Jul 05, 2018 — Although there are much shorter and easier ways to summit Mt. Cammerer to visit its historic lookout tower, I wanted to get a solid Smoky Mountains loop in because I love the Smokies and the generally lightly sloped ascents, waterfalls, creeks, and occsional views. So, I set off from the Chestnut Branch Trailhead, I followed the Chestnut Branch Trail up to the junction with the Appalachian Trail, which takes you up the east ridge of Mt. Cammerer. Eventually, you get to a junction with a spur trail leading to Mt. Cammerer's summit. After, continue along the Appalachian Trail to a four-way junction, and take the Low Gap Trail down to Big Creek, which passes the particularly snug and pretty Mouse Creek Falls (just off the trail), and the very popular Midnight Hole Falls, which is really just a small pour-over and a rock for jumping. This wide trail takes you to the Big Creek Trailhead, so follow the forest road back to the starting trailhead.
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