Mingus Mill semi-circlular

About the Hike

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Hike Description

900M Contact hike leader by email for reservation. Limit of 12 hikers. From the Smokemont Campground in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, this hike begins with a 4.7-mile, 2,800 ft. climb up to Newton Bald, a former bald with good views from the ridge top. We will follow the Mingus Creek Trail along the ridge, then descend along the creek. If the group wants, we will hike past the Mingus Mill and visit the Enloe Slave Cemetery. Note: A parking pass for each vehicle is required in GSMNP. For more info: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm. Short car shuttle. *Canceled due to severe weather and lack of sign ups.*Topos: Smokemont

Scout Report

I scouted this hike on Friday, May 8, 2026, but unfortunately had to reschedule it due to rain. The following report is based upon what was observed in late spring coupled with information provided during a very recent phone conversation with the Back Country Rangers' Office, which informed me that there had been no reports of problems on the trials in question since that time (when the ranger with whom I spoke had also been on the route that this hike will take). We began at the Newton Bald Trailhead on a beautiful spring morning at 9:51 a.m., reached the intersection of the Newton Bald and Mingus Creek trials at about 1:25 p.m., and arrived at the Mingus Creek Trailhead at about 5:00 p.m. The distances reported in the CMC hike description appear to be accurate (although I got somewhat different information from AllTrails during the scout). The total elevation gain on the Newton Bald Trail is actually about 2,900 feet given a slight depression and subsequent uphill stretch shortly before the trail's end at the intersection of the Newton Bald and Mingus Creek Trails. Thus, the hike, which is a long one, will end late in the afternoon. The trails, which were both in good condition, ran though forested areas and had few overlooks. The Newton Bald Trail involves a substantial uphill climb slightly below the ridge line along various ridges, while the Mingus Creek Trail involves a lengthy walk along a ridge line followed by a relatively steep descent down to MIngus Mill. The Newton Bald Trail should feature limited views of the Plott Balsams through the trees, while the Mingus Creek Trail should provide less obstructed views in the direction of Thomas Divide to the west as the hike proceeds along the ridge line. As the Mingus Creek Trail nears the trailhead, there were a number of creek crossings, one of which was slightly difficult to navigate in the spring (a photograph is provided). Newton Bald itself, which was once a grazing area, is now, like many of the "balds" in the Smokies, completely tree-covered.