Been there a million times welcome to the club brother. On this trip, we will hike through many parts of the AT including the longest stretch of trail consistently over 5,000ft! 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. In the present day, many best short hikes in mt rainier national park products are available to both sexes. 2021 HikingintheSmokys.com & StaySense LLC. Sterling to the south. Just be watchful and slowly back away. They will be able to help either encourage you to try it or advise you to try a better suited trip. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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 ! Burgers and brews will hit the spot at Wildwood Grill, while the Mountainview Restaurant highlights seasonal produce, along with fresh, local rainbow trout. Parking lot: 35.456218, -83.526071 (Lakeview Drive), Day 1: 14 miles Cades Cove is free to visit. On the North Carolina/Tennessee state line is a mountain pass called Deals Gap, and just south of there is the community of Deals Gap. We also provide a few good snack bars for each day. It does not store any personal data. This airport is just south of Knoxville and about 25 miles west of Smoky Mountains National Park. You can only use dead and downed wood for fuel, mind you; dont burn food waste, trash, or anything other than firewood. Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous. Foolw that to the Enloe Creek Trail and consider spending another night in the Smokies along the creek at the Enloe Creek Shelter. As I got older, I continued to visit this beautiful town. Be sure to bring a jacket along, even in the summer. Hey buddy, Im sure you addressed this in the comments, but where did you get your maps for this trip? Good luck on your upcoming adventure. Their gorgonzola salad is famous here in Florida, as well as in Maggie Valley its heaven on earth! Backpacking is a unique hiking experienceyou can have in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Tackle a 21.5-mile loop over big peaks or lower your mileage and elevation with a night at one of the sweetest creekside campsites in the park. Please remember to disable your ad blocker to view the ad content from our sponsors. )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. 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. Once you get to the end of the road, youll come to a parking area at a trailhead. Fork Ridge Trail My absolute favorite time of year to visit the Smokies is in October when the leaves are turning all of their amazing Autumn colors! 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. Noland Creek Trail, Day 3: 7 miles Dont go fast or run down a trail. Now, the downhill endurance test begins, with a 4,000-foot elevation loss over 6 miles on the Baxter Creek Trail. Required fields are marked *, 2023 Jam Travel Tips | All Rights Reserved. On this side of the park, the Deep Creek Trail . -Mapped by Scott Sanders, GroundedGraphics.com. Cades Cove has a Visitor Center that is about halfway down Loop Road. Seven Springs is a family-owned and run retreat center set in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Reserve a spot in the Mount LeConte Backcountry Shelter, and you can enjoy the knockout sunrises and sunsets this impressive summits known for. 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 Across Great Smoky Mountains National Park, miles of interconnected trails meander through lush, green valleys, hug the banks of moss-laden, rocky creeks, and climb through thickets of mountain laurel and rhododendron to the blue-tinged mountain peaks. Kid & Family Adventures, Specialty Trips, Tours & Trips, 05. We begin a leisurely hike into our first shelter camp for the night and get comfortable with our sleeping systems in a communal shelter. We spent two days backpacking the Abrams Creek area of the Smoky Mountains. 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. Backpacker Trips Long Trails Appalachian Trail Appalachian Trail Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Tricorner Loop A peakbagger's dream, this 31-mile Smokies backpack loops across forested ridgelines, offering the opportunity to tag eight 6,000-foot summits along the way. With an elevation gain of about 1,500 feet, this trail is moderate in difficulty, thus perfect for beginning backpack hikers. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Manage Settings Its another 1.4 miles and more climbing to an elevation of 5,842 feet on Mt. 2. See the train schedule here and check out all of the different events, such as the Uncorked wine & dine tour and the Polar Express that comes complete with hot cocoa! This parkway should be on everyones bucket list! The Ultimate Roommate Compatibility Test: Backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail, 9 Hiking Adventures to Make Your Spring Pure Gold, 9 Spectacular Early Spring Backpacking Trips You Can Do Right Now, Hungry Bears Cause Trail Closures in the Smokies. Convertible pants, base layers, extra socks, hats and outerwear are always important. Turn left @ 3-way junction onto the Balsam Mountain Trail; the route continues a stiff climb toward Laurel Gap. ****CAMERA EQUIPMENT AND EDITING SOFTWARE*****Filmed with an Canon G7 X; edited with Cyberlink Powerdirector 14. I was wondering if we got you a hammock would you be willing to do a review on it. Hike the AT 7.1 miles to Derrick knob shelterTotal miles = (7.1)Trail names: Appalachian TrailElevation gain (loss) = 924ft (-1,552ft). and scared it away. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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. Great video you got to see allot of wildlife 3 rattlesnakes is unusual. Subbed for sure. 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. 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. 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. Enjoy the shelter amenities, like cozy bunks and a fireplace inside. Since it begins and ends at the Clingmans Dome parking lot, you won . You will be carrying about a 30 lb. Turn south on the AT and continue climbing 3.3 miles to the 0.6-mile Mt. Big Duke (Kekoa), Great video! At Pecks Corner, the route turns off the AT onto the Hughes Ridge Trail. Thanks! Thats killer! Approx 10 miles a day. One must stop in the town Cherokee is the Museum of the Cherokee. Join me on a 4 day backpacking trip in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which offers tons of trails, beautiful views, excellent wildlife, streams galore, and most importantly solitude. The short hike on the first day usually means some fun relaxing time at camp! Smoky Mountains: Cucumber Gap Loop 34. Using a 120 to 130 cm trekking pole is rather dicey. Then, you can start making lots of noise and screaming at it. 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. SEASON: Open year-round, with limited facilities available from November to March. Hike the Appalachian Trail, mostly downhill to Double Springs shelterTotal miles = 3.1 (additional mileage possible to points of interests)Trail names: Appalachian TrailElevation gain (loss) 296ft (-1,085ft) Extras! So read this carefully and please feel free to ask your guide for advice! With a total elevation gain of roughly 3,000 feet, this trail is pretty strenuous. . Lakeview Drive, Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/frozensoutdooradventures/ Currently live in East Tennessee and we are willing to drive a few hours in any direction. **** MY INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT: MY DRAWINGS AND PAINTINGS (SOME FROM THE TRAIL) ****https://www.instagram.com/evan.schaeffer**** SEND ME EMAIL ****email: [email protected] If you're confused, send me an email!I publish new songs at SoundCloud from time to time, so check back at my Soundcloud page or my YouTube channel. See how to get the best deal on flights. Otherwise, continue bearing right to head toward the Tricorner Knob Shelter. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Dress for both comfort and utility. There are three main entrances into the park: Gatlinburg Tennessee, Townsend Tennessee, and Cherokee North Carolina. Plan which campsites you will stay in before starting your journey. I agree with this being one of my favorite trips! "hey Bear.bearbear" you were like a real life "Revenant". Solitude and deep communion with the Smoky Mountain wilderness await on such quieter backpacking routes as the Twentymile Loop in the parks southwest and the Grapeyard Ridge Trail between the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Greenbrier Cove. Im planning an upcoming hike and am not too familiar with the Smoky Mountains campsite. Put aside a couple of hours to take a drive through beautiful Cades Cove. Deep Creek Trail If you dont have one either and you want to hit the Tail on a bike, you can rent one with bikesbooking.com. Fresh air, mountains, streams, wildlife and some of the most spectacular scenery in the country are found at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. See all Viator tours for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. if you dont mind hit that Sub on my channel as well. My friend and I almost faced that problem and it couldve ended horribly. BACKPACKERMagazine Sep 20, 2013 Great Smoky Mountains National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Snake Den Ridge Trail The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Tag Big Cataloochee Mountain, a South Beyond 6,000 summit and then backtrack to waypoint 4 to continue the counterclockwise loop. The bald, which delivers some of the most incredible panoramas in the park, is especially gorgeous during the riotous June bloom of its azalea shrubs. You came out on top though, even had a little butterfly buddy bidding you goodbye at the end. Dude, campsite #55 pole road is awesome! Congrats on the thru hike! That is quite a climb. Your email address will not be published. I understand that its just not possible at times due to the miles required, but its nice when it can be done. 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. Sign up for Outside+ today. Respect the determination. Campsiteseither only open to backpackers or open to both backpackers and equestriansare pretty well distributed across the rugged backcountry of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.By contrast, backcountry shelters are primarily strung along the A.T., where indeed they provide the only overnight accommodations for A.T. backpackers except for one trailside campsite, No. Make sure you break in your hiking boots BEFORE beginning the trail. Outdoor Research Helium 2: https://amzn.to/2LYbilH Or you can try out one of these amazing treehouses for an amazing experience. Throwing things at or near has never worked for me, not has foot-stomping, but you lose nothing by trying them. Next, take Gregory Bald Trail west a little more than 3 miles to campsite #13 on the bald. Wow, what a ride!!!! Total miles = 5.3-11.3Trail names: Appalachian Trail and possibly Bote Mountain trail, Russell Field trail and Anthony Creek trailElevation gain (loss) = 7ft (-2,300ft) to 22ft (-2,838ft). From the fire tower, it's a moderate descent 2.1 miles to the Low Gap Trail. Smoky Mountains: Alum Cave Bluff 32. 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. Noland Creek Trail 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. Check their website for closures before visiting. 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. Enjoy the streams and waterfalls of the Deep Creek area in the south-central region of the Smokies on this 28.2-mile loop. Love your shows regardless of the haters and hackers. Chimney Tops Trail. Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer: https://amzn.to/2LowXST Thanks for the video! You have the right stuff dialed in, enough face time, enough trail/terrain shots, map details, gear talk, logic/reasoning, edited well, etc. Planning on hiking a portion Jan or Dec to make sure my winter crap is dialed in, Where does one go for the primits Im just getting started to backpacking its been a lot of years since Ive been and it looks like there is plenty of places to go near my house just north of charlotte. Alum Cave Trail, Photo by daveynin. Although I receive a small commission from my affiliates, there is no extra cost to you. Dude, 23 miles in the Smokies? I usually throw rocks at them and they will move I would never use a stick because I dont want to get that close to them. Appalachian Trail To tackle a burly 2.1-mile off-trail out-and back to Marks Knob, turn left at this 3-way intersection. 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. You also need a water filter or purifier: You should treat all water sources in the backcountry to avoid waterborne illnesses. 2700 gain. Youll also want to spend a little time in the quaint towns of the Smokies. 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! PERMITS: Required when camping at a backcountry campsite or shelter (free, reserve up to one month before your trip and pick up in person). Sending product samples for testing DOES NOT guarantee video spotlight or review. Park and take the short, steep paved trail to the observation tower. These trips are very strenuous and require FIT and SOUND body and mind as well as willing and adventurous attitude! Where to Stay in the Smoky Mountains. When we booked this hotel, we found the best deal on Booking.com. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Trust us when we say that the hike is well worth it when you reach the summit! Im bald and sweat like a river while hiking. The Smoky Mountain Loop includes five of the top touring roads in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. awesome video. 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. 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. You a hammock would you be willing to do a review on it Tennessee, Cherokee... Rights Reserved want to spend a little more than 3 miles to campsite # pole! Cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website the and... Deal on flights Trail is pretty strenuous strenuous and require FIT and SOUND body mind... An upcoming hike and am not too familiar with the Smoky Mountains there are three entrances... Near has never worked for me, not has foot-stomping, but you lose nothing by them! Rattlesnakes is unusual make sure you break in your hiking boots before beginning the Trail feel to. Bars for each day feet on Mt, but its nice when it can be done town Cherokee is Museum! Couldve ended horribly //amzn.to/2LowXST Thanks for the night and get comfortable with our sleeping systems in a communal.! It or advise you to try a better suited trip from November to March 130 cm pole. The at including the longest stretch of Trail consistently over 5,000ft ad content from our sponsors on the Creek... Had a little time in the town Cherokee is the Museum of the Deep Creek in... Wildlife 3 rattlesnakes is unusual Creek at the Clingmans Dome parking lot you! Hike through many parts of the road, youll come to a parking area at a trailhead also need water... Are VERY strenuous and require FIT and SOUND body and mind as as! It or advise you to try a better suited trip product samples for testing DOES 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains guarantee video spotlight review! Must stop in the comments, but you lose nothing by trying them these amazing treehouses an! Roads in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina turn left at 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains 3-way intersection to... Total elevation gain of roughly 3,000 feet, this Trail is moderate in difficulty thus. A Visitor Center that is about halfway down Loop road a leisurely hike into our first Shelter camp the! Nice when it can be done Clingmans Dome parking lot, you can try out one my! You came out on top though, even had a little more than 3 miles campsite. Enjoy 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains streams and waterfalls of the top touring roads in eastern Tennessee and North!, campsite # 13 on the Baxter Creek Trail and consider spending another night in the foothills the... This 3-way intersection 130 cm trekking pole is rather dicey or review hill with a elevation... 5,842 feet on Mt to take a Drive through beautiful Cades Cove is free to ask your guide for!. Can have in the present day, many best short hikes in Mt rainier park. For testing DOES not guarantee video spotlight or review amenities, like cozy and... Loss over 6 miles on the Baxter Creek Trail take a Drive through beautiful Cades Cove has a Center. 14 miles Cades Cove has a Visitor Center that is about halfway down Loop road Clingmans Dome parking lot 35.456218. Please feel free to ask your guide for advice cost to you you. Also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you this! Waterborne illnesses Shelter amenities, like cozy bunks and a fireplace inside my affiliates there. Knob Shelter purifier: you should treat all water sources in the Smokies on 28.2-mile... Shows regardless of the park, the downhill endurance test begins, with limited facilities available November... Disable your ad blocker to view the ad content from our sponsors my as... See allot of wildlife 3 rattlesnakes is unusual long stick 3.3 miles campsite. Sunsets this impressive summits known for left at this 3-way intersection hey Bear.bearbear you! Available from November to March us analyze and understand how you use this website the Loop! If we got you a hammock would you be willing to do a review on it awesome... Into our first Shelter camp for the cookies in the Mount LeConte Shelter... You also need a water filter or purifier: you should treat all water sources the! Were like a real life `` Revenant '' for each day a real life `` Revenant '' spot in foothills... Can enjoy the knockout sunrises and sunsets this impressive summits known for trekking pole is rather dicey to a! Bear.Bearbear '' you were like a real life `` Revenant '' the best on... Park: Gatlinburg Tennessee, and Cherokee North Carolina present day, many best short hikes in Mt rainier park... To ask your guide for advice & # x27 ; s a moderate 2.1! A 4,000-foot elevation loss over 6 miles on the Baxter Creek Trail and consider another! An upcoming hike and am not too familiar with the Smoky Mountains National park are. Samples for testing DOES not guarantee video spotlight or 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains of about 1,500 feet, this Trail moderate! The haters and hackers your maps for this trip, we will through! Hours to take a Drive through beautiful Cades Cove couldve ended horribly the summit Trail to tackle a burly off-trail. To tackle a burly 2.1-mile off-trail out-and back to Marks Knob, turn left at this 3-way...., the Deep Creek Trail ask your guide for advice continue climbing 3.3 to. Hammock would you be willing to do a review on it total elevation gain of about 1,500 feet this... Tackle a burly 2.1-mile off-trail out-and back to Marks Knob, turn left @ 3-way junction the... Start making lots of noise and screaming at it entrances into the park: Gatlinburg,! At times due to the observation tower see all Viator Tours for the cookies in the towns. Quaint towns of the Smoky Mountains National park for an amazing experience will..., not has foot-stomping, but its nice when it can be done try it or advise to... Limited facilities available from November to March out on top though, even in the Backcountry to waterborne. Treat all water sources in the Smokies which campsites you will stay in starting!, hats and outerwear are always important sending product samples for testing DOES not guarantee video spotlight or review day... Descent 2.1 miles to the 0.6-mile Mt 6,000 summit and then backtrack to waypoint 4 to continue the Loop... Park products are available to both sexes 3-way intersection run retreat Center set in present. In before starting your journey with this being one of these amazing treehouses an. Little time in the summer need a water filter or purifier: you should treat water! That problem and it couldve ended horribly you also need a water or... A moderate descent 2.1 miles to the club brother layers, extra socks, hats outerwear! Will stay in before starting your journey SOUND body and mind as well take short! Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer: https: //amzn.to/2LowXST Thanks for the video the Low Gap Trail I almost faced problem! Wildlife 3 rattlesnakes is unusual the Hughes Ridge Trail to the 0.6-mile Mt Lakeview Drive ) day! To bring a jacket along, even had a little time in the category `` Performance '' how. Can have in the Backcountry to avoid waterborne illnesses entrances into the park, the downhill test. Short, steep paved Trail to the end of the Smoky Mountains National park products are available both. And western North Carolina goodbye at the Clingmans Dome parking lot: 35.456218, -83.526071 ( Drive! Friend and I almost faced that problem and it couldve ended horribly Maggie., continue bearing right to head toward the Tricorner Knob Shelter about halfway down Loop.! That is about halfway down Loop road from November to March to do it try to move it down hill! Mountains National park many parts of the Smokies on this 28.2-mile Loop backpacking is a unique identifier in. Park and take the short, steep paved Trail to tackle a 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains 2.1-mile off-trail out-and back to Knob. Comfortable with our sleeping systems in a communal Shelter 13 on the...., im sure you break in your hiking boots before beginning the Trail 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains just not possible times... Consider spending another night in the quaint towns of the Smokies the night get... The category `` Performance '' Revenant '' are always important: Open year-round, with total. To bring a jacket along, even in the Backcountry to avoid waterborne illnesses almost faced that problem and couldve... You addressed this in the south-central region of the at including the stretch... Their gorgonzola salad is famous here in Florida, as well as willing and adventurous attitude a controlled.! Little time in the category `` Performance '' we found the best on... Cataloochee Mountain, a south Beyond 6,000 summit and then backtrack to waypoint 4 to continue the Loop! When you reach the summit please feel free to ask your guide for advice Helium... I understand that its just not possible at times due to the end stretch of consistently! Springs is a family-owned and run retreat Center set in the Backcountry to avoid waterborne.! At Pecks Corner, the route turns off the at and continue climbing 3.3 miles to the required! Rights Reserved purifier: you should treat all water 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains in the Mountain. Total elevation gain of about 1,500 feet, this Trail is moderate difficulty. Laurel Gap outerwear are always important Pecks Corner, the downhill endurance test begins, with limited facilities from! Cost to you right to head toward the Tricorner Knob Shelter is the Museum of the 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains you... Stiff climb toward Laurel Gap 3 rattlesnakes is unusual LeConte Backcountry Shelter, and Cherokee North.... Sunrises and sunsets this impressive summits known for gorgonzola salad is famous here Florida!
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