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Handbook/ 1932/ Smoky Mountains Hiking Club

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  • January 10th MT. MINGUS AND INDIAN GAP Winter hiking in the Smokies is a glorious adventure—the crisp air and stinging wind give a zest to the ciimb. On our first hike oi the New Year we will likely encounter boJt snow and wind as it leads us on top of Smoky to Mt. Mingus and Indian Gap. This hike will appeal both to the beginner and to the seasoned hiker, 'those who prefer a short tramp will park at New Found Gap (5045 ft.) and follow a part of the Appalachian Trail over the shoulder of Mt. Mingus (5800 icct). This mountain was named for Dr. Mingus, a North Carolina physician who was a member of Arnold Guyot's exploring party. The traii is steep and winds thru dark groves ot balsams, spruce and beeches. The hiker is lully rewarded when he catches the magnificent broadside view of Mt. Le Conte. We will lunch at the spring in beautiiul, grassy Indian Gap (5266 ft.) where we will meet the other hikers who will come up the Road Prong Trail. The long-way hikers will begin their trek at the Road Prong and follow the old Indian Road made during the Civil War by the Cherokee Indians under the direction of Colonel "Little Will" Thomas. It was the only road, until recent years, ever built across the Smokies and was little used at any time. Now it has overgrown until it is only a foot path. The loveliness of this trail is indescribable as it follows, crossing and recrocsing the joyously romping Road Prong Creek, thru aisles of rhododendron and moss covered rocks until it reachesthe very beginning in a spring far up Indian Gap. "It's the beauty that thrills me with wonder, It's the stillness that fills me with peace." After lunch the hardy hikers will follow a rough trail down the crest of Mt. Mingus while the others will go around the little mountain road past Balsam Lodge back to New Found Gap. Hiking distance over Mingus to Indian Gap 1.4 miles, from Indian Gap around road to New Found Gap 2 miles. From creek crossing to Indian Gap 4 12
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