The hike to Spence Field out of Cades Cove is probably one of the most underrated hikes in the Smokies. I would go so far as to say that the combination of Spence Field and Rocky Top would rate as one of the top three hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains. Gregory Bald would definitely be included in that group, with Mt. LeConte via Alum Cave, Mt. Cammerer or Charlies Bunion rounding out the top three.
In addition to the outstanding views from Rocky Top anytime of the year, the mountain laurel at Spence Field makes this a special hike. The best time to tackle the 5.1-mile trek to Spence is usually right around mid-June when the grassy bald area is exploding with mountain laurel in peak bloom.
Spence Field provides for some outstanding views of the North Carolina Smokies, but if you still have the energy, hike another 1.2 miles to Rocky Top for an even better vantage point - possibly the best in the park.
Here's a preview of some of the sights you'll see at the top:
For more information on Spence Field, please click here, and for more information on Rocky Top, please click here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.
3 comments
That hike looks absolutely beautiful! If only I wasn't 9 months preggo... I'll have to make note of this hike for next year!
My little girl was born early june...Good luck and congrats
How long does a hike like this take? I did upper Yosemite falls in 2008 in around 6 hrs round trip and I'm training for a fall marathon currently so that should give you a feeling of my physical fitness.
Post a Comment