I had backpacked this area of the Smoky Mountains one other time and hiked through the Albright Grove Trail on the way back to my vehicle so I didn’t get a chance to appreciate the place.  This time a friend of mine and I were there just to see the Albright Grove Trail and enjoy the hike.

We parked at the Maddron Bald Trailhead to start the hike.  I’ve never parked at this trailhead before and it’s pretty funny because you basically drive down streets through a neighborhood and the trailhead itself feels like someones backyard.  Seems odd but worked out well.  There was only one other vehicle there when we got there and when we left.

Great little hike overall with some good sights!

Loop mileage approximately 6.6 miles.  Not too strenuous.

 

 

 

 

Not long after you start out hiking you come upon the Willis Baxter cabin on the right side of the trail.  Very easy to get to and like a lot of the old buildings in the Smokies it’s cool to check it out.  Spent 10 minutes or so here and hiked on to our destination.  Seems like a great place to live in the middle of the woods but probably not such an easy life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I don’t recall ever doing any hiking on the Old Settlers Trail so one day I will have to check it out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The last time I was in this area we took the Gabes Mountain Trail back to our vehicle at the Cosby Campground.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The actual Albright loop section is quite short but gives you a good view of some enormous trees!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the plant life in the Smokys!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Definitely wouldn’t be right without a signature Smoky Mountain stream and bridge.