The trailhead is on the Laurel Creek Road on the way to Cades Cove, 5.6 miles from the Townsend “Y.” Parking is on both sides of the road. This trail provides the shortest hike to Spence Field via the Bote Mountain Trail.
While it covers 1.8 miles, the trail gains 1,200 feet of elevation in a steady climb toward Bote Mountain Trail. Following the Sugar Cove Prong, there are a couple easy rock hop creek crossings at the start of the trail. Hiking under hemlock, tuliptree, and other hardwoods, you’ll pass the ruins of a homestead, as evidenced by the remains of a foundation and chimney.
When you emerge on the wider Bote Mountain Trail, you can turn right and head up the Bote Mountain Trail to the Appalachian Trail, which provides easy access to the popular Spence Field area.