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Naked Ground Loop
If after doing the two mile Joyce Kilmer Memorial Loop, you want to see more of this amazing old-growth forest, try this hike. Though it is much more of a commitment of time and energy, the Naked Ground Trail will take you through an outstanding poplar, oak and hemlock forest. Named for the grassy high-elevation meadow at its summit, Naked Ground Trail is the only trail, other than the popular Memorial Loop, in the old-growth forest.
The Naked Ground Trail [#55] parallels the Little Santeetlah Creek almost the whole way up. At Naked Ground Gap, the Haoe Lead Trail [#53] starts a ridge walk which connects with Jenkins Meadow Trail [#53A], the dry side of the mountain. Descending Jenkins Meadow, enjoy views of surrounding ridges and the Cherohala Skyway. A connector trail, which takes you back to the Naked Ground Trail, lets you avoid a road walk.
Length: 10.5 miles
Altitude gain: 3,500 feet
Map: Fontana & Hiwassee Lakes, National Geographic Map #784.
Trailhead: From Robbinsville, take NC 143 West. After about 12 miles, turn right on Joyce Kilmer Road (SR1134). Go 3 miles and turn left at the 4-way to the Memorial Forest. The trail starts to the right of the parking lot, past the bathrooms. The Little Santeetlah Creek is on your left.