Hiking to Mt. Cammerer

With the boys not being with us on this trip Eric and I decided we could try to tackle some more difficult hiking paths. As Eric did some research we decided that we would hike to Mt. Cammerer. We had heard the views were worth the hike! So we made that our goal for the trip. 

Saturday morning we were up bright and early to get a good start on the hike. We were up just as the sun was starting to rise. Livvy being an early riser was up and ready to go too! 

We did breakfast simple with just oj and granola bars. After Livvy was fed and Eric and I made sure our gear and food was set we were off to see the top of the mountain, which was about 2700 ft in elevation. 

With this hike there were different paths you traveled on, and about 6 miles to the top of Mt. Cammerer. Looking at the maps if we could make it the 2.5 miles to the Appalachian trail(AT) on Low Gap we knew we would be able to make it to the top.  

We were going uphill most of the way but the Low Gap was the steepest part. After starting it didn't take us long to feel it. But we were pretty happy to see this sign! There was some shade and we both were excited to actually hike some of the AT. 

After taking a little breather and I fed Livvy and Eric and I were able to eat a snack to give us some more energy to make it to the top. So far Livvy was enjoying her ride on Daddy's back ;)

After our break it was back to hiking up on the AT. This trail is pretty well traveled and rather well known. Only part of it goes through the smokies, but there are many that aspire to hike its entire length, which is from Georgia to Maine. So along the way we were able to spot its signs, letting you know you were on the AT. The above is its symbol.  

As we were getting higher the views became pretty amazing! As there were breaks in the trees this is what we were able to see. It was such a great day weather wise with sunny skies, and no clouds. Being high in the mountains the temp was great for hiking!

After some rocky parts of the AT, we were only 0.6 miles to the top of the mountain. This part of the trail started out okay but toward the top it was pretty much all rocks. Our plan was to make it to the top and eat our lunch looking out over the top of the mountain :)