Boogerman Trail – Cataloochee Valley

Boogerman Trail is one of the most unique hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, leading visitors through one of the finest old-growth forests in the Smokies. Named after early settler Robert "Boogerman" Palmer, the trail winds past towering tulip poplars, giant hemlocks, historic homesites, stone walls, and remnants of a mountain community that once called Cataloochee Valley home.

Important 2026 Update: Although Boogerman Trail is currently open, Caldwell Fork Trail, that is used to access Boogerman Trail, is closed. Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to portions of the trail, washing away several footbridges and creating difficult stream crossings that can become dangerous, especially after rainfall. Be sure to check the latest trail conditions from the National Park Service before planning your visit.

We've hiked Boogerman Trail ourselves and consider it one of the most rewarding hikes in the Smokies for anyone who appreciates history, old-growth forests, and a quieter side of the national park. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about the hike, its fascinating history, what you'll see along the trail, and the latest information to help you decide whether it's the right time to visit.

Updated: 7/2/2026 - New pictures of the replacement Caldwell Fork Trail Bridge, updates on Caldwell Fork Trail being closed.

2026 Trail Conditions

Boogerman Trail is currently open, but Caldwell Fork Trail, which is required to access Boogerman Trail is closed.  

The storm washed away the first footbridge on the trail, creating a deep stream crossing that is typically over two feet deep even during periods of low water. The good news is that during our recent visit to Cataloochee Valley in June 2026, the bridge has been rebuilt; however, Caldwell Fork Trail remains closed.

Additional storm damage throughout the Cataloochee area means trail conditions can change quickly, especially after rainfall. For your safety, we recommend choosing another hike until repairs have been completed.

We'll continue to update this guide as the National Park Service completes repairs and trail conditions improve. Before visiting, always check the latest trail status on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website, as conditions and recommendations may change.

Boogerman Trail - Cataloochee Valley

It's been a few years since we last hiked Boogerman Trail. Boogerman was one of the very first long hikes we ever did, and it was a stretch for us at 7 miles round trip.  

We arrived at Caldwell Fork/Boogerman Trail on a Sunday morning. Cataloochee Valley was quiet, and we were the only ones at the trailhead. On our hike were Jenn and I and three of our kids, who are now adults.

Boogerman Trail is located off Caldwell Fork Trail. The Caldwell Fork trail trailhead begins with a log bridge crossing, a pretty long one as you can see below.

2026 Update - The Caldwell Fork Trail bridge was destroyed by Hurricane Helene, and accessing the trail now requires hikers to wade across the creek.  One of the multiple reasons for the park service's "do not hike" recommendation.

The trail then meanders through the woods alongside Caldwell Fork for .8 miles. Just prior to getting to the first junction with Boogerman Trail, there is another creek crossing. Normally there is a log bridge here, but when we hiked this past Sunday, it was gone (as of 2026, all the bridges in this area are gone and require going through the creeks).

We removed our hiking boots and socks and tied our hiking boots together and put them around our necks and got in. 

The water was cool, but not freezing as we expected. You do need to be careful, and a good hiking stick would have really helped here. The water isn't deep, but the rocks are slick and a bit sharp.  The current in a few places was a little strong, too. All of us made it safely across with no issues.

Most people pick up Boogerman trail here just past this crossing.  Boogerman trail is fairly steep and up from there, so we elected to take the loop in a counterclockwise direction and continued down Caldwell Fork Trail to the second intersection with Boogerman Trail.

Continuing on Caldwell Fork Trail

Caldwell Fork Trail is a really nice creek side trail, where you cross over the creek many times. Most of the crossings should have bridges, but again they were washed out by Hurricane Helene.  This makes the hike more difficult and longer than it normally would be.

The trail offers some really gorgeous views of the creek and its small waterfalls.

Caldwell Fork Trail is a horsetail, and as a result, there are often some very muddy areas that must be walked around. You'll also want to watch for horse manure as well.

1.9 miles from the first Boogerman trail intersection, you'll come to the second. The trail is clearly marked with standard park trail signs. You'll note that Boogerman trail is a much smaller trail.

Boogerman Trail

We stopped at the second Boogerman Trail entrance and took a snack break and drank some water. After a brief rest, we headed up Boogerman Trail, which is a slow incline up the mountain. The elevation gain is about 1000 feet, and will put right around 3700 feet at the highest point.

Just a few hundred feet up the trail, you'll come to the site of the Carson Messer home. All that remains of the home is the hole where the house was, and remains of the entrance door frame, and a bit of stray metal roofing. 

Further on up the trail, you'll see signs of what remains of a few outbuildings on the left, with hand-built stone walls behind them. We weren't exactly sure what these buildings were used for, but they appeared to be work buildings or maybe even small stables.

This part of the trail travels alongside a small creek with lots of small waterfalls that make for wonderful background sounds as you walk. The trail begins a steeper incline, which will continue until you reach the top of the ridge. Watch for the remaining foundation of the spring house along the edge of the creek.

Shortly on up, the trail will fork, with a trail going up and to the left and one continuing straight. Following the fork to the left and up a steep hill will take you to the Messer cemetery, where there are four small and unmarked graves.

Back on the main trail, you'll continue gaining elevation, and the pine trees begin to fade, and a heavy old-growth forest begins. In this section of the forest, all the way until you run into Caldwell Fork Trail again, is "old-growth" forest.  Fortunately, "Boogerman" (Robert Palmer) protected his forest, and as a result, you'll see some of the biggest trees in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park here.

The Story behind "Boogerman"

As the story goes, Mr. Palmer received the nickname "Boogerman" as a child. While in school, the teacher was asking the kids what they wanted to be when they grew up. The young Palmer stated "The Boogerman" and the name stuck.

Continuing on the Trail

There is a very large poplar tree along this portion of the trail, and before you arrive at the Palmer home site. The tree is hollowed out at the base and is a popular photo opportunity for hikers.

A little further up the trail, you'll see the remains of the Robert Palmer home, which today is nothing more than an old chimney. Shortly after this, a small trail leading to the Palmer graveyard. We actually walked right past it and didn't see it. There is one small grave marker there, but nobody knows who's buried there.

After a pretty grueling climb up and a few switchbacks, you'll arrive at the top of the ridge, at approximately 3700 feet in elevation. The hike from there on is all downhill, and you'll see many huge old-growth trees and cross a number of small creeks. The grade down is pretty steep, so tighten up those hiking boots and be careful.

You will eventually come to a monster-sized tree, the biggest tree we've ever seen in our lives and the biggest that we saw on our hike along Boogerman Trail.

The trail continues downward until you eventually intersect back with the Caldwell Fork Trail. Turn right on Caldwell Fork to head back to the trailhead and parking lot. 

Where to Stay When Visiting Boogerman Trail

If you're planning to hike Boogerman Trail, we recommend staying in either Maggie Valley or Waynesville, North Carolina. Both towns provide convenient access to Cataloochee Valley and make excellent home bases for exploring this quieter side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Our Pick: Maggie Valley

Maggie Valley is our favorite place to stay when exploring Cataloochee Valley and the eastern side of the Smokies. Just a short drive from the Boogerman Trail trailhead, Maggie Valley offers a variety of hotels, cabins, and vacation rentals along with locally owned restaurants, shops, and beautiful mountain scenery. It's also an excellent base for visiting Waterrock Knob, Soco Falls, and the Blue Ridge Parkway during your trip.

Also Recommended: Waynesville

If you're looking for even more lodging, dining, and shopping options, Waynesville is another excellent choice. Its charming historic downtown is home to unique boutiques, breweries, coffee shops, and outstanding local restaurants, making it a great place to relax after a day in the mountains. From Waynesville, you'll have easy access to Boogerman Trail, Cataloochee Valley, and many of Western North Carolina's other top attractions.

Whether you choose Maggie Valley or Waynesville, you'll be within an easy drive of the Boogerman Trail trailhead while enjoying two of our favorite mountain towns.