After being chased by gnats from Goldmine Loop Trail and Tunnel Bypass Trail, we went a mile or so back down Lakeview Drive (the gnats followed us), and hit the last mile of Noland Creek Trail. Noland Creek Trail is approximately 10 miles long, but the last mile, which is an in and out mile for us, so actually 2 miles of walking, was suggested as a separate hike in A Day Hiker's Guide To All the Trails in the Smoky Mountains.
We hit the trail armed with our snake catcher/charmer, and catch a snake he did. It appeared that the garter snake had recently had a meal and didn't try to bite. Whew! He was let go in the same spot he was captured and didn't appear to be all that upset about the temporary hostage situation.
Here's the snake charmer, armed and ready for the next adventure.
We got to the end of Noland Creek Trail and realized that we had stumbled upon a little piece of paradise. Campsite 66 is at the end of Noland Creek Trail, and it is one that we may just have to try out on another occasion. But it is designated as a "boat-in only" site, so we'd have to come at it with some sort of floating device. Hmmm ... There are possibilities ... The Guide Book states that this campsite is heavily used. Campsite 66 is at the end of Noland Creek, which at this point, is not a shabby little creek but a robust medium sized creek that flows into a skinny little arm of Fontana Lake. Fontana Lake was low, as mentioned before, but probably in a month it will be at higher levels. So come summer, I imagine that this tranquil little spot will be a happening place.
Just entering the Fontana Lake area at the end of Noland Creek.
Everyone sighed a collective sigh and spread out to skip rocks, catch some sun, sleep, or soak in the beauty. No one else was back in the area and it almost felt that we were alone in the world.
The navigators navigating ...
We didn't run into any other hikers on this day hike. We caught glimpses of some from a distance, but otherwise, had this trail and the Loop Trails we did earlier in the day to ourselves. Which is nice and not so nice. We really enjoy meeting other hikers. I have a feeling most of them were at more congested trails such as Porter's Creek and those that are known to be filled with wild flowers, as it is that time of year.
So for the Trip Stats:
Mileage Hiked - 2 miles
New Miles Added to the 900 Mile Challenge: 1 mile
Total Miles Hiked toward the 900 Mile Challenge: 44.7
Miles Hiked that count for the 100 Mile Challenge: 2 miles
Total Miles Hiked for the 100 Mile Challenge: 37.4
As John Muir puts it, "The Mountains are calling and I must go." Until next time ...
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