Anthony Creek Trail – one of the most popular trails in the Smoky Mountains
Anthony Creek Trail starts at the beginning of the Cades Cove picnic area and goes three and a half miles up Bote Mountain – a 3000′ altitude gain.
Hikers consider this to be a strenuous hike at times. Be sure to bring along water and maybe some energy food. Despite the difficulty of the hike, Smokies visitors using the Anthony Creek trail enjoy beautiful scenery as well as wonderful views from Spence Field and Rocky Top. Both of these locations are important in Cades Cove history. To get to Spence Field and Rocky Top you travel onward to the Bote Mountain Trail and the Appalachian Trail.
Pets are not permitted on this trail.
The trail will take you across a very narrow makeshift bridge.
Trail Features
The trail features the headwaters of Anthony Creek. The popular Cades Cove trail also goes by the horse camp and backcountry camp sites. Due in part to the location of the trailhead, the Anthony Creek Trail is one of the most traveled in Cades Cove. During seasonal months you will see mountain laurel, flame azalea, and beautiful wildflowers.
Located in the Anthony Creek area is the Anthony Creek Horse Camp. Blanketed by bright wildflowers in the spring and brilliant colors of red, gold, and orange in the fall, the scenery at Anthony Creek is incredible.
Anthony Creek Horse Camp is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges, pristine streams and rivers and clear blue skies that set the backdrop for a camping and horseback riding adventure. At 1,800 feet elevation, Anthony Creek provides a moderate climate, typified by mild winters and hot, humid summers.
Stories & Blogs:
• Backcountry Post
• Hiking the Great Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Hike to Rocky Top High Above Cades Cove
• Spence Field
• Trails I’ve Hiked
