Mt. Cammerer
 |
Skill:
Intermediate
Water: None
Pros: Views from an unique fire-tower
Cons: A very steep climb
Notes: Bring lots of water and a lunch. You'll want to
savor the panoramic views |
Directions
| Mt Cammerer Camping
| Mt.
Cammerer Photos
Mt
Cammerer Tips | Mt. Cammerer Home
Overview
VIEWS
Perched on a pinnacle in the northern most section of the park,
is a very unusual fire tower. This fire tower is different
in that it's design is styled after western fire "lookouts".
A few years ago, this Yosemite style fire tower was restored to
its original condition by a dedicated group of volunteers. Currently,
it is in "like new" condition and some components have
been replaced with more modern materials. This does not take
away from the original look, however. Built from stone, wood
and glass the fire tower was built by the men and women of the CCC,
in the spring of 1939.
The workers hauled stone and wood to the summit by horseback,
on foot and with jeeps. This was still very much an era that required
many tasks to be preformed by hand and was a great engineering feat. The
craftsmanship is obvious from the moment the fire-tower comes into
view. The ridge that the fire-tower is on is unique also. There
are plenty of places on the rocky summit to spread a blanket and
enjoy the views with your favorite person. You don't have to enter
the tower to see the views, however the views from the deck are
unbeatable. No one leaves without being impressed, even on a cloudy
day!
ARNO CAMMERER
Named after the well liked director of the National Park Service
in the thirties. He was very skilled in promoting the National Park
system and seeking financial support. After years of dedicated service
he resigned due to poor health. After his death, the peak formerly
known as "White Rocks" received his name.
Topography
At
4928 feet in elevation, Mt. Cammerer is on the edge a precipitous
slope overlooking the Pigeon River Gorge. The mountain directly
across the gorge with the white aviation tower on it is the 4263'
Snowbird Mountain. 
The elevation of the gorge that the fire-tower overlooks below
is less than 2000'. Also below you and outside of the park is the
water tower for the hydro-electric plant in the Big Creek area.
To the south is the Mt. Sterling Ridge with another interesting
fire-tower on its highest point. Beyond that is a seemingly endless
expanse of mountains we call the Smokies.
Permits
No
camping is allowed on the summit, but you can get a permit to camp
at Davenport Gap or at any other campsite in the vicinity. Permits
can be obtained for free at self service stations. There is a permit
station at the Big Creek ranger station and the Cosby welcome booth.
Reservations are required for the Davenport Gap shelter. Go
to the backcountry camping link for more information on camping
permits.
Trails
There
are several directions that Cammerer can be approached from. Cosby,
Big Creek and the Appalachian Trail from the north. The Low Gap
Trail from Cosby is the closest to the summit. 
COSBY
From Cosby it is a hike up the Low Gap Trail to the Appalachian
Trail. This is the shortest route to Mt. Cammerer. The hike begins
at the back of the section B area of the Cosby Campground, so many
camp here and day hike to the fire-tower. The trail climbs a little
less than 3 miles up winding switch backs. It is steep and relentless
in it's climb to the A.T. as it passes through a beautiful and mature
hardwood forest. Once to the top and the trail junction, it is a
2 1/10 mile hike to the 1/2 mile connector trail. Again you must
climb on the Appalachian Trail, but it is not as steep as the Low
Gap Trail. The A.T. is lined with rhododendron and grass. There
are many spots to rest here, you may need it!
BIG CREEK
The hike up from Big Creek is as much of an elevation gain as the
climb from Cosby. The Chestnut Branch Trail takes you two miles
up to Appalachian Trail. This hike has some beautiful creek scenes
and is a short trip to the Appalachian Trail. The last three tenths
of a mile is a very steep climb. Be ready for a huffer-puffer! At
the junction with the A.T. turn left and continue the climb.
From here it is a 3.3 mile hike up to the connector trail at Mt.
Cammerer.
APPALACHIAN
TRAIL You can approach the half mile Mt. Cammerer
Trail by the "A.T." from either the north or the south.
From the north and the northern park boundary, take the A.T. up
from Davenport Gap the beginning of the trail in the park. It is
a 5.2 mile hike and a 3000 foot elevation change to the Mt. Cammerer
Connector Trail. A very steep climb!
MT. CAMMERER
CONNECTOR TRAIL This one half mile hike is almost as interesting
as the fire-tower. This section is very rocky as it takes you out
on to the high ridge. As you climb the heath lined trail you can
"feel" the elevation change. Climbing to this rugged ridge
can be tiring but rewarding.
Directions
| Mt Cammerer Camping
| Mt.
Cammerer Photos
Mt
Cammerer Tips | Mt. Cammerer Home
|
