December 19, 2023
Helen to Unicoi Bottoms Trail
An easy hike on a sunny day with a cold, 24 degrees, start. The trail was dry and in good shape although we did encounter one large blowdown across the trail from the high winds the night before. The views and sounds of Smith Creek along the way made this a nice last hike for our unusually large group at the end of 2023.
Today's Hikers :Angela Evans, Shri Nadig, Jack Treadman, Lynn Steele, Karan Nadig, Londa Sprinkle, Matt Henderson, Trushna Nadig, Don Pratt, Terre Pratt, Ken Kellerman, Beth Hawkins, Charles Hawkins, Linda Schultz, Beth McDonald, Lynn Hotle, Jenny Bell, Pam Hembree, Mike Bell, Jane Brown & Squirt, Shelia Getman, Terresa , Renée Corbett and Allyson Aldrich.
The route
5.9 mi · 607 ft climbing · 2h 38m out, 2h 28m walking · 2.4 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
13 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (13)
Smith Creek along our path. Scenic creek and beautiful sounds along the way! (L-R) Bk:Angela, Shri, Jack, Lynn, Karan, Londa, Matt, Trushna, Don, Terre, Ken, Beth, Charles & Linda; Frnt:Beth, Lynn, Jenny, Pam, Mike, Jane, Shelia, Terresa, Renée, Allyson & Squirt Getting started with a large group of hikers. Charles gets the prize for the "largest gloves" today. It is a well kept trail. But whoa! A large blowdown from the high winds last night. Coming across one of the nice bridges across Smith Creek. The cold doesn't seem to be bothering anyone! Another early morning view of Smith Creek at a bridge crossing. Squirt cannot understand why no one is joining her. Headed back! A Nadiq family hike photo . . . someone doesn't like to be cold! A final bridge crossing. And a final view of Smith Creek. A group gathering afterwards at Cowboys and Angels.