Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

Western Carolina University (20) View all

Handbook/ 1932/ Smoky Mountains Hiking Club

  • wcu_great_smoky_mtns-9885.jpg
30 / 88
Item
  • April 16th - 17th HUGHES RIDGE FROM SMOKEMONT Jointly with the Carolina Appalachian Trail Club of Asheville and the Horace Kephart Hiking Club of Bryson City. Not long ago Smokemont and Bryson City seemed even more remote than the far-famed "Land of the Sky." Only recently has it been possible to get to Bryson without going way 'roun' the mountain. In years past our distant relatives across the mountain in North Carolina seemed indeed distant if not austere. But the coming of an Appalachian Trail, a National Park and the trans-mountain roads have made us neighbors sho' nuf. Meanwhile it has become perfectly plain that we on both sides of Smoky have much in common, including actual cases of kinship. At any rate the natural physiographical barriers have been overcome for the most part, so that we may readily make contacts, develop friendships and hike together. Come, let us discover the companionship and the hospitality of our North Carolina neighbors as well as the beauty and charm of their side o' Smoky. The Hughes Ridge trip this year will not compare in strenuous effort with the severe climb of last year thru the Greenbrier section. Leaving Knoxville on Saturday, we will drive over the Newfound Gap and down to Smokemont by the new road which we hope will have been completely graded. Arrangements can doubtless be made with the Clubhouse there to accommodate our party for the night. Early Sunday morning we take a well-defined trail, over which horses often travel, to the ridge top, and from the top we follow a fairly gentle grade northward to the State line. The scenery is beautiful here at all times, and in April, the pale, fresh greens of budding trees will be an inspiration. If hotel arrangements can be made, and we are confident they can, the only necessary equipment will be 24
Object