IHC Hike #3: Jakes Creek Trail to Panther Creek Trail to Middle Prong Trail

 

• Route: Jakes Creek Trail to Panther Creek Trail to Middle Prong Trail.
• Total Mileage: 7.9
• Time Table: 8:40-12:30
• Description: Jakes Creek Trail was mostly vertical, with some snow on the trail on the way to Jake's Gap. Temperature was near freezing, with ice forming on our gloves, packs, hair, and hats. Coming back down the mountain towards Tremont warmed up and was downhill all the way. There was a multitude of stream crossings on Panther Creek, many more than the four marked in the hiking book. This includes the high water crossing at Panther Creek/Middle Prong trail junction. Cold and wet.  There was no feasible way to cross without getting wet, so we plunged in up to our knees and forded the river. After the crossing travel was quick and easy, going downhill on a well graded, ex-railroad bed trail. Middle Prong trail was fairly crowded, even in the crappy weather. Traffic for the car shuttles was also a pain in the neck due to slow going Floridians, Mississippians, and Ohians.
• Points of Interest: Survival of high water crossing, cascades, site of Big Daddy Bryson's Little River Lumber Company train wreck, old Cadillac body.
• Wildlife: Nada