Hemphill Bald - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC

My first hike in the Cataloochee region of Great Smoky Mountains National Park on June 16, 2018, and it did not disappoint. I parked at Polls Gap on Heintooga Ridge Rd and followed the Hemphill Bald Trail east across Cataloochee Divide. The impressive Divide constitutes the eastern boundary of the national park, and ranges from 4,000-5,600 feet. At the western end, the Hemphill Bald Trail is almost level straddling the 5,000-foot contour and bypasses the summits. Overall it is an enjoyable trail along the boundary. The highlight is Hemphill Bald, the 2nd largest peak on the Divide at 5,556 feet. A rock picnic bench and a large oak provide a perfect resting place at the top. The views encompasses the Bald, Newfound, Great Craggy, Black, Hickory Nut, Great Balsam, and Plott Balsam Mountain ranges. From there I continued east towards the Cataloochee Ranch and The Swag, both private properties bordering the park. Gooseberry Knob is a cleared area on The Swag property with excellent views and rustic outdoor chairs for lounging. That was my turnaround point. Other than the climb up Hemphill Bald, it is a pretty easy hike. Hike was 13 miles with 2,989 feet elevation gain in 6 hours. Hike location https://goo.gl/maps/8dVs1HocL5o Hike report https://www.hikingupward.com/GSMNP/HemphillBald/