Spend a spring day hiking and learning all about nature along one of the lesser-appreciated gems of the Park--Cosby's Hen Wallow Falls trail. The trail is about 4.5 miles roundtrip with a gain of almost 1,000 feet in elevation, moderate with rocks and roots, but outlined with a plethora of plants and animal signs to investigate and identify. The waterfall is worth the walk but participants will come away with a deeper knowledge of spring wildflowers, some of the 100 species of the Park's trees, and facts about the region's mammals. While discussing bears, bobcats, coyotes, elk, foxes, hogs, mountain lions, and turkey, we'll learn to explore safely and identify markings, scat, and tracks along the way.

You must be 18 or older to register for and attend a Smoky Mountain Field School course.

Note: Participants are required to sign an electronic release and assumption of risk form before attending this course.

Meet at Cosby Picnic Pavilion downhill to the left and before the entrance station. Take Hwy. 321 north out of Gatlinburg toward Cosby for about 25 miles to junction of Hwys. 321 and 32 (at Cosby Post Office). Go right on Hwy. 32 for 1.2 miles. Turn right onto park approach road for about two miles to the Cosby Campground Entrance Station -- about a 90-minute drive from Knoxville.