About Lower Mount Cammerer Trail
Mount Cammerer's stone fire tower is one of the finest views on the east side of the park. The Lower Mount Cammerer Trail from Cosby is the traditional route: about 5.8 miles to the Appalachian Trail, then a short spur to the tower. Plan on roughly 11 to 12 miles round trip and 1,500 or more feet of climbing.
The hike
The trail starts at Cosby Campground and climbs steadily on a ridge through hardwood forest. The tower stands on a rocky point with sweeping views over the Pigeon River valley and the Smokies. The approach is long; start early.
When to go
Fall is best, but plan for a long day. Spring is good too. Winter can be icy.
Getting there
Cosby is off I-40 exit 435 via TN-32. You need a parking tag for any stop over 15 minutes in the park. It costs $5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year, and federal passes such as America the Beautiful are not accepted. Buy it at a visitor center or on recreation.gov, and display the physical tag.
Know before you go
Pets are not allowed. Bring water, rain gear and a headlamp. See the Cosby area page.
Pair it with
Other hikes in the same part of the park:
- Ramsey Cascades: an 8-mile round trip to a tall waterfall
- Porters Creek Trail: about 4 miles round trip to Fern Branch Falls
- Hen Wallow Falls: a 4.3-mile round trip near Cosby
Planning and safety
Plan on a long day and pack accordingly: more water than seems reasonable, real food, a warm layer, a rain shell and a headlamp. Start at first light if you can, and turn around if the weather or your energy changes.
Check conditions the morning you go. The park posts trail and road closures and cautions, and storms, ice and Hurricane Helene repairs can change access with little notice. Carry water, a rain layer and a map, keep a safe distance from bears and elk, and pack out everything you bring in.
Good to know
- How long is Lower Mount Cammerer Trail?
- Lower Mount Cammerer Trail is 5.8 miles one way, with about 1,500 feet of climbing. It is rated strenuous.
- Are dogs allowed on this trail?
- No. Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, dogs are allowed only on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.
- Do I need a parking tag to hike here?
- A Park It Forward parking tag ($5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year) is required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Entry is free, and federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace the tag.
