Near Mt. Cammerer from Low Gap
Low Gap at sunrise. The A.T. runs horizontally across the gap.
Near Mt. Cammerer from Low Gap
Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower - located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the Appalachian Trail. For a day hike, start at Cosby Campground and take Lower Gap Trail ( about 11.1 miles r/t).
Near Mt. Cammerer from Low Gap
Mount Cammerer Lookout Tower quite literally puts you amidst the clouds.
Near Mt. Cammerer from Low Gap
This was taken from the rocks on the left just before reaching the fire tower! Incredible views!
Near Mt. Cammerer from Low Gap
A beautiful view from Mount Cammerer Fire Tower late summer August 2016!

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Mt. Cammerer from Low Gap

4.7 (47 Ratings)
A wooded trail with a 360-degree view payoff on top of the mountain.
10.4
mi
Distance
3,088
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Fall ColorsRiver/CreekSpringViews

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
10.41mi
Distance
3,088ft
Elevation Gain
3,088ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
5,040ft
High Point
2,330ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
This route begins with three miles of the Low Gap Trail before connecting with the Appalachian Trail (AT). The Low Gap Trail section has the most elevation gain and a couple of easy streams to cross as it follows the side of the mountain. There are multiple cutbacks as you wind your way up to the Appalachian Trail (AT) which offer some nice views of the area through the trees.There is a small clearing at the Appalachian Trail (AT) junction and few large rocks which make a great resting spot. Once you start along the Appalachian Trail (AT) there is less elevation gain along the top ridge of the mountain. The trail is wooded and sometimes tunnel like until you reach the summit. There is some scrambling at the peak to climb to the lookout tower.This trail can also be done on horseback, and there is a tie up for the horses right before going out to the outcropping where the tower is.The summit of Mt. Cammerer sits on the edge of a rocky outcropping overlooking the Pigeon River Gorge at almost 5,000 feet.
History & Background
The octagonal fire lookout at the summit of Mt. Cammerer was built in the late 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corp.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Downed Tree
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Contributors
Christine Esswein