Mount Cammerer Trail

Start from the hiker access at Cosby Campground and follow the signed connector toward Low Gap. At about four-tenths of a mile, take the Low Gap branch at the Lower Mount Cammerer junction; the other branch belongs to a different, longer loop. Low Gap climbs steadily through hardwood forest, with a series of long switchbacks. By the Appalachian Trail junction, roughly 2.9 miles from the start, you have gained more than 2,000 feet. Pace yourself here: the way back descends this same ground, and there is another climb to the tower.

The next roughly 2.1 miles are more rolling than Low Gap, though not flat. Tree cover continues for most of this ridge section, with occasional openings rather than a constant panorama. Stay on the Appalachian Trail until the Mount Cammerer spur branches off. This junction is where the route turns toward the tower; continuing farther along the AT would add a different hike.

The final 0.6-mile spur rises over rocky ground to a rocky crest and the fire tower. The summit is the clear payoff: layered Smokies ridges spread out around the lookout when the sky is clear, while cloud can hide much of the view after a long climb. The tower was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1937 and 1939 and has since been restored with park partners. For a location-specific photo, include part of the tower against the ridges rather than framing only open sky.

Bring food and enough water for the whole outing. The campground has no store, and its drinking water is seasonal; campground toilets are a separate facility from the trail. Dogs are not allowed on this route. A National Park Service parking tag is required when a vehicle is parked for more than 15 minutes. The Cosby Picnic Area is a separate day-use stop with tables and charcoal grills near Cosby Creek, useful before or after the hike. The broader Cosby area is known for spring wildflowers and fall color, though blooms and color are seasonal and not guaranteed on this trail.

Cosby Nature Trail is a separate, shorter walk near the campground. It gives you a low-commitment option without starting the long Low Gap climb, but it does not lead to the fire tower. The common 11.1- to 12-mile measurements vary with the campground access point; the roughly 16-mile route that returns on Lower Mount Cammerer Trail is a different loop, not an alternate measurement of this out-and-back.