Spence/Russell Field LoopDifficult

Spence Field is a mountain highland meadow located on the Tennessee & North Carolina border at an elevation of 4,920 feet. The loop of trails around it is comprised of Anthony Creek Trail, Bote Mountain Trail, the Appalachian Trail, and Russell Field Trail. This loop winds through a mixed forest of hemlock, hardwood, and rhododendron.

Anthony Creek Trail is 3.5 miles long, and to complete this loop you will hike the entirety of it. The trailhead is located at the Cades Cove picnic area. Soon after you set out you'll pass the intersection with Crib Gap Trail, and after 1.6 miles you'll pass the intersection with Russell Field Trail, the last trail in the loop.

Bote Mountain Trail is a longer trail east of Cades Cove. The entirety of the trail is 4.2 miles long extending north where it intersects with Lead Cove Trail, Finley Cane Trail, and West Prong Trail. To reach Spence Field from the Anthony Creek junction you'll head south on Bote Mountain for 1.7 miles until you reach the Appalachian Trail.

At the intersection with the AT, you'll take a short 0.25 mile trip to the left to see the best views from Spence Field. It won't take you long to see your surroundings appear a good bit grassier. Once you make your way through a rhododendron tunnel you'll find the views open up to the east and south with some beautiful views of Rocky Top and Thunderhead Mountain to the east and plentiful mountain peaks to the south. Take some photos and have a snack before backtracking on the AT toward the intersection with Bote Mountain. Continue west on the AT past the intersection and toward Spence Field shelter to continue your loop hike.

Working your way around the loop, you'll continue west on the A.T. for 2.9 miles until you reach the Russell Field Trail junction. It's worth noting that the views aren't particularly worthwhile from either Spence Field shelter or Russell Field shelter, but they both make a nice spot to take a break. Hike north for 3.5 miles to reach Anthony Creek Trail again and return to Cades Cove in 1.6 miles.

A horse camp and campsite #9 are found along the way.

There are several trails in this area that could be combined to create a similar but longer loop hike. Starting at the same trailhead, instead of continuing on Anthony Creek Trail you can turn onto Crib Gap for 1.6 miles and then Lead Cove for 1.8. This will bring you to Bote Mountain Trail and add on 1.2 miles before the remainder of the hike starts following the same path to the Appalachian Trail - a total loop of 14.3 miles.