Hatcher Mountain Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views

The Hatcher Mountain Trail is a short connector used primarily as an access route between a network of trails along Abrams Creek and those extending into the extreme northwest corner of the park.

Beginning at its lower terminus along Abrams Creek, the Hatcher Mountain Trail turns immediately away from the stream, winds to its intersection with the Little Bottoms Trail, and then settles into a steady climb on a rough track up the south end of Hatcher Mountain. Looking back down the trail from this elevation, the beauty and the ruggedness of the Abrams Creek gorge can be readily appreciated.

Within the first mile, the trail clears the end of the mountain and moves into the moist cooler environment of the Oak Flats drainage. The trail here is level, remarkably even, and smooth underfoot. Eastern hemlocks and white pine are the dominant tree species on the top of the ridge while the cove-hardwood species are prevalent on the steeper slopes below the trail.

This content was contributed by author Ken Wise. For a comprehensive hiking guide to the Great Smoky Mountains and to see more by Ken, click here.