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Mt. Cammerer from Low Gap

 4.7 (23)
  1. Areas
  2. NC
  3. …West and Mountains
  4. …Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  5. Cosby
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Length


10.8 Miles 17.4 Kilometers


2,887' 880 m

Ascent

-2,886' -880 m

Descent

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

36%

Max Grade (20°)

5,005' 1,525 m

High

2,335' 712 m

Low

Shared By Christine Esswein

Conditions

Minor Issues 69 days ago
Muddy, Some Mud: Not completely muddy but on and off History
Getting forecast...

“A wooded trail with a 360-degree view payoff on top of the mountain.”

— Christine Esswein
Driving DirectionsGPX File

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views

Overview

A wooded ascent via the Low Gap Trail and Appalachian Trail (AT) will lead visitors to the 360-degree view atop the Mt Cammerer at the fire lookout tower. The mountain sits on the Tennessee and North Carolina border.

Description

This route begins with three miles of the Low Gap Trail before connecting with the Appalachian Trail (AT). The Low Gap Trail section has the most elevation gain and a couple of easy streams to cross as it follows the side of the mountain. There are multiple cutbacks as you wind your way up to the Appalachian Trail (AT) which offer some nice views of the area through the trees.

There is a small clearing at the Appalachian Trail (AT) junction and few large rocks which make a great resting spot. Once you start along the Appalachian Trail (AT) there is less elevation gain along the top ridge of the mountain. The trail is wooded and sometimes tunnel like until you reach the summit. There is some scrambling at the peak to climb to the lookout tower.

This trail can also be done on horseback, and there is a tie up for the horses right before going out to the outcropping where the tower is.

The summit of Mt. Cammerer sits on the edge of a rocky outcropping overlooking the Pigeon River Gorge at almost 5,000 feet.

History & Background

The octagonal fire lookout at the summit of Mt. Cammerer was built in the late 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corp.

Contacts

Local Club: Smoky Mountains Hiking Club

Land Manager: NPS - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Your Check-Ins

Check-Ins

Oct 7, 2018
Angela Newman
Doesn't account for ~30 min at outlook. Beautiful views, the elevation gain was worth it! 11.2mi
Aug 11, 2018
Adam Socha
12.3mi — 4h 40m
Jun 30, 2018
Daniel Foster
12mi
Jun 2, 2018
Kimberly Napier
Jun 1, 2018
Kimberly Napier
Hike with Jamie. Begin time 8:25
May 26, 2018
Keith Storsin
Long hike but very rewarding. 11mi
May 21, 2018
Alex Colucy
11mi
May 19, 2018
Ralen Toledo
very fun. beautiful

Stewarded By

Stewarded by Smoky Mountains Hiking Club
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 23 votes

#1

in Cosby

#217

Overall
  4.7 from 23 votes
5 Star
70%
4 Star
26%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Rankings

#1

in Cosby

#7

in North Carolina

#217

Overall
183 Views Last Month
2,797 Since Mar 9, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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48%
24%
10%
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Photos

Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower - located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the Appalachian Trail. For a day hike, start at Cosby Campground and take Lower Gap Trail ( about 11.1 miles r/t).
Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower - located in the Great…
 8
This was taken from the rocks on the left just before reaching the fire tower! Incredible views!
This was taken from the rocks on the left just…
 6
Mount Cammerer Lookout Tower quite literally puts you amidst the clouds.
Mount Cammerer Lookout Tower quite literally pu…
 4
A beautiful view from Mount Cammerer Fire Tower late summer August 2016!
A beautiful view from Mount Cammerer Fire Tower…
 8
Under the canopy.
Under the canopy.
 5
The Low Gap Trail is smooth, yet steep through this section.
The Low Gap Trail is smooth, yet steep through…
 4

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Nearby Gems

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Mt. Cammerer Lookout Tower

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