I spent part of Monday hiking the Jakes Creek Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, covering the route from the trailhead to Campsite 27. It turned out to be a rewarding summer hike with colorful wildflowers, a beautifully restored section of trail and one unforgettable wildlife encounter before I even reached the trailhead.

At 8:18 a.m. on Little River Road, about 2.5 miles west of the Elkmont Road intersection, I rounded a curve and found an elk cow wearing a tracking collar running westbound just a couple of feet from the roadside ditch on the eastbound side of the road. It happened so quickly I barely had time to take it all in, but I’m hopeful my brother will be able to retrieve video of the encounter from my dash camera.

The Jakes Creek Trail begins in Elkmont at the eastern end of the historic cabin area. I would classify it as a moderately strenuous hike, and hikers should be prepared to cross a fairly large creek without the benefit of a bridge. The trail continues to Jakes Gap, where it intersects with the Miry Ridge and Panther Creek trails.

One thing I especially appreciated was the work completed by the trail and road crews. The first four-tenths of a mile, which had been badly eroded, has been restored and is in excellent condition.

Here is this week’s wildflower report from the trail:

  • Asiatic Dayflower — One plant observed. Small but exceptionally beautiful.
  • Crimson Bee Balm — Some blooms, with most at peak bloom.
  • Daisy Fleabane — Some blooms, slightly past peak.
  • Heal All — Many plants, with most not yet at peak bloom.
  • Love Vine — One clump, just beginning to bloom.
  • Pale Jewelweed — A few plants, all at peak bloom.
  • Rosebay Rhododendron — Many shrubs, mostly past peak bloom, though there are still plenty of attractive blossoms to enjoy.
  • Saint John’s Wort — A few plants just beginning to bloom.
  • Spotted Jewelweed — A few plants that appear to be past peak bloom.
  • Wood Nettle — Many plants, with about half at peak bloom and the remainder past peak.

Tom Harrington is a regular hiker who reports on his hikes and mountain stories from the Smokies.

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