Lumber Ridge Hiking Trail-
The main feature of this trail is its quiet and solitude – great hike for reflection! The trail is rated as “strenuous”. The total round trip is a little more than eight miles with a total elevation gain of 1500 plus feet. The highest altitude on the trail is around 2700 feet. This trail is located in the park near Cades Cove.
To find the trail head you leave the traffic light in Townsend going east on route 73 for about 2.2 miles to the fork in the road. At the fork, you’ll want to take a right on Laurel Creek Road (goes to Cades Cove). Travel another 2 or 3/10th of a mile and hang a left on Tremont Road. Two more miles will bring you to the Great Smoky Mountian Institute, turn left into the Institute and after you cross the bridge there is a small parking lot on the right. From here walk up the gravel road and turn left just before the building and the trail will be right in front of you.
This area is called the Walker Valley and is rich in history. It was one of the last area’s in 
the National Park that were logged. This is just a nice trail if you’re looking for a hike through the woods. You’ll get some glimpses of the mountains and see some nice bushes along the way. The climb is a fairly steady climb up the Buck Horn Ridge and then on down to the Meigs Creek where this trail comes to an end.
For additional information call 865-436-1200. We also have some loads of articles on safety tips, wildlife and wildflowers here on the Smoky Mountain News Blog that you can research.
And you will be needing a great place to stay near the Lumber Ridge Trail for when your done with your day of hiking where you can relax and rest – the best place to stay is Smoky Mountain Golden Cabins! 865-202-7657