Rye Patch

Overview

Rye Patch is a signed notch on the crest of Long Hungry Ridge, a quiet waypoint you’ll pass on the climb toward the Gregory Bald Trail from the Twentymile side of the park. It’s not a destination overlook so much as a satisfying milestone on a big ridge hike—perfect if you like long, steady climbs and fewer crowds.

Not to be confused with the similarly named trail near Elizabethton (outside the park) or the Nevada state recreation area, this Rye Patch is firmly in the backcountry heart of the Smokies.

Getting There

Most hikers reach Rye Patch from the Twentymile Ranger Station via Twentymile Trail to Long Hungry Ridge. Expect roughly 6.7–6.8 miles one-way and about 3,000 feet of cumulative gain to the Rye Patch landmark. If you continue another 0.95 mile, you’ll hit the Gregory Bald Trail near the crest; from there, the Gregory Bald summit is roughly 8.5 miles total from Twentymile.

Coming from the Cades Cove side, you can climb the Gregory Ridge Trail to Rich Gap, then a short jog on the Gregory Bald Trail to the Long Hungry Ridge junction and descend about 0.95 mile to Rye Patch—about 6 miles one-way by this approach.

What to Expect on the Trail

This is classic Smokies ridge hiking: steady grades, old roadbed low down that narrows to singletrack higher up, and several stream crossings (Twentymile-area creeks and branches) that can be ankle-wetters after rain. Trekking poles help, and you’ll want dry socks in your pack. In summer, vegetation can be lush; long pants are smart.

Backcountry campsites along the approach (like the Twentymile area sites) make this a great overnight if you’re eyeing a loop tying Long Hungry Ridge with Rye Patch Branch. Bears are active—use proper food storage and give wildlife a wide berth.

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

• Spring and fall are the sweet spots for cooler temps and clearer creeks.
• Summer brings thicker vegetation and warmer, stormier afternoons; start early.
• Winter/early spring can mean colder fords and windier ridges.

If you plan to pair Rye Patch with Gregory Bald’s famous flame azaleas, those typically peak in June, drawing crowds to the bald, but Long Hungry Ridge itself stays comparatively mellow.

Geology and Setting

You’re walking through the ancient layers of the Ocoee Supergroup—hard metasandstones and quartzites that hold these ridges up, with softer rocks eroding into deep coves. It’s a nice little sampler of the park’s billion-year story, carved slowly by water that still dictates your day at each crossing.

Safety, Rules, and Logistics

• Multiple fords can rise quickly after storms; turn back if crossings look unsafe.
• Cell service is spotty; bring a map/compass or an offline topo.
• Dogs aren’t allowed on most park trails here. Horses are restricted on certain side paths near the crest.
• Day hiking requires no permit, but backcountry camping does—reserve before you go.

Is It Worth It?

If your goal is sweeping views without the work, skip it. But if you love a quieter, classic Smokies climb to the high country and perhaps a longer link-up to Gregory Bald, Rye Patch is a satisfying, under-the-radar target.