Above: The view from a ridge on the lower portion of the Lower Mt. Cammerer trail, looking west over Cosby valley along the snow-covered main ridge of the Great Smokies.
The Lower Mt. Cammerer trail loops around the north side of Mt. Cammerer, winding gently up to the Appalachian Trail intersection over a distance of 7.4 miles. I had hiked the trail years ago in mid-summer, and it seemed that the most memorable thing about the hike was the incredible number of ticks I picked off of my clothes and the dense undergrowth that I waded through on the hike. That was over 20 years ago, and until a few weeks ago, I never returned to the trail.
Rule #1: If a trail seems to not be your cup of tea on a particular hike, try to re-visit the area when conditions are better. Heading in on a blustery April 4 weekend, with snow dusting the high peaks along the east end of the Smoky Mountains, it seemed as if I was hiking on a completely different trail than the one that I had experienced years ago. It's one of the prettiest low-country treks in the Park. Within 50 feet of the trailhead near the Cosby campground, we spotted a huge tom turkey strutting his stuff in the middle of the trail, while a few shy hens watched from the woods above the path. We jumped several more near the campsite, #35, watching as the heavy birds rocketed out over the valley below, flying at an incredible speed for what seems to be such a large, ungainly bird.
Campsite #35 is located near the midpoint of the trail, and sits in a mossy, very pleasant little cove, with a busy stream bustling down the mountainside only a few feet from the tent sites. I still don't recommend the trail during the summer season, based on my experience under less than ideal conditions. However, it's well worth a visit during the late fall, winter, or early spring months.
Below, Steve Parson checks out Campsite #35. I'd give it at least a 7.5 on a scale of 10, due to its beautiful location. It would rate higher, but the walk in isn't very long and during the summer season, it will be pretty crowded.