Miry Ridge Trail

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Features Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Miry Ridge Trail is a fairly easy run along Miry Ridge that eventually ends at the Appalachian Trail. It begins at a junction shared with Panther Creek Trail and Jakes Creek Trail. In roughly 1.9 miles is a small spur trail that leads to Campsite #26 on Dripping Spring Mountain.

At. 2.5 miles, runners will come to the junction with Lynn Camp Prong Trail, leading to the Marks Cove Campsite (#28) and further on to Middle Prong Trail. About half a mile further south along Miry Ridge Trail is a nice little lookout from which you can see Clingmans Dome.

Just at 5 miles, runners wlll come to Cold Spring Knob upon the Appalachian Trail. Were they to turn left and head east (northbound), they will pass Silers Bald Shelter, Double Spring Gap Shelter and Clingmans Dome. To the right heading west (southbound) is the Derrick Knob Shelter and Spence Field Shelter.

The Smokies are home to more than 1,600 species of plants, most of which produce an abundance of flowers in the spring. These species include mountain laurel, rhododendron, azalea, and many others. Spring wildflowers peak from early April through late May. To learn more about the plants of the Smokies and even get a trees and shrubs checklist, visit the park's website.

As for local fauna, black bears are common in the area, along with white-tailed deer and 31 species of salamanders. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, notably the northern flicker (Colaptes auratus) and red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus). For more information on black bears, refer to this webpage.