Schoolhouse Gap/Turkey Pen Ridge/Finley Cane/Bote Mtn. Trails (Loop)

Date:  Friday, September 8, 2023

Distance:  9.2 miles

Elevation Gain:  500 feet

Rating:   Moderate

Driving Time:  1.25 hours

Leader:  Terry Nyenhuis  865-206-9476  [email protected]

Hike Description:  We’ll begin this hike 3.9 miles towards Cades Cove from the Townsend “Y” on Laurel Creek Road.  We’ll hike 1.1 miles up the Schoolhouse Gap trail, then turn left on Turkey Pen Ridge trail for 3.6 miles to Laurel Creek Road.  We’ll cross the road and hike 2.8 miles on Finley Cane trail to Bote Mountain trail.  We’ll then hike this trail downhill 1.4 miles to Laurel Creek Road a short distance from where we began.  Most of the hike will be an easy walk in the woods.  There is an elevation gain of 200 feet in the first mile, then 300 feet in the first  3/4 mile of Turkey Pen Ridge trail.

Be Prepared:  Hiking boots, water, snacks, bug spray and hiking poles are recommended.  Hiking involves some exertion and often walking on uneven surfaces with rocks and roots.  While we do our best to describe any trail challenges and conditions, you are hiking at your own risk.  No pets are allowed on the hike.  

In the event of a situation requiring medical intervention during a hike, we suggest that each participant wear their Name Tag and bring a Photo ID (generally driver's license) and Medical Information cards (Health Insurance Card or Medicare + supplemental Health Insurance Cards).

Lunch:  On your own. 

REMINDER that a parking pass for each driver will be required in the Smoky Mountain National Park for the 9/8 hike.  A daily pass of $5.00 or annual pass of $40 may be purchased on line. 

Hiking boots and hiking sticks are recommended.

Driving directions will be provided the morning of the hike.

Bring water and a trail lunch.

If carpooling, please contribute $6.00 to driver to cover gas, etc. 

Note:  This email is from a distribution list.  If you click respond, you will send an email to everyone on the distribution list.  Please do not do this.

Muddy Boots Coordinators:  Larry & Susan Gardner  [email protected]  908-892-2170

No registration - Open to all Villagers & Guests - Just show up!

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