November 1994

November 1994

An old college roommate and I drove to Great Smoky Mountain National Park for a backpacking trip into the wilderness. We drove to the eastern end of the park to the Waterville exit off Interstate 40. From this remote entrance, we hiked the Baxter Creek Trail 6.2 miles to the top of Mount Sterling (5842ft). It was a great hike. But I am not used to hiking with a heavy pack on my back. I was so drained and sweating by the time I got to the top that the sudden cold almost gave me hypothermia. 

At the top is a fire tower that gives great views of the surrounding area. We set up our tent and enjoy the beautiful wilderness like our pioneer ancestors once did. 

In the morning we run into some elderly gent who hikes the peak every morning for exercise. He makes us feel like wimps (but he isn’t carrying a 50lb pack either!).