Smoky Mountains Hike - Baxter Creek, Mt Sterling Ridge, Swallow Forks, Big Creek

This October 2026 hike went up Baxter Creek to Mt Sterling Ridge then down Swallow Fork to Big Creek. Baxter Creek trail is 6.5 miles of uphill. The trail is well maintained and there weren't any issues. Very pretty hiking and and you get to see a variety of ecosystems as you make the 4,100 foot assent. Mt Sterling Ridge trail is absolutely beautiful and starts the descent to Swallow Fork trail. Swallow Fork Trail is closed and not maintained and should not be hiked. It is all down hill and where you lose the most elevation. There were 3 sections where the trail was completely obliterated and required a GPS map to locate the trail. Additionally there were about 10 other places where the trail was washed out but still passable. Several downed trees required creative hiking to get around. Big Creek follows along the creek and is absolutely beautiful.