The trail itself is easy enough, but through years of erosion, it has become rutted. It's also generally not the most interesting trail I've been on, but the views from the top are great.
cascadescrambler - Sep 1, 2019 2:13 pm Date Climbed: Jun 11, 1997
Sterling
Climbed the tower
technicolorNH - Nov 20, 2018 7:38 pm Date Climbed: Nov 16, 2018
Side project
The goal for the day was Cataloochee and I only added this on when the Tennessee native I met at the tiny parking area recommended it. I think it took ninety minutes to get to the tower from Sterling Gap. Too much snow and ice on the tower for me to climb it but the trail itself was excellent.
corsair - May 24, 2016 12:48 pm Date Climbed: May 26, 2002
corsair
Climbed with my family(wife and two daughters) on a warm Memorial Day weekend. Tough switchbacks on root filled trail, with the surprise of a bear ambling along the trail near the summit after we went to the Fire Tower. Needless to say, a quick climb down!
locke456 - Oct 7, 2013 10:03 pm Date Climbed: Apr 1, 2001
Great View Of The Smokies If You Can Bring Yourself To Climb The Fire Tower
My first summit, almost 13 years ago now. I remember the hike proper as being pleasant and more or less like any other hike in the Smokies. There's great camping spots to be had at the top, and you should definitely spend a night, if for no other reason than to try to catch sunset and sunrise from the fire tower.
Climbed Mount Sterling with a bunch of teens and my wife. We did a loop and spent the first night near Big Creek and then the second night on top of Sterling. It was beautiful up there. The pines were open underneath giving it a peaceful quiet but not confined feeling. Sunrise and sunset from the tower were awesome.
We did have a good size bear come into camp and seemed fairly comfortable with people being there. Have to realize that when you are in the Smokies and have to camp at a certain spot with other people, not everyone there will be familiar with dealing with bears.
Fun little hike. Steamy August weather. Cooled off up top with the fog & clouds blanketing the mountains all around. The forest was beautiful too, as it always is in the Smokies. And the drive in from I-40 was nice as well.
CDougan - Sep 27, 2009 2:08 am Date Climbed: Sep 25, 2009
Mount Sterling Trail
Great views from the tower. Was pretty cloudy and a storm was rolling in when i was there. I plan I going back when the leaves change.
MarkDidier - May 4, 2009 8:00 am Date Climbed: May 2, 2009
Big Creek-Baxter Creek Loop
Climbed Sterling via a 17.2 mile loop - Big Creek Trail to Swallow Fork Trail to Mt Sterling Ridge Trail - descended Baxter Creek.
This was a great route - with lots of great water/cascades and a pretty easy grade. Too bad the weather didn't cooperate. A pretty rainy day. The clouds opened up enough by the time we made it to Mt. Sterling to get a few good views from the fire tower. The descent down Baxter Creek is brutal.
A very quiet day. We only saw a few hikers on the way up. When we descended we ran into 3 or 4 groups heading up Baxter Creek to camp at Mt. Sterling.
Started at Big Creek and hiked up Big Creek to Swallow Fork Trail. From there up Mount Sterling Ridge to the tower. It's kinda creepy climbing that old thing. The weather was a bit cloudy, but I did manage to get some decent views. Returned to Big Creek via Baxter Creek Trail.
cwcoleman - Feb 16, 2009 1:59 pm Date Climbed: Feb 21, 2009
Long Bunk to Mt. Sterling loop
We started at the Cataloochee horse campground (less than 1/4 mile from trail head).
After coming in on a old dirt road into the Park, we found two port-a-potties next to the trail head with a sign to Palmer Creek Trail. Chose campsite 39 for Friday night.
On Saturday we tracked back a bit to follow Little Cataloochee trail to Long Bunk Trail - which was a fun path. A bit of elevation gain, but a good mix of up and down. A few rock walls and cabins along the way - to include a few cemeteries. The hard part came when Long Bunk intersected with Mt. Sterling Trail with about 2 miles to go until campsite 38. There was plenty of water up until that point - so much we joked that it was hard to tell the trail from the river at points. We pushed it through and reached the fire tower around 4:30pm. Cold night on the mountain (about 25 degrees f) but the campsite was large - right next to the tower. A few boy scouts shared the site with us - although I never left the tent once it was up (except to hang the bear bag which sturdy lines were provided).
Back to the Mt Sterling Ridge trail intersection in the morning, and down down down Pretty Hollow Creek trail to campsite 39 again. Tighten up the boots and prepare your toes for this downhill trek along rivers most of the way. After reaching 39 - just 1.6 or so until the Cataloochee trail head - saw quite a few day hikers looking for elk.
About 19.5 miles total
Overall: Tough hike but worth ever step for the views from the Fire Tower atop Mount Sterling.
Koonsy - Dec 30, 2008 10:25 am Date Climbed: Dec 28, 2008
Sterling Trail
We took the sterling trail up, but getting to the trailhead was half the battle. We drove over at night making the road difficult to travel by. Then we had to hike through very very thick fog, but thankfully the trail is wide and easy to follow. Camped at the summit and caught the sunrise from the firetower. great views.
Tadberry - Apr 23, 2008 7:27 pm Date Climbed: Mar 21, 2008
Big Creek Loop
Very nice hike from camp 37. Camp 38 near the summit was pretty but the only water source is .4 miles away. Bummer.
Came up Pretty Hollow for the 14 mile roundtrip dayhike. Awesome views. hate the power lines but otherwise very wild area. Found 2 arrowheads on the Sterling ridge.
wyattw - Aug 14, 2007 6:23 pm Date Climbed: Jul 29, 2007
Sterling
Came from Camp 37 to Tri-Corner Knob to Laurel Gap and onto Mount Sterling and the firetower. It was a great time but REALLY humid.
Tbacon251 - Mar 19, 2007 3:33 am Date Climbed: Mar 18, 2007
Great hike!
Hike to the top where the temp was 20 degrees! A cold day. Had a great chat with a Park Ranger. Awesome hike.
mlandau3 - Jul 1, 2006 4:07 pm Date Climbed: Jun 30, 2006
The Plodding Was Worth It
It was a long plod up from Mt. Sterling gap, but the view from the fire tower was really spectacular. This was intended to be a secondary summit to Big Cataloochee; we never made it to that summit, but this summit more than made the whole trip worthwhile.
Route Climbed: Pretty Hollow GapTrail to Mount Sterling Ridge Trail Date Climbed: July 21, 2002
I summited on July 21, 2002 and then again on March 24, 2003.
Both times leaving from Cataloochee and hiking a loop, Pretty Hollow Gap to Mount Sterling Ridge Trail then back to Cataloochee via the Mount Sterling Trail to Long Bunk Trail and then finally the Little Cataloochee Trail.
bdreese2 - Jan 31, 2021 5:30 pm Date Climbed: Oct 25, 2014
Sterlinghttps://peakbagger.com/climber/ascent.aspx?aid=470706
JRaphaelson - Sep 16, 2019 12:40 pm Date Climbed: Sep 14, 2019
Great views, short slogThe trail itself is easy enough, but through years of erosion, it has become rutted. It's also generally not the most interesting trail I've been on, but the views from the top are great.
cascadescrambler - Sep 1, 2019 2:13 pm Date Climbed: Jun 11, 1997
SterlingClimbed the tower
technicolorNH - Nov 20, 2018 7:38 pm Date Climbed: Nov 16, 2018
Side projectThe goal for the day was Cataloochee and I only added this on when the Tennessee native I met at the tiny parking area recommended it. I think it took ninety minutes to get to the tower from Sterling Gap. Too much snow and ice on the tower for me to climb it but the trail itself was excellent.
corsair - May 24, 2016 12:48 pm Date Climbed: May 26, 2002
corsairClimbed with my family(wife and two daughters) on a warm Memorial Day weekend. Tough switchbacks on root filled trail, with the surprise of a bear ambling along the trail near the summit after we went to the Fire Tower. Needless to say, a quick climb down!
locke456 - Oct 7, 2013 10:03 pm Date Climbed: Apr 1, 2001
Great View Of The Smokies If You Can Bring Yourself To Climb The Fire TowerMy first summit, almost 13 years ago now. I remember the hike proper as being pleasant and more or less like any other hike in the Smokies. There's great camping spots to be had at the top, and you should definitely spend a night, if for no other reason than to try to catch sunset and sunrise from the fire tower.
mtsptfam - Apr 8, 2013 7:04 pm
Big to Baxter Creek LoopClimbed Mount Sterling with a bunch of teens and my wife. We did a loop and spent the first night near Big Creek and then the second night on top of Sterling. It was beautiful up there. The pines were open underneath giving it a peaceful quiet but not confined feeling. Sunrise and sunset from the tower were awesome.
We did have a good size bear come into camp and seemed fairly comfortable with people being there. Have to realize that when you are in the Smokies and have to camp at a certain spot with other people, not everyone there will be familiar with dealing with bears.
captainbuuda - Apr 3, 2011 10:31 am
Mount Sterling TrailFun little hike. Steamy August weather. Cooled off up top with the fog & clouds blanketing the mountains all around. The forest was beautiful too, as it always is in the Smokies. And the drive in from I-40 was nice as well.
CDougan - Sep 27, 2009 2:08 am Date Climbed: Sep 25, 2009
Mount Sterling TrailGreat views from the tower. Was pretty cloudy and a storm was rolling in when i was there. I plan I going back when the leaves change.
MarkDidier - May 4, 2009 8:00 am Date Climbed: May 2, 2009
Big Creek-Baxter Creek LoopClimbed Sterling via a 17.2 mile loop - Big Creek Trail to Swallow Fork Trail to Mt Sterling Ridge Trail - descended Baxter Creek.
This was a great route - with lots of great water/cascades and a pretty easy grade. Too bad the weather didn't cooperate. A pretty rainy day. The clouds opened up enough by the time we made it to Mt. Sterling to get a few good views from the fire tower. The descent down Baxter Creek is brutal.
A very quiet day. We only saw a few hikers on the way up. When we descended we ran into 3 or 4 groups heading up Baxter Creek to camp at Mt. Sterling.
eric-griz - Apr 2, 2009 11:24 pm Date Climbed: Apr 1, 2009
Nice loop hikeStarted at Big Creek and hiked up Big Creek to Swallow Fork Trail. From there up Mount Sterling Ridge to the tower. It's kinda creepy climbing that old thing. The weather was a bit cloudy, but I did manage to get some decent views. Returned to Big Creek via Baxter Creek Trail.
cwcoleman - Feb 16, 2009 1:59 pm Date Climbed: Feb 21, 2009
Long Bunk to Mt. Sterling loopWe started at the Cataloochee horse campground (less than 1/4 mile from trail head).
After coming in on a old dirt road into the Park, we found two port-a-potties next to the trail head with a sign to Palmer Creek Trail. Chose campsite 39 for Friday night.
On Saturday we tracked back a bit to follow Little Cataloochee trail to Long Bunk Trail - which was a fun path. A bit of elevation gain, but a good mix of up and down. A few rock walls and cabins along the way - to include a few cemeteries. The hard part came when Long Bunk intersected with Mt. Sterling Trail with about 2 miles to go until campsite 38. There was plenty of water up until that point - so much we joked that it was hard to tell the trail from the river at points. We pushed it through and reached the fire tower around 4:30pm. Cold night on the mountain (about 25 degrees f) but the campsite was large - right next to the tower. A few boy scouts shared the site with us - although I never left the tent once it was up (except to hang the bear bag which sturdy lines were provided).
Back to the Mt Sterling Ridge trail intersection in the morning, and down down down Pretty Hollow Creek trail to campsite 39 again. Tighten up the boots and prepare your toes for this downhill trek along rivers most of the way. After reaching 39 - just 1.6 or so until the Cataloochee trail head - saw quite a few day hikers looking for elk.
About 19.5 miles total
Overall: Tough hike but worth ever step for the views from the Fire Tower atop Mount Sterling.
Koonsy - Dec 30, 2008 10:25 am Date Climbed: Dec 28, 2008
Sterling TrailWe took the sterling trail up, but getting to the trailhead was half the battle. We drove over at night making the road difficult to travel by. Then we had to hike through very very thick fog, but thankfully the trail is wide and easy to follow. Camped at the summit and caught the sunrise from the firetower. great views.
Tadberry - Apr 23, 2008 7:27 pm Date Climbed: Mar 21, 2008
Big Creek LoopVery nice hike from camp 37. Camp 38 near the summit was pretty but the only water source is .4 miles away. Bummer.
Dottie Little Tent - Mar 6, 2008 7:42 pm Date Climbed: Mar 6, 2008
Pretty Hollow RouteCame up Pretty Hollow for the 14 mile roundtrip dayhike. Awesome views. hate the power lines but otherwise very wild area. Found 2 arrowheads on the Sterling ridge.
wyattw - Aug 14, 2007 6:23 pm Date Climbed: Jul 29, 2007
SterlingCame from Camp 37 to Tri-Corner Knob to Laurel Gap and onto Mount Sterling and the firetower. It was a great time but REALLY humid.
Tbacon251 - Mar 19, 2007 3:33 am Date Climbed: Mar 18, 2007
Great hike!Hike to the top where the temp was 20 degrees! A cold day. Had a great chat with a Park Ranger. Awesome hike.
mlandau3 - Jul 1, 2006 4:07 pm Date Climbed: Jun 30, 2006
The Plodding Was Worth ItIt was a long plod up from Mt. Sterling gap, but the view from the fire tower was really spectacular. This was intended to be a secondary summit to Big Cataloochee; we never made it to that summit, but this summit more than made the whole trip worthwhile.
e-doc - Dec 31, 2005 12:36 am
Route Climbed: Loop out of Big Creek Date Climbed: ?A solo hike in December, camped near summit in sleet and snow. No view so I need to go back to see what I missed (should be oustanding)
chmoore577 - Sep 2, 2005 9:38 am
Route Climbed: Pretty Hollow GapTrail to Mount Sterling Ridge Trail Date Climbed: July 21, 2002I summited on July 21, 2002 and then again on March 24, 2003.
Both times leaving from Cataloochee and hiking a loop, Pretty Hollow Gap to Mount Sterling Ridge Trail then back to Cataloochee via the Mount Sterling Trail to Long Bunk Trail and then finally the Little Cataloochee Trail.