Mt. Cammerer via Low Gap Trail
A relentless climb through old-growth hemlock and polar forest to a breathtaking 1937 CCC fire tower perched on a rocky outcrop with 360-degree view of the Smokies.
Elevation Profile
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–May): Wildflowers line the lower trail along Cosby Creek, and the hemlock and poplar canopy is at its most lush. The AT section can be muddy and cool at elevation. A spectacular time to hike — relatively uncrowded compared to summer.
Summer (June–August): The fire tower views are clearest on summer mornings before afternoon haze builds. Start by 7am — the steep Low Gap climb is brutal in midday heat. Carry at least 2–3 liters of water; no reliable sources on the upper trail.
Fall (September–October): The best season for this hike. Fall color from the tower is extraordinary, with layers of ridge and valley color in every direction. The AT section is particularly gorgeous. Mid-week visits avoid the weekend crowds.
Winter (November–March): Cosby Campground closes in winter, limiting parking. Ice and snow on Low Gap Trail and the AT require microspikes. The fire tower is open year-round but the approach is serious in winter conditions. Solitude is virtually guaranteed.
Mt. Cammerer Trail Notes
This hike is a blast. It’s challenging, provides several examples old growth trees during the first stretch, and the payoff at the firehouse is one of the best panoramic views you’ll get of GSMNP.
We chose to take the traditional hike up to Cammerer using the Low Gap Trail to the Appalachian Trail. This stretch is just under 3 miles long and is steep. You’ll have the opportunity for several breaks to view the old growth trees, mountain vistas and some really pretty creek crossings. Take your time. You’ll do around 700 feet of elevation gain per mile and will appreciate the breaks.
Once you hit the AT, which is where we stopped and had lunch, the elevation gains get much easier. Along the AT, I was struck at the beautiful grasses that lined the trail and even saw some Spring Wild Flowers. You’ll follow the AT for another ~2 miles, until you hit the Cammerer Spur, which is a short stretch of trail that connects the AT to the firehouse. This stretch features some beautiful and very narrow rhododendron tunnels and plenty of rocky terrain, as you near the summit.
I suggest spending some time at the summit and really take in all the views. There are plenty and they are diverse. Fortunately, the day we were there was perfectly clear and we actually ran into some hiking friends we knew, which made the trip that much more special. Note: We saw some trash at the summit, so please be careful to secure your food wrappers, empty drinks, etc., because the wind up there can be intense.
Instead of taking Low Gap Trail back down, we chose to take the Lower Mt. Cammerer trail, making this hike in the 16-17 mile range. Loops are naturally my go-to over out-and-backs. After a pretty hard initial descent, this trail levels out is a really wonderful walk in the woods type stroll down the mountain. Warning: It’s 10 miles, but it’s not difficult on the knees like many descents can be.
How We Saw It
