Mount Cammerer

Mount Cammerer is a great hike found near the Cosby entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is often done as 11.5-mile out-and-back day hike, but doing it as a 16-mile loop is highly recommended because you'll have an opportunity for an overnight stay at a backcountry campsite.

Arriving on the Cosby Entrance road you will find a parking lot for hikers to the left. From the lot, follow the Low Gap Trail up and past the Cosby Campground. After a stream crossing you will reach an intersection where the Low Gap meets the Lower Mount Cammerer Trail. This is the start of the loop; head counterclockwise following the Low Gap Trail. After a strenuous few miles you will reach an intersection with the Appalachian Trail. Take a left and follow the AT until you arrive at a short spur trail that leads to Mount Cammerer’s summit.

At the summit there is a small historic fire lookout building that is open to hikers. On a clear day great views are to be found from this observation point. Once you’ve had your fill, head back to the AT and take a left. Follow the AT downhill until it intersects with the Lower Mount Cammerer Trail and take a left. In a few miles you will reach backcountry campsite #35 (at this point you have hiked 12.3 miles). If you are planning to spend the night, please know that reservations are required and can be made through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website and the cost is $4 per night. Continuing on for a few more miles will take you back to the parking lot.