Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

Western Carolina University (20) View all

Handbook/ 1932/ Smoky Mountains Hiking Club

  • wcu_great_smoky_mtns-9890.jpg
35 / 88
Item
  • exhilaration. The trail, winding so gradually, now thru thick stands of spruce and balsam, now along an unobstructed crest, now thru groves of beeches and birches, weaves a spell differing from anything in the Smokies. It is the trail magnificent, where "East meets West" and the serried dark-green ranks of the conifers, which do battle all along the peaks of eastern Smoky, give way to the lighter-green hardwoods of western Smoky. Find the last lone balsam which stands like an outpost about a mile east of Siler's. Along its route are the stands of beeches, the breeding place of wild turkeys. The trail passes thru the Double Spring's Gap, which in rainy weather harbors two springs less than a stone's throw apart, which pour their waters into different states and flow a hundred miles before mingling. A word will recall the fun of a night in the lean-to on Siler's when banter and raillery ran rife—and a word will also recall that the "Smoky Park" is now a reality and there will be few more seasons when the members of the Hiking Club can have the mountains to themselves. Let us make the most of these waning opportunities to be alone! Leave Dixie System at 12:30 P. M. Saturday. Drive to the Auto Parking ground above Elkmont. Hike to Siler's and camp that night. The next day leave early, tramp the 4.3 miles between Siler's and Clingman's, and upon returning we will pick up our packs at Siler's and proceed to the Parking Ground. Bring canteen, blankets, flash-lite, and food for 3 meals. Round trip hiking distance, about 20 miles. Elevation of Clingman's Dome 6642 feet; Siler's Bald 5620 feet. Leaders: H. A. ARNOLD (2-0442) BOB MAHER (2-1109) // ; Did you ever see an ill-tempered Hiker? 29
Object