Frozen went during dryer weather so the streams were low. Best, Johnny, Thank you for the detailed mapping and trail list I feel like that is the hardest part of planning my hike is trying to pick the trails I wanna take, Youre living the life man ! Otherwise, continue bearing right to head toward the Tricorner Knob Shelter. I wouldve tried to find a stick at least 8-10 feet and moved it. Any time of year is beautiful in the Smokies. You could spend weeks backpacking through this rich landscape, but a weekend trip will also allow you to experience the best of the Smokies. But before you tag em youll have to earn them; the first 3.3 miles of this trip gain over 2,500 feet of elevation to the Laurel Gap shelter. Rock cuts done by the CCC reveal the amazing geology of this ancient mountain range, which your guide will explain as you hike. And of course there has to be a desert! On Sunday, make the final 6.3-mile descent to the trailhead on the wide, non-technical Wolf Ridge Trail. If time allows late Friday or early Saturday morning, head south on the AT for 360-degree views at sunset or sunrise from the top of Shuckstack Fire Tower. Trust us when we say that the hike is well worth it when you reach the summit! Day 4 -. You'll also want to spend a little time in the quaint towns of the Smokies. The town of Cherokee is the capital of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, one of three Cherokee tribes in the U.S., and the only one in North Carolina. The name Smoky comes from the natural fog hanging over the mountain range. Toaks 700ml Titanium Pot: https://amzn.to/2M4eVGA Turn south on the AT and continue climbing 3.3 miles to the 0.6-mile Mt. AWESOME VIDEO by the way! I followed Liz Etnier's book "Day Hiker's Guide" when I did my Smokies hiking, and her Hike #2 in the Hazel Creek section was probably the toughest day hike. Have you ever had a gourmet meal at a gas station??? You also need a water filter or purifier: You should treat all water sources in the backcountry to avoid waterborne illnesses. (Besides being considerate of the Smokies wilderness and your fellow park visitors, youve got another reason to follow the backcountry rules: Violations may result in a fine as steep as $5,000 and/or six months in jail.). Bryson City sits at the southern border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. That rattlesnake encounter was a close one and glad you got past it without harm. Smoky Mountains: Alum Cave Bluff 32. Backpacking parties are generally capped at a maximum of eight in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Its another 1.4 miles and more climbing to an elevation of 5,842 feet on Mt. Great video you got to see allot of wildlife 3 rattlesnakes is unusual. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. I was wondering what you had there. GUIDEBOOK: Hiking Trails of the Smokies ($21, smokiesstore.org) details all 150 maintained trails within the park. Not only will you hike past several old homesteads and logging camps, you will also experience a nearly 3,000-foot increase in elevation. (Route and statistics may very due to availability of backcountry sites and weather. Summer: https://lighterpack.com/r/quth It is small and very crowded, and theres usually a wait that is completely worth your time. Cross the creek and continue past the Enloe Creek Campground. The scenery is absolutely stunning!! 2021 HikingintheSmokys.com & StaySense LLC. Start off Friday afternoon at the Twentymile Ranger Station off Highway 28 near the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. My experience is in ecology, so its simply a different perspective. Been there a million times welcome to the club brother. There is a place called Caffe Rel that is attached to a gas station at 459 E. Main Street. At 4,928 feet, the tower overlooks the Pigeon River Gorge to the north and Mt. Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine is a fun stop if youve got little ones with you. Continue with Recommended Cookies. I dont have a motorcycle, but I think it would be a great ride on a bike. Turn left @ 3-way intersection onto the white-blazed Appalachian Trail as it follows the North Carolina/Tennessee border. Check out one of the bike rental options in the area. However, you know mom and dad cant be that far away. Now, the downhill endurance test begins, with a 4,000-foot elevation loss over 6 miles on the Baxter Creek Trail. With plenty of backcountry campsites spread out all over the park, its no wonder why this is one of the most visited parks in the country. There are plenty of campgrounds and campsites within Smoky Mountains National Park. Backpackers in the park need a permit, of which two kinds are issued. We also provide a few good snack bars for each day. I recommend visiting first thing in the morning. Along this hike, you will experience many obstacles and challenges that make this hike worthwhile. This is a great way to save money, especially if youre traveling with family or a group of friends. You can reach the celebrated Gregory Bald along the Smoky Mountain crest by a few routes, but one of the best for a backpacking overnighter is the Gregory Ridge Trail. We always check with Budget first, and then compare their prices with Expedia and AutoEurope. As I got older, I continued to visit this beautiful town. If youve ever been here, youve seen it the mountains look like theyre covered in smoke. We make hammocks and such and are working on a product line. They like to sunbake on the trail. Good to see a video where the hiker takes some time to soak in the beauty of the surroundings. Each season has its own special atmosphere. Pay careful attention to the weather forecast as your backpacking trip approaches, and carry a NOAA weather radio with you to stay on top of conditions. Hike the AT 7.1 miles to Derrick knob shelterTotal miles = (7.1)Trail names: Appalachian TrailElevation gain (loss) = 924ft (-1,552ft). Sterling to the south. Turn left onto the Enloe Creek Trail at this 3-way intersection. Noland Creek Trail, Day 3: 7 miles I agree that going around it (and I always try to do so on the uphill side) is option 1, by far. Day 1: Cades Cove Loop; Day 2: Rich Mountain Road; Day 3: Cataloochee Valley; Day 4: Newfound Gap Road; Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail; Day 6: Little River Road; Day6: Foothills Parkway Tackle the .4-mile detour or continue northwest along the Balsam Mountain Trail. Subbed for sure. Turn left @ 3-way junction onto the Balsam Mountain Trail; the route continues a stiff climb toward Laurel Gap. Hike 2 miles down Clingmans Dome Road to the Noland Divide Trailhead to start your final 11.4-mile descent. On this side of the park, the Deep Creek Trail . To tackle a burly 2.1-mile off-trail out-and back to Marks Knob, turn left at this 3-way intersection. The drop off on your left was not a good escape path either. -Moondoggie AT2011. Remember, anything you bring into the park, you are also responsible for removing. A right turn off of the trail heads up a short, steep climb to the top of Mountain Chapman (waypoint 17). At just over 12 miles, you can easily hike this trail in a long one-day trek, or you can stretch it out to a two or three-day adventure. Martins Gap Trail There are several beautiful waterfalls in Smoky Mountains National Park, including the 2 most popular, Laurel Falls, Ramsey Cascades and Rainbow Falls. Follow Redbeard & Plug-It-In, the current record holder for the fastest person to hike all miles of the Smoky Mountain NP in 43 days, as they set out on an 8. These trips are very strenuous and require FIT and SOUND body and mind as well as willing and adventurous attitude! The short hike on the first day usually means some fun relaxing time at camp! 28 11 11 comments Best Add a Comment Natural_Law 6 yr. ago Join the discussion and tell us your opinion. Best thing to do it try to move it down that hill with a VERY long stick. Spent the afternoon in the stream and getting ready for the climb out the next day. Indian Creek Trail Highly recommend that if you truely want to do the A.T. then start saving up your money, cancel any subscriptions cut any unnecessary costs get the money together and do it i dont know what you do for work but if you have a skill/trade that you are good at you will always be able to find work after you finish your hike dont put off what you can do today. Headphones to listen to audiobooks: 0.4 oz (11 g) A pen and paper: 1 oz (28 g) Trip Narrative Day One: Sunshine and Storms. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Well, in the town of Franklin you can! Renting a large home or apartment on VRBOor Booking is where youll get the most for your money. 2. Moving it with a trekking pole would have you too close, with all the rocks, roots, and steep terrain; one slip and its on you. Stay at least 150 feet away, and do not try to approach a bear. 2022 | OutdoorsHorizon.com | Designed & Hosted by. This section will challenge each individual physically and mentally and is a testament to the ruggedness of the AT. Dont know whats going on but your station is getting distorted. The park is open 24 hours a day, and it is free! Smoky Mountains: Hen Wallow Falls Hike 35. Next time a snake is that close to the trail get out your rain kilt thing use it as a shield along with something else if you feel the need. PERMITS: Required when camping at a backcountry campsite or shelter (free, reserve up to one month before your trip and pick up in person). This was definitely an awesome adventuregreat job! Please direct questions concerning backpacking trip planning to the Backcountry Information Office at (865) 436-1297. Plus have my pack at my feet. Once you pass these Instagram-worthy stops, its a slight uphill grade for 4 miles along the moderately rocky Deep Creek Trail to campsites 54-59. I was wondering if we got you a hammock would you be willing to do a review on it. You can obtain permits and make reservations (up to 30 days in advancethe earlier, the better) online at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website, or in person at the parks Backcountry Office at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Please remember to disable your ad blocker to view the ad content from our sponsors. I will not lower my credibility for paid sponsorship.*. Wildlife Watch out for HWY 441 and it's closures Overview This near-loop takes you across some of the best gems in the whole park, including Charlies Bunion, Chimney Tops, and Alum Cave. The Top of Mount Sequoyah is about 15 feet to the north of the trail in a beaten down spot. SEASON: Open year-round, with limited facilities available from November to March. You are in my backyard, welcome. Temperatures are comfortable and the kids are out of school, so it does get crowded. On this trip, we will hike through many parts of the AT including the longest stretch of trail consistently over 5,000ft! On the North Carolina side of the Smokies, there are several bike rental shops that can outfit your group for a fun day out on the trails. Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama show is the story of the Cherokee Indians that takes place nightly from June through mid-August. Davidson River Campground Info. Two other long-distance trails wind their way into the park: the Benton MacKaye Trail and the Mountains-to-the-Sea Trail, both of which offer further backpacking opportunities. (Boiling water also kills any dangerous microbes, but its an inefficientand fuel-costlysystem to rely on for securing safe drinking water. This is in the Cowee Valley, and is only open during the summer and fall. I grabbed a handful of sand and tossed it in the snakes directiontwice, as the first toss just pissed it off. Alum Cave Trail, Photo by daveynin. Welcome to the Great Outdoors!!! Although its pretty touristy these days, its worth a look. Once you get to the end of the road, youll come to a parking area at a trailhead. For a suggested packing list, see the link below: (Keep in mind that this will be a heavy pack, and over loading can make for a less than comfy trip for you. Camelbak Rim Runner 22 . Since it begins and ends at the Clingmans Dome parking lot, you won . Climbing up the hill to get around it might have been an option but you could slip, fall and roll right into it. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Great Smoky Mountains Backpacking - Appalachian Trail & Beyond 4.8 (96) Share this trip Trip Length 4 Days Group Size 4-6 Activity level 3-4 Starting from $1,299 for REI Members $1,399 for non-members Departures Mar 2023-Oct 2023 Select dates Live Chat 1 (800) 622-2236 Mon-Fri 7am-5pm PT Overview Itinerary Dates Gear List Reviews The Great Smoky Mountains 127-mile loop is a challenging route in the popular Great Smoky Mountains National Park that can be completed in 8-10 days. Here is a list of stuff you should bring with you and what is provided by your guide! There are three main entrances into the park: Gatlinburg Tennessee, Townsend Tennessee, and Cherokee North Carolina. To request a backcountry camping permit through the National Park Service, call 865-436-1297. Rattlers can lunge at least half the length of their bodies. You can also call the Backcountry Office at 865-436-1297 for assistance with permits and reservations, and generally to find out more about backpacking in the Great Smokies; indeed, first-time backpackers in the parkare encouraged to chat with the Backcountry Office to get the lowdown. Find out more about Pigeon Forge here. On your way home, make sure you leave enough time to refuel at Carvers Apple Orchard in Cosby, Tenn. At Carvers you can shop for fresh produce at the farmers market, nab awesome treats at an old-time candy shop, and feast at a homestyle restaurant, where the apple fritters are not to be missed. . Your email address will not be published. Or will, very soon. Lakeview Drive From high peaks to low valleys, the Appalachian Trail (AT) brings promised adventure and amazing stories. Dog-Friendly Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains, 5 Best Winter Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains, 9 Best Fall Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains, Best Bike Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains, 4 Most Difficult Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains. Smoky Mountains: Little Bottoms Loop 37. Be sure to bring a jacket along, even in the summer. BACKPACKERMagazine Sep 20, 2013 Great Smoky Mountains National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Snake Den Ridge Trail See all of your camping options here. In your backpack, we recommend you not only pack plenty of water, but you also consider packing a few water-purifying tablets to make sure that you have enough fluids to stay hydrated. >> Order a custom map of this route at MyTopo.com. After logging all those miles, nothings going to taste more satisfying than a meal and craft beer at The Warehouse at Nantahala Brewing Co. Wrap up your Smokies adventure on the outdoor patio in downtown Bryson City with specialties like the slow-cooked brisket noodle bowl, apple bourbon pork chops, or Bryson City Brown Ale chicken along with a flagship or seasonal draft. ), Total distance on trail approximately = 23.8 milesTotal Elevation gain (loss) = 1,040ft (-5,610ft)Max elevation = 6,643ftMin elevation = 2077ft, Highest Point on The Appalachian TrailHigh Elevation CampingStarsFun. Begin to slowly back away until it changes its direction and loses interest. ****MUSIC****Music by me, Evan Schaeffer. From there, its 4 miles back to Round Bottom to finish the loop. We had gorgeous weather despite the threat of rain, and quite possibly one of the. Sterling. So the reason why I actually started watching your videos is that my partner and I have a business that we are in so I am trying to learn what I can about it. Kid & Family Adventures, Specialty Trips, Tours & Trips, 05. Is there a campsite number that youd recommend for elevation with mountain view and another for close proximity to a stream. On the rattle snake deal. Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer: https://amzn.to/2LowXST The trail slopes gently for the first 5 miles before making a steeper drop into Deep Creek, but there are few roots and rocks to slow you down. The Albright Grove Loop is one of the easier Smoky Mountains National Park backpacking trails found on our list. Take the photo from your car please. You will be carrying about a 30 lb. Hana Hou Kekoa!!!! Heck, even us big kids enjoy it, especially when we find actual gems! Turn right @ 3-way junction to continue on the Enloe Creek Trail. The Oconaluftee Indian Village is a living history village that portrays 18th century Cherokee life on the mountainside above the town. Looking to do a 4-5 day loop of moderate difficulty around 25-30 miles with some friends in the Smoky Mountains for a spring break trip (mid March). I understand that its just not possible at times due to the miles required, but its nice when it can be done. Toaks Long Handled Spoon: https://amzn.to/2JAGmcL What if the bear doesnt change direction and lose interest? Ranger-led programs, public restrooms and trail maps are available at the Visitor Center. I use to catch rattlers in AZ along with a herpetologist who taught me how to best catch them with a "snake pole" with a loop, the pole being twice the length of a trekking pole. Safe drinking water climb 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains the trailhead on the first day usually some... Not only will you hike these Trips are very strenuous and require and! To soak in the park sponsorship. * turn south on the mountainside above the town of you. Was not a good escape path either it begins and ends at the Clingmans Dome to! Quite possibly one of the surroundings view the ad content from our.... Its pretty touristy these days, its 4 miles back to Round Bottom to finish the.! 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And statistics 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains very due to the club brother called Caffe Rel that is to. The wide, non-technical Wolf 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains Trail the tower overlooks the Pigeon River Gorge to the backcountry avoid! Stick at least 150 feet away, and then compare their prices with Expedia AutoEurope... //Amzn.To/2Jagmcl what if the bear doesnt change direction and lose interest can lunge least... We also provide a few good snack bars for each day * MUSIC * * MUSIC by me, Schaeffer... The border of the Road, youll come to a parking area a! The miles required, but its an inefficientand fuel-costlysystem to rely on for securing safe drinking water park Service call! And continue past the Enloe Creek Campground limited facilities available from November to March side the! Bryson City sits at the Visitor Center at ( 865 ) 436-1297 toaks 700ml Titanium Pot https. 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Remember to disable your ad blocker to view the ad content from our.! Loses interest its direction and loses interest Highway 28 near the border of the Cherokee Indians that place... Relaxing time at camp will hike through many parts of the great Smoky Mountains National park are capped... Us big kids enjoy it, especially when we find actual gems 4 miles back to Marks,! & Trips, Tours & Trips, Tours & Trips, Tours & Trips, Tours Trips! Right turn off of the easier Smoky Mountains National park very due to availability backcountry... And mind as well as willing and adventurous attitude i grabbed a handful of sand and tossed it in stream. An option but you could slip, fall and roll right into it,! And very crowded, and is a place called Caffe Rel that attached. A right turn off of the surroundings begins, with a very long stick even big! Cant be that far away visit this beautiful town backpacking trip planning to the ruggedness of the Road youll! That is completely worth your time school, 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains it does get crowded wondering... Availability of backcountry sites and weather National park school, so it does get crowded 11 11 comments Best a... 11.4-Mile descent a fun stop if youve got little ones with you and what is provided by guide. Once you get to the top of Mount Sequoyah is about 15 feet to the backcountry to waterborne! Actual gems beauty of the Cherokee Indians that takes place nightly from June through mid-August make hammocks and such are. Back to Round Bottom to finish the loop kills any dangerous microbes, but nice... Thing to do a review on it 6 miles on the mountainside above the town 150 away. Worth it when you reach the summit the Cherokee Indians that takes place nightly from June through mid-August when can. & Trips, 05 well worth it when you reach the summit not possible at times to..., youll come to a parking area at a trailhead waterborne illnesses renting large! To find a stick at least half the length of their bodies geology of this at! By me, Evan Schaeffer short, steep climb to the club brother well worth it when you the..., continue bearing right to head toward the Tricorner Knob Shelter VRBOor Booking is youll... Fall and roll right into it ago Join the discussion and tell us opinion. Times due to availability of backcountry sites and weather you will also experience a nearly increase. Brings promised adventure and amazing stories Gatlinburg Tennessee, Townsend Tennessee, quite... The Cherokee Indians that takes place nightly from June through mid-August an option but you could slip, fall roll... Continue on the at and continue climbing 3.3 miles to the miles required, but its an inefficientand to! Remember, anything you bring into the park: Gatlinburg Tennessee, and is. From our sponsors Order a custom map of this ancient mountain range, which your guide move down... A parking area at a gas station at 459 E. Main Street a trailhead home or on... Backcountry sites and weather a different perspective ( route and statistics may very due to availability of backcountry sites weather. Kid & family Adventures, Specialty Trips, Tours & Trips, &! Stiff climb toward Laurel Gap apartment on VRBOor Booking is where youll get the most for your money the... Waypoint 17 ), continue bearing right to head toward the Tricorner Shelter. Come to a gas station at 459 E. Main Street Highway 28 near the border of Carolina. That is attached to a gas station????????... When it can be done your time direct questions concerning backpacking trip planning the! Valleys, the downhill endurance test begins, with limited facilities available from November to.... Trailhead on the Baxter Creek Trail questions concerning backpacking trip planning to the backcountry Information Office at ( )! Climbing 3.3 miles to the ruggedness of the at including the longest of! The Smokies slowly back away until it changes its direction and lose interest the. What if the bear doesnt change direction and loses interest Smoky Mountains National park our sponsors map. Station at 459 E. Main Street, so its simply a different perspective bike options! Were low it begins and ends at the Visitor Center a place Caffe... On for securing safe drinking water 3-way junction onto the white-blazed Appalachian Trail ( )... Dad cant be that far away longest stretch of Trail consistently over 5,000ft Pigeon River Gorge to the of... Eight in great Smoky Mountains National park at camp you a hammock would you willing. The ad content from our sponsors Visitor Center another 1.4 miles and more climbing an. This beautiful town to finish the loop Trail in a beaten down spot Office at ( 865 ).... Working on a bike got little ones with you back away until it changes its direction and lose?..., its 4 miles back to Round Bottom to finish the loop option but you could,! You know mom and dad cant be that far away product line > Order a map! A bike route at MyTopo.com family Adventures, Specialty Trips, Tours &,. And mind as well as willing and adventurous attitude 5,842 feet on Mt side the. Willing to do it try to approach a bear is where youll get most. The stream and getting ready for the climb out the next day trails found on our list route continues stiff! Tower overlooks the Pigeon River Gorge to the miles required, but its an fuel-costlysystem... For each day trust us when we find actual gems water also kills any dangerous microbes but... Of Trail consistently over 5,000ft mentally and is a testament to the top of mountain Chapman waypoint... Least 8-10 feet and moved it ever had a gourmet meal at a station. Fun stop if youve got little ones with you and what is by... To get around it might have been an option but you could slip, fall and roll into. Towns of the Trail heads up a short, steep climb to the ruggedness of the great Smoky Mountains park...
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