Before planning your backcountry trip, please read through this important information about reservations and permits, regulations, bear safety, trail closures, and more. Foolw that to the Enloe Creek Trail and consider spending another night in the Smokies along the creek at the Enloe Creek Shelter. 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. . Always make sure someone knows where and when you will be hiking. 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. Tag Big Cataloochee Mountain, a South Beyond 6,000 summit and then backtrack to waypoint 4 to continue the counterclockwise loop. Best thing to do it try to move it down that hill with a VERY long stick. Approximately 8-12 milesTraversing the AT for the entire day, we have the challenge of ascending and descending multiple peaks with great views. Day 4 -. You are in my backyard, welcome. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Is there a way I can contact you in a more private fashion so we can discuss this such as an email. BRS Titanium Stove: https://amzn.to/2M5763F These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. 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 Camelbak Rim Runner 22 . Kid & Family Adventures, Specialty Trips, Tours & Trips, 05. Ranger-led programs, public restrooms and trail maps are available at the Visitor Center. (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.). Enjoy the streams and waterfalls of the Deep Creek area in the south-central region of the Smokies on this 28.2-mile loop. 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. The video was shot at 30 fps. This is one of the most popular spots in the Smokies, so do be aware that youll need to bring some patience with you. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Otherwise, continue bearing right to head toward the Tricorner Knob Shelter. Lastly Hugely Important Info! This section will challenge each individual physically and mentally and is a testament to the ruggedness of the AT. They will be able to help either encourage you to try it or advise you to try a better suited trip. What's the Difference Between Hiking and Trekking? These Photos Prove It. . 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. MAP >> Trails llustrated Clingmans Dome/Cataloochee/Great Smoky Mountains NP ($10, natgeomaps.com) >> View a map of the park at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website. You want to find the right place for the best price. On this trip, we will hike through many parts of the AT including the longest stretch of trail consistently over 5,000ft! I figured the more YouTubers who can basically approve our product the better our campaign will be. Push the snake down the hill. >> Order a custom map of this route at MyTopo.com. Thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail (the A.T.) following the Smoky Mountain crest through the park need an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Backcountry Permitbut only if theyre beginning and ending their backpacking trip 50 or more miles outside the bounds of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I could have shot it with my 9mil but the snake was only doing what it does naturally, warming itself in the morning sun. That is quite a climb. In the southwest corner of the Smokies youll find a lesser-used trailhead that leads to the AT and one of the most scenic balds in the park. Bryson City sits at the southern border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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. Turn left off the AT for a short walk to the Tricorner Knob Shelter. 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. When a rattler is buzzing its telling you that its threatened and is prepared to defend itself. You made it. 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. Get your shopping done along Main Street, attend a folk festival, and have an awesome meal at Sweet Onion! I was wondering if we got you a hammock would you be willing to do a review on it. One of the most beautiful towns in all of the Smokies is Gatlinburg. 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. Most of the park trails are well-signed but keep a sharp eye out to distinguish between the official route and the various user paths (ormanways) and animal trails that may intersect or branch off the main trail. pack over hilly, rocky, and sometimes wet and slick terrain. This is surprisingly delicious food. Since it begins and ends at the Clingmans Dome parking lot, you won . 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. If you're looking for a 2- or 3-day backpacking trip, local guide company White Dot Adventures suggests these four epic overnight loops to some of the best views and waterfalls the park has to offer. These trips are very strenuous and require FIT and SOUND body and mind as well as willing and adventurous attitude! I agree that going around it (and I always try to do so on the uphill side) is option 1, by far. 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. Be sure to check out the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website for a complete rundown of backpacking regulations. GUIDEBOOK: Hiking Trails of the Smokies ($21, smokiesstore.org) details all 150 maintained trails within the park. The target market for a given product will inevitably be limited. The scenery is absolutely stunning!! Synchronized Lightning Bug Experiences. I just found your channel! ), 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. Its a very popular spot for motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts for one reason the 11-mile, 318 curved road called Tail of the Dragon. (Route and statistics may very due to availability of backcountry sites and weather. Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/FrozensOutdoorAdventures Because the elevation is not too steep, this is good if you are just getting started with backpacking or you are looking for a challenging day hike. You can both use them for free AND monetize your videos for your own profit. That far from help, hiking alone Id probably try to toss it a distance too. Remember, anything you bring into the park, you are also responsible for removing. Dont forget to check out the list of all of ourSmoky Mountains hiking trails to discover more fun and unique outdoor adventures! 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 From there, its 4 miles back to Round Bottom to finish the loop. If that dont work; a well placed shot of bear spray up wind of the snake. You have the right stuff dialed in, enough face time, enough trail/terrain shots, map details, gear talk, logic/reasoning, edited well, etc. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ Next, take Gregory Bald Trail west a little more than 3 miles to campsite #13 on the bald. Transportation Services, Tours & Trips, 12. Otherwise, turn left to head northwest and continue the loop. Hear the story of the Cherokee people, their history and culture is brought to light. Always bring a hiking map or guide with you when backpacking. 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. Region: Middle South / Deep South (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) Length: 127 miles (10-15 days) Smokey Mountain Backpacking Route GPX File Download. Your email address will not be published. That said, a few backcountry sites can accommodate parties of up to 12 people under a special permit issued by the park. BACKPACKERMagazine Sep 20, 2013 Great Smoky Mountains National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Snake Den Ridge Trail You might be interested in the book Bear in the Back Seat II (2 is better than volume 1) by Kim DeLozier. Another pretty, but very touristy city is Pigeon Forge. 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. 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. See my tips and tricks for getting a good deal on a rental car. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Below are a few suggestions of things to see and do in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Kings Mountain, NC. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. From high peaks to low valleys, the Appalachian Trail (AT) brings promised adventure and amazing stories. Using a 120 to 130 cm trekking pole is rather dicey. We will average about 6 to 12 miles per day. Approx 10 miles a day. With an elevation gain of about 1,500 feet, this trail is moderate in difficulty, thus perfect for beginning backpack hikers. i cant wait to see more. Check for road, trail, and camping closures at nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm. ), All meals are prepared by your guide! Make yourself look as large as possible, be aggressive, throw sticks or rocks at the bear. There are lots of bear cubs in the Smokies, and they are absolutely adorable. Creek crossings and easy bushwacking are on the agenda Saturday, as you hike another 4 miles to the Fork Ridge Trail. Dont do this! This laid-back town has very few tourists, but tons of things to do! One must stop in the town Cherokee is the Museum of the Cherokee. The Village is open from late April through early November. Read more about finding and booking accommodations. Turn left on the Hughes Ridge Trail @ the 3-way intersection at Pecks Corner. Its just beautiful! Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama show is the story of the Cherokee Indians that takes place nightly from June through mid-August. These are the wilds of the Smoky Mountains! 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. 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. Although I receive a small commission from my affiliates, there is no extra cost to you. 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. 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. Once you get to the end of the road, youll come to a parking area at a trailhead. Manage Settings There are several beautiful waterfalls in Smoky Mountains National Park, including the 2 most popular, Laurel Falls, Ramsey Cascades and Rainbow Falls. Wow, what a ride!!!! 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. You will be carrying about a 30 lb. Indeed, the park contains some of the most extensive roadless acreages in the eastern U.S. To see that more remote realm, youve got to trek in by foot. We spent two days backpacking the Abrams Creek area of the Smoky Mountains. There are plenty of campgrounds and campsites within Smoky Mountains National Park. Plan which campsites you will stay in before starting your journey. Here you can find both indoor and outdoor exhibits, including a gristmill and the historic Becky Cable House. I do not mean that as a criticism, I promise. 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 ! This view is particularly scenic during the springtime because you will also find soft white and pink Mountain Laurel wildflowers covering the bald. They like to sunbake on the trail. This was definitely an awesome adventuregreat job! A permit is required for camping in the backcountry. I recommend visiting first thing in the morning. Others include a topographic map(s)for the area(s) youre exploring (you should have a paper map on hand even if youre also using a digital map or GPS), a compass (again, even if you have a GPS unit), fire-starting materials, extra warm clothing layers, extra food, and signaling tools such as an emergency whistle. 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. If you plan on staying closer to Tennessee, your closest airport is McGhee Tyson (TYS). Save. I would get a big stick (like about 10ft!) Outdoor Research Helium 2: https://amzn.to/2LYbilH 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. Refuel at Fontana Village, just over 6 miles down Highway 28, before heading home. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. What if the bear doesnt change direction and lose interest? 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. Wow. Good video. Right on the banks of Big Creek, youd be hard pressed to find a more spacious backcountry site in the park. Rattlers can lunge at least half the length of their bodies. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can check out these great places to stay in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Those with A.T. Thru-Hiker Backcountry Permits can pitch a tent at a shelter if all its spaces are taken. For breakfasts we like to have a breakfast bar and or yummy hot oatmeal! Theres tons of things to do, especially if youre traveling with young-uns. However your videos and Adventure Archives inspired me to check out the Smokies, so thank you! Hike to Clingmans Dome for a 360 degree sunset or sunrise at the highest point in the Smokies. Cherokee, NC 28719 (828) 497-5010, Peters Pancakes and Waffles 1384 Tsali Blvd. If youd rather bike or hike Cades Cove Loop Road, visit on a Wednesday or Saturday from May to late September in the morning before 10am. Turn left onto the Enloe Creek Trail at this 3-way intersection. Turn left on the gravel road and continue another 1.5 miles back to the Beech Gap Trailhead. Our dinners will be a yummy mix of filling and tasty dehydrated meals with added fresh veggies and we try to have a different meal each night! Dont know whats going on but your station is getting distorted. Turn right @ 3-way junction to continue on the Enloe Creek Trail. September 20, 2013 BACKPACKERMagazine However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Just thought Id give a warning. We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Great Smoky Mountains. Day hikers are limited by the distance they can reasonably cover in one shot, while backpackers have the luxury of tackling longer, more challenging routes and the thrill of bedding down in some of the wildest country in the East.Making your way through lush old-growth cove forests or mysterious spruce-firs or breaking out of ridgetoptimber to gasp at a far-reaching view over an ocean of peaks and canyons, then taking a lunch break beside a beautiful waterfall are some of the enchantments of the Great Smokies backcountry. Seven Springs is a family-owned and run retreat center set in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Thanks as always for the blogs. Lets talk campfires! if you dont mind hit that Sub on my channel as well. Backpackers in the park need a permit, of which two kinds are issued. I backpack there often, Id be trashed after a day like that. See the National Parks website for a map and information about all of the Falls in the Park. See my post on Gatlinburg, Tennessee here. This easy hiking trail is a perfect outing for an afternoon with the family. WTG Sterling to the south. We will be met with fresh fruit and sandwiches as we are shuttled back to Gatlinburg, TN. Here's a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary. Cherokee, NC 28719 (828) 497-4539, GEAR Nantahala Outdoor Center 13077 Highway 19 W Bryson City, NC 28713 (888) 905-7238 noc.com, Blackrock Outdoor Co. 570 West Main St. Sylva, NC (828) 631-4453, Mast General Store 63 N. Main St. Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 452-2101 mastgeneralstore.com, Smoky Mountain Outfitters 469 Brookside Village Way Gatlinburg, TN (865) 430-2267, GROCERIES Food City 1219 East Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 430-3116, Bearland General Store 305 Historic Nature Trail Gatlinburg, TN (865) 436-4565, Bradleys Grocery 1699 Paint Town Rd. You'll also want to spend a little time in the quaint towns of the Smokies. Respect the determination. The Albright Grove Loop is one of the easier Smoky Mountains National Park backpacking trails found on our list. Cool to watch some of your older videos and you convey your desire to thru hike the AT and to know that you are actually doing it right now. Go to 24:40 and see what you said about walking on the AT a couple years ago, and how one day. Arrive at the Laurel Gap shelter; after 2,600 feet of climbing you may be ready for a break. We went to a Pow Wow, and spent one of the great days of my life. Claim a site for Friday evening (note that an advanced reservation is required) to enjoy the refreshing waters of Deep Creek and thickly wooded campsites. Treacherous trip! It features beautiful meadows surrounded by tall mountains. BTW 20 mile days in the smokey mts. Your email address will not be published. We pick high quality meals and fruits and veggies for us and our guests so we are all fully energized and feel great for our adventures! If you want to use one of my songs in a video, please see the information on my SoundCloud page about how to properly credit me in the video description. One of the fun and unique features found at the top of Mount LeConte is that there is a mini hotel of sorts, as well as a place where you can pick up a picnic-style lunch to celebrate your accomplishment. Turn south on the AT and continue climbing 3.3 miles to the 0.6-mile Mt. Ill be on some of those same trails next week, thanks for the preview! Spent the afternoon in the stream and getting ready for the climb out the next day. If you come upon a bear while hiking in the Smokies, keep these things in mind: Michael and I stay at The Park Vista. The office is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). 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! Smoky Mountains: Injun Creek 36. The joy you take in being outside comes through as so genuine. Turn left off trail to head uphill for the Big Catahoochee summit. Before you head back down the mountain, dont forget to check out the llamas that transport goods to and from the base of this hiking trail.