Outdoors - Hiking Trails
Crooked Arm Ridge Trail: A Secluded Trek Through Rugged Smoky Mountain Ridges
Date Night
Hidden Gems
Nature Lovers
Scenic Views
Crooked Arm Ridge Trail is a challenging hiking route that follows a series of rugged ridges in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail is known for its diverse wildflower displays and sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. It offers a quieter alternative to more popular trails, attracting experienced hikers who seek solitude and natural beauty. The path climbs steadily with some steep sections, rewarding visitors with expansive overlooks at several points.
This trail traverses terrain shaped by ancient geological forces, including uplift and erosion that formed the Smokies’ distinctive ridges. The name Crooked Arm Ridge likely refers to the trail’s winding path along the ridge lines. Historically, the area was frequented by early settlers and Cherokee inhabitants who utilized the ridges for travel and hunting. The trail today retains a sense of wilderness and connection to the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Hikers on Crooked Arm Ridge Trail can expect a moderately strenuous experience with uneven footing and occasional rocky outcrops. Wildflowers bloom in abundance during spring and summer, adding vibrant colors along the trail. Wildlife sightings, including deer and various bird species, are common. The quiet nature of the trail allows for reflective moments amid the expansive mountain landscape, making it a rewarding journey for those prepared for its challenges.
The trail is approximately 7 miles round trip, depending on your chosen turnaround point.
No, Crooked Arm Ridge Trail is best suited for experienced hikers due to its rugged terrain and elevation changes.
Pets are not permitted on trails within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including Crooked Arm Ridge Trail.
The trailhead is accessible via roads near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, within the national park boundaries.
Hikers may encounter white-tailed deer, black bears, various songbirds, and occasionally salamanders in moist areas.
Branded LocaleTrips sticker set arriving soon. Use the trail cam Bigfoot sticker, the heritage benchmark, and the editorial portrait on your water bottle, laptop, or Instagram story.
Field Notes
Last reported Bigfoot sighting near Crooked Arm Ridge Trail: On August 14, 2024, a solo hiker reported seeing a large, shadowy figure moving quickly along the ridge near Crooked Arm Trail. The observer described the figure as unusually tall and covered in dark hair but noted it disappeared behind a thicket before closer inspection. While unverified, the sighting added to the local lore of mysterious Smoky Mountain creatures.
