Distance: 12.4 mi
Elevation Gain: 4,127 ft.
Estimated Time: 7-9 hrs.
Style: out-and-back
Parking Fee: $5 parking pass for GSMNP, or Annual National Parks Pass
Hiking to Mt. Sterling (GSMNP) is a challenging but rewarding adventure. At the summit (5,829 ft.), you’ll get to climb the highest fire tower in the eastern U.S. The top of the tower has gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. If you’re interested in turning this into a multi-day hike, backcountry camping is permitted near the summit. Visit the parks website for more information. With the first 6.2 miles of trail climbing up, I would consider this trail physically strenuous. Be prepared with plenty of water, snacks, and essential first aid. Logistically, this is a great trail for newer hikers. There are no turns, you simply go from point A to point B.
The starting point will be at the Baxter Creek Trailhead in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s located on the far northeastern side of the park. Drive times: 1 hour from Gatlinburg, TN / 1 hour 45 mins from Townsend, TN / 1 hour and 20 minutes from Cherokee, NC / 1 hour 15 minutes from Knoxville, TN / 1 hour 15 mins from Asheville, NC. Note: the last 1-2 miles of driving to this trailhead are on a gravel road. The road is well maintained and should be passable by most cars.
**Trail mileages listed below were measured using my Garmin GPS watch. They are approximate, not exact! Please only use them as a general guide.
Trailhead Address: Baxter Creek Trailhead, Newport, TN
Let’s go hike to Mt. Sterling. Take screenshots and follow along as you hike!
The parking at Baxter Creek Trailhead has room for about 20 cars. There are bathroom facilities, a dumpster, water fountain, and picnic tables next to the lot. This area is within Great Smoky Mountains National Park – make sure you have an eligible parking pass on display to avoid citation.
To get to the trailhead, follow the gravel path on the far side of the parking lot heading toward the river.
You will come to a bridge with a wooden sign marked “Baxter Creek Trail.” This is the start of the hike. Cross the bridge and continue following the trail.
Fun Fact: As you’ll see on the lower part of the trail sign, this hike is also part of the Benton Mackaye Trail (marked by white diamond blazes). The Benton Mackaye Trail is a long distance hiking path covering nearly 290 miles through Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. It’s named after the man who proposed the idea for the Appalachian Trail. learn more about the Benton Mackaye Trail here.
Going forward, simply stay on the path until you reach the fire tower. There are no turns.
As you go higher in altitude, you’ll notice the plants begin to change. I really enjoyed how green and lush this hike was.
About 6 miles into the hike, before you reach the summit, you’ll pass a “water” sign on your left. This is primarily for backpackers, as a water source for camping. There is a spring about 0.2 miles down the side trail. It MUST be treated or boiled before drinking. To reach the summit, skip this side trail and continue forward on the main path. You’re almost there!
At the summit you’ll see another wooden sign for “Baxter Creek Trail.” The fire tower is just ahead.
If you aren’t interested in the climbing the tower, there is a beautiful overlook just behind the trail sign.
Welcome to the Mt. Sterling Fire Tower! The highest fire tower in the eastern U.S., towering 60 ft. above ground. The viewing box at the top is open to climbers. On a clear day, you’ll have views of Mt. LeConte, Mt. Guyot, Luftee Knob, Mt. Cammerer, Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) and Max Patch. One of the best views in the whole park.
Climbing this tower is not for the faint of heart. I personally only made it a few flights up. There are hand rails along all stairs to the top and the wooden steps seem secure. Take your time and remember to breath!
Views from flight #2.
When you’re ready to head out, simply turn around and hike back down the Baxter Creek Trail the same way you came up. This hike is a tough one. If you made it to the top- great job. If you made it to the top AND climbed the tower- you’re crazy.
Camping at the summit? The designated camping area (Campsite #38) is about 0.1 miles beyond the fire tower. The trail continues on the opposite side of the tower from where you came up and is pretty easy to spot. This camping area with be on your right just off trail. Remember you need a backcountry permit to camp here.
Need new hiking gear?
I’ve listed some my favorite gear below. With each qualifying purchase I receive a small percentage of the profits (at no extra cost to you), helping to support this site.
- Trail Runners: Altra Lone Peak 9 Trail Running Shoe: Women’s, Altra Lone Peak 9 Trail Running Shoe: Men’s
- Day Pack: Osprey Sportlite with Hydraulics Reservoir
- Trekking Poles: LEKI Jannu Aluminum Adjustable Lightweight Walking Poles
- Satellite Communicator (SOS): Garmin inReach® Messenger Handheld Satellite Communicator
- Headlamp: BLACK DIAMOND Spot 350 Headlamp
- Not a fan of Amazon? This gear can also be found on Backcountry.com
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