After weeks and weeks of temperatures in the mid to upper 90s, today was the perfect day to escape to the Smokies. The Maddron Bald Trail offers several hiking opportunities. Today we chose to go up the mountain past the Baxter cabin to Indian Camp Creek. Along the way we spotted a gentian that some call Appalachian Gentian, Mountain Gentian or Showy Gentian. It's Latin name is Gentiana decora.
The trail climbs up the mountain on a gravel road that passes the tiny one-room Willis Baxter cabin nestled in a grassy yard. Willis Baxter built the cabin in 1889 as a wedding present for his son.
Chris discovered an interesting artifact propped on the fireplace mantle.
We assume a family member enlarged a copy of a family photograph, labeled it and laminated it. Pictured and labeled are Willis Baxter's grandsons identified as (1) Oney [sp?], (2) Roc, (3) Bill and (4) Scott. Other Maddron family members pictured are not identified. The picture was taken around 1919.
With only 2 doors and no windows, the interior of this tiny cabin must have been very dark with the only light source being the fireplace, lanterns or candles. The cabin was built from a single American Chestnut tree.
Behind the cabin at the edge of the woods are the remnants of a spring house. Even in our prolonged drought, the spring is still running.
Hearts-a-bustin' were scattered throughout the woods.
We came to the 4-way intersection of Gabe's Mountain Trail, Old Settlers Trail and Maddron Bald Trail. We chose to turn right on the Old Settlers Trail which would lead us to our destination, Indian Camp Creek.
The trail left the wide gravel road and entered a dense, quiet forest. The trail reflected the edge of fall with the sound of acorns falling from branches above us. Leaves were not quite turning the brilliant colors of fall, but the trail was still cushioned by a layer of leaves.
An unmarked side trail led down to the Maddron family cemetery. Most of the markers had no engraving or etching. The stones were very weathered and moss covered. Unlike many of the family cemeteries in the Smokies, sadly this cemetery did not have any flowers.
A couple of headstones had some engraved information. This stone below had the following information: CANUP BORND APR.29.1873 DIED APR 1.1878[?]
It will require some research to identify exactly who these family members were. Sadly, the stone below indicates a baby, born and died 1877. The engraved heart speaks tenderly. Mountain hardships made raising children to adulthood in the 1800s extremely difficult.
The high foot bridge across Indian Camp Creek is very sturdy, obviously made from a huge tree!
and downstream toward huge boulders.
On our return trip, Chris stopped so I could snap his picture to give the viewer an idea of the size of the bridge. Indian Camp Creek roars down the mountain during heavy rains.
I could not resist a second photo opportunity as we passed the Baxter cabin again.
A man satisfied with his day strolls the shady lane.
Ahhh, it was good to be hiking in the Smokies on a perfect fall day! Thank you, Lord, for your amazing creation!
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