I headed out on the West Prong Trail expecting to find a few late-summer wildflowers, but this hike reminded me that the Smokies always have something worth seeing, even when the blooms are fading.

The trail begins on Tremont Road across from the Tremont Institute and stretches about 2.7 miles. I consider it moderately difficult, especially because one stream crossing has no bridge and can become challenging after heavy rainfall.

 

Wildflowers were limited during this outing:

  • False foxglove — Few; some blooms are past peak while others are still in the budding stage.
  • Goldenrod — Some; likely either erect goldenrod or early goldenrod.
  • Horse nettle — Few; past peak bloom.
  • Pale jewelweed — Few; past peak bloom.
  • Star grass — One plant observed.
  • Tick trefoil — Few; well past peak bloom and nearly gone for the season.

Even without many flowers, my camera found plenty to appreciate, including doll’s-eye berries, the footlog bridge over West Prong, the fire ring and cables at backcountry Campsite 18, the stream crossing and the impressive exposed tree roots along the trail.

Campsite 18 is one of the park’s most popular backcountry campsites because it sits beside the peaceful West Prong stream. It is one of more than 100 designated backcountry campsites and shelters in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Anyone planning an overnight stay should reserve a designated campsite and obtain a permit. Permits cost $8 per person, per night, plus a $6 processing fee, and are available through Recreation.gov or at the Sugarlands Visitor Center backpacking office.

As always, preparation is part of every successful hike. Watch for slippery rocks and roots, unbridged stream crossings, yellow jacket nests, venomous snakes and bears. Carry plenty of food and water, check the forecast before heading out and wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Some hikes are remembered for colorful wildflowers. Others remind me that the Smokies never stop telling their story if we simply slow down and pay attention.

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

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