Hiking enthusiast and author Danny Bernstein (Hiking North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains) will lead the 11.4-mile hike on Aug. 9. This hike is strenuous and has a total elevation gain/descent of 3,000 feet.

While working their way up the trail, hikers will learn about the unique history of firetowers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and about the first project for Friends of the Smokies: renovating the striking Mt. Cammerer stone fire tower.

Participants should gather to depart from Asheville at 8:30 a.m. or Waynesville at 9 a.m. Hikers should come prepared with food, water and appropriate hiking gear for the all day excursion. A donation of $35 to go to the Friends’ Smokies Trails Forever program is requested, and includes a complimentary membership to Friends of the Smokies. A donation of $10 is requested from current Friends of the Smokies members. Members who bring a friend hike for free.

The next “Classic Hikes of the Smokies” are Big Creek in September and Caldwell Fork in October. To register for any of the hikes, contact Friends of the Smokies at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 828.452.0720. For more information, including a complete list of the North Carolina Classic Hikes series, visit www.friendsofthesmokies.org. Information about helping with the improvements to these special trails can be found at www.smokiestrailsforever.org.