Cherokee Hiking Club
198 Crews Drive, Benton, TN 37307

Whigg Meadow Dayhike
Sunday, August 9, 2009

Brief Description:   This easy hike will take us from Mud Gap along the Cherohala Skyway (about mile 3 on the NC side) along the Benton MacKaye Trail uphill to Whigg Meadow at 5000 feet with 360 degree views of the surrounding TN and NC mountains. We will eat a snack there then return via the same route downhill to Mud Gap

Length:  3.2 miles

Difficulty Rating: easy

Elevation Gain: 500 feet in 1.6 miles.

        Hike Leader:  Rick Harris, 423-253-6358 home, 513-260-1184 cell, HarrisRi@aol.com

Directions to the Trailhead:  We will meet at the parking lot behind the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center in Tellico Plains at 2PM

Trail Description: This trail is a classic "bald" in the Cherokee National Forest at its 5000 foot elevation with grand views in every direction. Not to be missed. Everyone should do this hike at least once in their lifetime.

Post Trip Report: Twelve hikers and two dogs had a great relatively cool day up on Whigg Meadow at 5000 feet on this beautiful sunny hot humid day. We first hiked north on the Benton MacKaye Trail a short distance to the grave of an unknown person who was killed by the Kirkland Bushwackers during the time of the Civil War, then we hiked out to the meadow via the Benton MacKaye Trail. The view was not great because of the haze in the air, but it still was well worth the trip. We ate snacks, then pigged out on huckleberries and blackberries. From there we took a trip down to the pond then up by the site of the Whigg homestead. Tom Waters saw two bears leaving the area of the pond earlier before we all went down. Tom pointed out to us all the signs of bear activity, of which there were ample amounts. Also, Leon Bates pointed out to us several interesting aspects of plant and animal life up on the bald and along the trail. We then returned to our cars at Mud Gap, then several of us had a very good meal at the Tellicafe. Nut'N Fancy is closed on Sunday evening, of which Rick, the hike leader, was not aware. Those attending were Rick & Brenda Harris, David & Deborah Flower, Aggie Scott, Laura Almazan, Jennifer Schroll, Elaine Allman, James & Phyllis Anderson, Tom Waters, and Virginia Orr. Also attending were the two dogs, Jake and Abbie. On the way up we passed Effaleda and Bob Lee, who went on their own earlier due to other commitments in the early evening.

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