom at this season. Huckleberries, wild gooseberries, and service-berries are found in season. Whole hillsides are carpeted with sweetferns and mosses. The trails both going and coming are easy, leading one through hardwood forests and a profusion of rare plants. With fine weather which may be expected at this season in this region of light rainfall, two most delightful days are promised on this hike, which, though nearly thirty miles in length, should not be considered a hard one. The twelve miles from Parson's to Thunderhead are easily covered in a half day's travel. Leave Saunders System at 1:00 P. M. Saturday. Bring camping equipment with blankets, axe, and canteen, and food for six meals. There are no cabins on this trip. The expenses should not be large; transportation to Cade's Cove with food should cover everything necessary. Leaders: S. H. ESSARY (6-1295) and M. V. ANTHONY (2-5233). 45
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Object’s are ‘parent’ level descriptions to ‘children’ items, (e.g. a book with pages).