Sheepback Knob

Overview

Sheepback Knob is a forested summit tucked along the Hemphill Bald Trail on the Cataloochee Divide. It’s a calm, high-elevation pause point with more solitude than spectacle—think mossy woods, birdsong, and wildflowers—while the big panoramas arrive later if you continue to Hemphill Bald.

Getting There

Most hikers reach it from Polls Gap on Heintooga Ridge Road. The road is typically open mid-May through October, so plan your visit around that seasonal window. Parking at Polls Gap is limited and there are no restrooms, so arrive early on weekends or peak leaf season and plan accordingly.

On the Trail

The route starts gently on an old rail grade from early logging days, passes CCC-era boundary fence remnants near the divide, and rolls through gaps and knobs before switchbacks lift you to Sheepback’s crest. At roughly 5,500 feet, the summit itself is enclosed by trees, making it more about the journey than the viewpoint here. Continue on to Little Bald Knob and Hemphill Bald for the payoff.

What You’ll See (and Not See)

Expect a classic Smokies forest walk—spring wildflowers, summer greens, and fall color under a mixed hardwood canopy. Watch your step in warm months; hikers commonly note snakes and the occasional patch of poison ivy or oak. Views at Sheepback Knob are limited; for sweeping 270-degree vistas, continue to Hemphill Bald, where open grass, a stone picnic table, and long looks toward the Plott Balsams reward the extra miles.

History Notes

Traces of the area’s logging and restoration era are baked into this hike: an old Suncrest Lumber rail grade forms the easy early stretch, and split-rail fence sections from the Civilian Conservation Corps still appear near the divide. It’s a subtle, worthwhile thread if you like a little history with your mileage.

Best Time to Visit

• Late spring for blooms and cooler temps on the ridge.
• Early fall weekdays for color without weekend parking crunches.
• Start mornings for softer light in the woods and a better chance at a quiet summit. Always confirm Heintooga Ridge Road’s seasonal status before you commit.

Leave No Trace

There are no facilities at Polls Gap or on the summit. Pack out all trash, handle human waste properly, and respect private lands along the divide. Give wildlife plenty of space.