Thank you! The park is open 24 hours a day, and it is free! I agree with this being one of my favorite trips! US 441, a 38 mile route from Cherokee to Gatlinburg, climbs to over 5,000 feet elevation at New Found Gap before plunging to 1,500 feet at Sugarlands Visitor Center offering unmatched mountain views and fabulous touring.From here TN 73 AKA Little River Road winds 33 miles westward . We were there for a Fall street festival with some great Bluegrass music and performers dancing the day away. We plan on doing a Kickstarter campaign to help us out and if we can get your approval it will help us tremendously. We also had a great time at Dollywood! The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Backpacking the Great Smoky Mountains 4 days 64 miles. This music is published under a Creative Commons license and is free to download use in YouTube videos. Curious about fall foliage? Please direct questions concerning backpacking trip planning to the Backcountry Information Office at (865) 436-1297. I would advise you to buy a pair of snake water resistant boots. Turn left on the Hughes Ridge Trail @ the 3-way intersection at Pecks Corner. Roll into Big Creek Friday night to enjoy campground amenities like restrooms, dinner at a picnic table, and campsites with fire rings. On a clear day, you can see up to 100 miles in every direction from this free to visit site. See all of your camping options here. Remember, anything you bring into the park, you are also responsible for removing. The busiest months for the Smokies is in the summer months of June through August. >> Order the USGS topo quads listed above at store.usgs.gov. I grabbed a handful of sand and tossed it in the snakes directiontwice, as the first toss just pissed it off. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. The Railroad takes you from their depot in Bryson City and through beautiful western North Carolina. Peter, you will love that area of the country. Tackle the .4-mile detour or continue northwest along the Balsam Mountain Trail. Davidson River Campground Info. One of the closest hiking parks near Charlotte, the 1,705-foot Kings Pinnacle is a quick drive and, at 2 miles each way, a reasonable hike. Here is a list of stuff you should bring with you and what is provided by your guide! Frozen went during dryer weather so the streams were low. The office is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). Normal bandanas are usually too small. Known for spectacular flame azalea blooms each year in mid to late June, the grassy high-elevation meadow offers stunning views of Cades Cove, Fontana Lake, and Clingmans Dome. 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 Darn Tough Socks: https://amzn.to/2sN4eQ5 Kid & Family Adventures, Specialty Trips, Tours & Trips, 05. SEASON: The park is open year-round, and our trail scouts have hiked this route in every season. Cherokee, NC 28719 (828) 497-9132, RESTAURANTS Smoky Mountain Brewery 1004 Parkway # 501 Gatlinburg, TN 37738 coppercellar.com/Restaurant-SmokyMountainBrewery.html, Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria 968 Parkway # 9 Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 430-4090 bestitalian.com, Grannys Kitchen 1098 Paint Town Rd. We will average about 6 to 12 miles per day. As always, if you have any of your own travel tips to add to this post, any remarks on the article, or if my information needs an edit or addition, please leave your comments below. . Read more about finding and booking accommodations. The Great Smoky Mountains are wonderful enough taken infrom the pavement, but backpackers get to truly immerse themselves in this gorgeous, bio-diverse, and deliciously wild range. 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. Always make sure someone knows where and when you will be hiking. Hey buddy, Im sure you addressed this in the comments, but where did you get your maps for this trip? Frozen I like how you drew on your map, how did you do it? AWESOME VIDEO by the way! Backpacking is a unique hiking experienceyou can have in the Smoky Mountains National Park. You also need a water filter or purifier: You should treat all water sources in the backcountry to avoid waterborne illnesses. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Directions Park information Acreage 521,490 acres Contact (865) 436-1200 Helpful links Backpacking Difficulty Length Otherwise, turn left to head northwest and continue the loop. Welcome to the Great Outdoors!!! Approx 10 miles a day. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. Smoky Mountains: Porters Flat Hike 38. 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. The road has 318 curves in 11 miles, and those turns are tight!!!! Each night we will stay in back country shelters and experience just a small portion of what through hikers experience in the first month of their 2,168-mile journey to Katahdin, Maine. 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. 4-5 day loop, Smoky Mountains Recommendations 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). But, believe me youll want to return again and again because this is just the beginning of many fabulous vacations in the Smokies! All of my music for video can be found at SoundCloud (http://bit.ly/2lUMpge). Approximately 8-12 milesTraversing the AT for the entire day, we have the challenge of ascending and descending multiple peaks with great views. Lets talk campfires! They were having a great time and so were we!! You would not believe all of the people I have seen stepping out of their cars to get photos of a nearby bear. We understand some folks dont quite know what to expect out here but that is whats so wonderful about a guide service! Please remember to disable your ad blocker to view the ad content from our sponsors. Youll also spend a night in an AT shelter and exit on one of the longest continuously descending trails in the Smokies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Alum Cave Trail, Photo by daveynin. This hike is also fun to hike in the fall when the leaves have reached their peak fall colors in mid-October. Backtrack to waypoint 16 to continue the loop. Put aside a couple of hours to take a drive through beautiful Cades Cove. I backpack there often, Id be trashed after a day like that. Forney Creek Trail Go-To Cross-Country Ski Spots Near Salt Lake City, Enjoy Alabamas Lake Martin Before Summers Over. They will be able to help either encourage you to try it or advise you to try a better suited trip. We begin a leisurely hike into our first shelter camp for the night and get comfortable with our sleeping systems in a communal shelter. He was a ranger in the Smokies for 30 years. On a similar encounter I experienced in the Arizona desert our escape routes were limited due to barrel cacti on both sides of the path. Not to mention, you will want to pack your camera because there are several panoramic views points that you will want to capture. We are looking for ideas from experienced backpackers on a 3 or 4 day loop backpacking trip in the smokies. 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). Clingmans Dome is free to visit. Now, the downhill endurance test begins, with a 4,000-foot elevation loss over 6 miles on the Baxter Creek Trail. Chimney Tops Trail. At the village you can work alongside the villagers as they make pottery, weave baskets and hull canoes. Good video. The Balsam Mountain Trail continues heading northeast. Subscribe to our newsletter of follow us on the social channels to stay tuned. Smoky Mountains: Alum Cave Bluff 32. Sterling to the south. A relatively unpredictable and remote environment! Wow. This is one of the most popular hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and with good reason as it gives hikers some of the best views. Just thought Id give a warning. We went to a Pow Wow, and spent one of the great days of my life. Youll resume your northward journey on the AT, traveling 2 miles over Doe Knob to the next trail junction. If youve ever been here, youve seen it the mountains look like theyre covered in smoke. you cant move suddenly or fast enough to get past a coiled rattlesnake ,if he strikes due to sudden movement you could die out there. However your videos and Adventure Archives inspired me to check out the Smokies, so thank you! The views on this stretch are better than what youll get atop many of the wooded summits on this trek. We also provide a few good snack bars for each day. Smoky Mountains: Injun Creek 36. The Oconaluftee Indian Village is a living history village that portrays 18th century Cherokee life on the mountainside above the town. When I was a teenager, my family spent a lot of time in Maggie Valley. And of course there has to be a desert! Not hard enough to hurt it but you cant be too careful in that situation. Snakes only strike at about 1/2 their length but sometimes the best defense is offense and they come to you like that one tried to. Im planning an upcoming hike and am not too familiar with the Smoky Mountains campsite. i cant wait to see more. , u did fine , u are not in the hospital , he would.of left it u razed him with the hiking stick. Mount Chapman: Another 6,000-foot off-trail summit. Dont forget to check out the list of all of ourSmoky Mountains hiking trails to discover more fun and unique outdoor adventures! You might also consider a trek up the Lead Cove and Bote Mountain trailsfollowing the trace of the old Anderson Road, once used to bring livestock up for high-country grazingto reach another mountain bald along the A.T.: Spence Field, which offers a fine view of the great Thunderhead Mountain. Ranger-led programs, public restrooms and trail maps are available at the Visitor Center. Either way, youll hike the AT through some of the most scenic terrain in the Smokies. The Top of Mount Sequoyah is about 15 feet to the north of the trail in a beaten down spot. Other things to do here are water parks, dinner theaters and tons of shopping. Please stay in your car if you see a bear! I wouldve tried to find a stick at least 8-10 feet and moved it. SEASON: Open year-round, with limited facilities available from November to March. A permit is required for camping in the backcountry. Backpacking parties are generally capped at a maximum of eight in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From there, its 4 miles back to Round Bottom to finish the loop. Summer: https://lighterpack.com/r/quth The Spence Field Loop is perfect for backpack hikers looking to enjoy a full day of exploring the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains National Park. This laid-back town has very few tourists, but tons of things to do! We will be met with fresh fruit and sandwiches as we are shuttled back to Gatlinburg, TN. At 4,928 feet, the tower overlooks the Pigeon River Gorge to the north and Mt. The best time to experience this hike is between the months of April and May because that is when the wildflowers found along the trail will be at their peak. Great video you got to see allot of wildlife 3 rattlesnakes is unusual. Going big means a hike up the Swallow Falls Trail 4 miles to the Mt. Trail Length: 2 miles round-trip Trail Type: Loop Trail Difficulty: Easy Estimated Time: 1 hour Cades Cove is one of the best hiking spots in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Turn south on the AT and continue climbing 3.3 miles to the 0.6-mile Mt. We are shuttled to the highest point we can access by road in the GSMNP before setting foot on the renowned AT. I was very interested in the Blackbird XLC but it is hefty. This means that you will almost feel as if you are stepping back in time and exploring the Smoky Mountains of yesteryear during your adventure. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Backcountry reservation office: (865) 436-1231, nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm, CONDITIONS: Check weather at Gatlinburg, TN (37738) Weather. Spent the afternoon in the stream and getting ready for the climb out the next day. Hiking all or part of the roughly 72-mile stretch of the A.T. in the park, between Fontana Dam and Davenport Gap, is a classic adventure; this internationally known footpath accesses a number of popular park landmarks, including the Smoky Mountain high point of Clingmans Dome and the spectacular (if unattractively named)vantage of Charlies Bunion. However, you know mom and dad cant be that far away. It's 19 miles and the loop route is Forney Ridge Trail/Forney Creek Trail/Jonas Creek Trail/Welch Ridge Trail/AT. Its always good to have a can of bear spray with you while hiking in the Smokies. The Loop Road is closed to auto traffic during these times, but open to bicycles and hikers. 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. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Spence Field Loop Wander from bubbling cascades to scenic balds to wide ridgelines to old-growth forest on this classic 12.5-mile, 2-day loop in the shadow of several 5,000-foot peaks. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Go to 24:40 and see what you said about walking on the AT a couple years ago, and how one day. I understand that its just not possible at times due to the miles required, but its nice when it can be done. Martins Gap Trail We love to go horseback riding, river rafting, fishing, and kayaking here. Climb Sterlings 60-foot steel fire tower for panoramic views of Cataloochee Valley, the Black Mountains, and the Southern Appalachians. I didnt even know you had video of it! time well spent. Explore Smoky Mountain Loop Hikes - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Not only will you hike past several old homesteads and logging camps, you will also experience a nearly 3,000-foot increase in elevation. Find more information here. On Sunday, you can go big or go home, as they say. 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. Bears down here in Cohutta hate people. **** ***** ***** ***** ********* PLEASE SUBSCRIBE *****http://bit.ly/1IINheY --follow the link and hit \"subscribe\"! Topping the list, the Smokies High Peaks Loop is one of most epic overnight endeavors you will find in the southeast. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Arrive at the Laurel Gap shelter; after 2,600 feet of climbing you may be ready for a break. Arthurs!!! Toaks Long Handled Spoon: https://amzn.to/2JAGmcL They really seem to have the best deals on hotels, B&Bs and rental properties. WTG The elk, the drive through the Smokies was beautiful. One of the shortest AT access points, the trail passes the remains of homesteads that pre-date the national park. Start off Friday afternoon at the Twentymile Ranger Station off Highway 28 near the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. Cammerer fire tower spur trail. Im sorry if this has already been asked 2k times . Franklin has some fun festivals going on at different parts of the year that you may want to plan your visit around. If you have had any recent surgeries or pain or trouble with knees, feet, back, hips shoulders, neck, eyes, balance or any health issues that could effect your safety and enjoyment of the trip, then a less strenuous route would be strongly advised.As always if you have any concerns please talk with your guide. Every hiker should experience the Great Smoky Mountains where old-growth forests, diverse flora and fauna, and breathtaking scenery combine for the quintessential outdoor adventure. Youll be up early on Saturday to climb the Chestnut Branch Trail 2 miles to the Appalachian Trail. Your first instinct will be to take off running and screaming! As I got older, I continued to visit this beautiful town. You can only use dead and downed wood for fuel, mind you; dont burn food waste, trash, or anything other than firewood. Enjoy the shelter amenities, like cozy bunks and a fireplace inside. Sign up for Outside+ today. Smoky Mountains: Hen Wallow Falls Hike 35. However, they have a wide range of audiences. just finished watching your video and I love watching each and every video you produce thanks a ton, learning a lot. To get to Clingmans Dome youll drive along Clingmans Dome Road where there are several scenic vistas on which to pull off for photographs. Great Smoky Mountains Backpacking Trips Filter 3-4 Days from $950 Smoky Mountains Classic Location: North Carolina Hikes Area: Smoky Mountains Guided Hikes Trip type: Guided Backpacking Trip Difficulty: Highlights: Iconic Appalachian Meadows, Backcountry Cascades, Sunset Dinner with Views 4 Days from $1210 Mount Sterling Appalachian Loop One must stop in the town Cherokee is the Museum of the Cherokee. See my post on Gatlinburg, Tennessee here. Required fields are marked *, 2023 Jam Travel Tips | All Rights Reserved. ****CAMERA EQUIPMENT AND EDITING SOFTWARE*****Filmed with an Canon G7 X; edited with Cyberlink Powerdirector 14. See my mile-by-mile guide for highlights on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Great Smoky Mountains National Park may be the most popular national park in the country, but for those willing to venture into the extensive backcountry of this Southern Appalachian sanctuary, ample opportunities for solitude are one of many rewards. If you choose to have oneand keep in mind some proponents of Leave No Trace to eschew campfires for environmental reasonskeep in mind theyre only allowed at designated backcountry sites and shelters in established fire rings. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Dude, campsite #55 pole road is awesome! You will be carrying about a 30 lb. (Route and statistics may very due to availability of backcountry sites and weather. This is surprisingly delicious food. Is there a campsite number that youd recommend for elevation with mountain view and another for close proximity to a stream. The land is located 15 minutes south of Maryville, 20 minutes from the TYS international airport, and 20-45 minutes from Knoxville . Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Ill be on some of those same trails next week, thanks for the preview! Its just beautiful! We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Backpacking Great Smoky Mountain National Park - 4 days - 40 miles Bryce Newbold 26.6K subscribers Subscribe 50K views 4 years ago A 4 day, 3 night backpacking adventure in the. It runs from Cherokee, North Carolina all the way up into Virginia. The scenery is absolutely stunning!! The second handful of sand prompted it to slither away. Toaks Titanium Wind Screen: https://amzn.to/2JnpbrG awesome video. 2700 gain. Our start begins by climbing to 6643 of elevation, which is the highest point on the entire AT. From high peaks to low valleys, the Appalachian Trail (AT) brings promised adventure and amazing stories. From the fire tower, its a moderate descent 2.1 miles to the Low Gap Trail. Turn left @ 3-way junction to continue along the Hughes Ridge Trail. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. With 4-5 days in the Smokies, you can take long, slow drives through the incredible scenery, and still be left with plenty of time for rafting on the Pigeon River in the northeast or hiking along the Little Tennessee River in the southeast. Although I receive a small commission from my affiliates, there is no extra cost to you. However, if youre planning on spending more time in North Carolina, the closest airport is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), which is about 60 miles east of Cherokee. You have the right stuff dialed in, enough face time, enough trail/terrain shots, map details, gear talk, logic/reasoning, edited well, etc. Parking lot: 35.456218, -83.526071 (Lakeview Drive), Day 1: 14 miles Convertible pants, base layers, extra socks, hats and outerwear are always important. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Be sure to bring cash, because they do not accept credit here. From this trailhead, youll log 17.6 miles on the way to Gregory Bald, sleeping one night on the AT and camping the other night on the bald. That is quite a climb. Treacherous trip! Depending on where we stayed that night we will hike 11.3 from Spence Field shelter via Bote Mountain trail and Anthony Creek Trail or 5.3 miles down Russell Field trail Anthony Creek trail to the end point. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community. Now that you know all of the fun and exciting places to go backpacking, here are a few tips to help you make sure that your journey is both fun and memorable. Youd be amazed how often in this most-visited of U.S. national parks youll get to savor them alone.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'hikinginthesmokys_com-box-4','ezslot_9',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hikinginthesmokys_com-box-4-0'); Its critical to abide by the rules the Park Service has set for regulating backpacking in the Great Smokies. Noland Creek Trail, Day 3: 7 miles . Turning right at this junction follows the optional 5.3-mile detour to tag Mount Guyot and Old Black (two more 6,000-foot summits). Another pretty, but very touristy city is Pigeon Forge. 28 11 11 comments Best Add a Comment Natural_Law 6 yr. ago 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. Keep in mind, this is not a loop trail, so if you dont want to hike the full stretch, you can turn back at any time. Turn left onto the Enloe Creek Trail at this 3-way intersection. We will arrive at shelter 2 and enjoy a meal before star gazing in some of the darkest sky in the South East. Sending product samples for testing DOES NOT guarantee video spotlight or review. What if the bear doesnt change direction and lose interest? Kings Mountain, NC. Hike to Clingmans Dome for a 360 degree sunset or sunrise at the highest point in the Smokies. Strenuous. Currently live in East Tennessee and we are willing to drive a few hours in any direction. Theyre there to protect the natural resources of this special place, enjoyed by millions every year and thus vulnerable to overuse; they also help ensure a positive experience for backcountry users. 2022 | OutdoorsHorizon.com | Designed & Hosted by. Youve barely left the Deep Creek Ranger Station before you come across Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls. Written by Ann Gibson for RootsRated in partnership with OrthoCarolina and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. On Sunday, make the final 6.3-mile descent to the trailhead on the wide, non-technical Wolf Ridge Trail. 06. From the Visitors Center follow the orange circle blazes. Sterling Ridge Trail. If you opt to go home, you can sleep in, savor your coffee by the campfire, and still have plenty of time to hike the moderate, 5-mile descent along Big Creek back to the campground, passing two stunning waterfalls and plenty of swimming holes along the way. PARKINFO: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, (865) 436-1200; nps.gov/grsm, SMOKIES TRIP PLANNER: nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/trip-planner.htm, GAS Shell Super Mart 376 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 430-2161, Texaco 799 Tsali Blvd. During this hike, you will have the unique experience to explore both the Tennessee and the North Carolina side of the national park. Make sure you break in your hiking boots BEFORE beginning the trail. If you love Smoky Mountain National Park backpacking trails that are both challenging and scenic, you are sure to love this section of the Appalachian Trial. Either going around it or throwing an object near it might have provoked it to move on. Ive messed with snakes a lot. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Along this hike, you will experience many obstacles and challenges that make this hike worthwhile. Bryson City sits at the southern border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. )On the water subject, be careful at stream crossings in the Great Smokies; during periods of high flow, as after heavy rainfall, for example, these can be tricky.Use the parks trail map, your topo(s), GPS unit, and trail markers to stay on track out there. Jackie, I always enjoy your JAM Travel Tips. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. I dont have a motorcycle, but I think it would be a great ride on a bike. Join the discussion and tell us your opinion. A right turn off the trail leads up to Luftee Knob, another 6,000-foot summit. . Before planning your backcountry trip, please read through this important information about reservations and permits, regulations, bear safety, trail closures, and more. Cades Cove is free to visit. Appalachian Trail - 4 Day | Smoky Mountain Guides Appalachian Trail - 4 Day "4 day Appalachian Trail Adventure!" What it's all about: Hike the longest continuous section of the Appalachian Trail that is continuously over 5000 feet! Because this trail is so long, we definitely recommend that you consider breaking this up into a two or three-day excursion. Stay at least 150 feet away, and do not try to approach a bear. When a rattler is buzzing its telling you that its threatened and is prepared to defend itself. PHONE: 1-828-577-4558. Jackie The Smokies looks like a great bit of the States to explore that we have yet to get to. If youre really, really enjoying those windy roads, head over to Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap!! Below are a few suggestions of things to see and do in the Smoky Mountains National Park. 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. Trust us when we say that the hike is well worth it when you reach the summit! Best thing to do it try to move it down that hill with a VERY long stick. Awesome mountians though.steller!, I think I would nm of wore him down with your trecking pole (not kill) but if it is u or snake , umm , u know the answer ! It is known for its diversity of plant and animal life, and also for having some of the most ancient mountains in the entire world. A short hike north takes you to the Mount Collins shelter, where youll spend the night in a high-elevation spruce-fir forest and dramatically cooler, drier conditions. Have you ever had a gourmet meal at a gas station??? Camelbak Rim Runner 22 . 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. Turn south on the AT and continue climbing 3.3 miles to the 0.6-mile Mt. From high peaks to low valleys, the Appalachian Trail (AT) brings promised adventure and amazing stories.
Anthony Dowell Obituary,