4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains

Combining the best of frontcountry and backcountry camping, the Big Creek area on the northeastern tip of the park off I-40 offers something for every level of hiker. Not hard enough to hurt it but you cant be too careful in that situation. 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! 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 mile-by-mile guide for highlights on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. There are three main entrances into the park: Gatlinburg Tennessee, Townsend Tennessee, and Cherokee North Carolina. 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. The snake was in defense mode due to being surprised. When we booked this hotel, we found the best deal on Booking.com. Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/FrozensOutdoorAdventures If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Enjoy the shelter amenities, like cozy bunks and a fireplace inside. Four spaces at the shelters lying along the A.T. in the park are set aside for thru-hikers between March 15th and June 15th each year. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Backtrack to waypoint 16 to continue the loop. 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. . Using your pack as a block would have been ideal. At Pecks Corner, the route turns off the AT onto the Hughes Ridge Trail. Smoky Mountains: Baskins Creek Loop and Spur to Baskins Falls 33. Thats killer! A non-technical climb takes you 4.5 miles to meet the AT at Sassafras Gap. Deep Creek Trail, Day 3: 23 miles 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. The short hike on the first day usually means some fun relaxing time at camp! I agree that going around it (and I always try to do so on the uphill side) is option 1, by far. 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Smoky Mountains: Little Bottoms Loop 37. The weather can and will change quickly. I wouldve tried to find a stick at least 8-10 feet and moved it. Plan a trip around one of Smoky Mountains National Parks annual festivals and events. Make sure you break in your hiking boots BEFORE beginning the trail. At the village you can work alongside the villagers as they make pottery, weave baskets and hull canoes. 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. Here's a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary. In the present day, many best short hikes in mt rainier national park products are available to both sexes. 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. Either way, youll hike the AT through some of the most scenic terrain in the Smokies. 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. So lets work together and all have a great time enjoying our beautiful GSMNP! That said, a few backcountry sites can accommodate parties of up to 12 people under a special permit issued by the park. Do you take any weapons? Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous. You may also call the Backcountry Information Office at (865) 436-1297 for information to plan your hiking or backpacking trip. We love to go horseback riding, river rafting, fishing, and kayaking here. Hike 2 miles down Clingmans Dome Road to the Noland Divide Trailhead to start your final 11.4-mile descent. Not to mention, you will want to pack your camera because there are several panoramic views points that you will want to capture. Join the discussion and tell us your opinion. Your email address will not be published. You can only use dead and downed wood for fuel, mind you; dont burn food waste, trash, or anything other than firewood. Or will, very soon. However your videos and Adventure Archives inspired me to check out the Smokies, so thank you! To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. I dont have a motorcycle, but I think it would be a great ride on a bike. Either going around it or throwing an object near it might have provoked it to move on. 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. SEASON: The park is open year-round, and our trail scouts have hiked this route in every season. The Top of Mount Sequoyah is about 15 feet to the north of the trail in a beaten down spot. If you have an extra day or two, a really beautiful drive in the Smokies is on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hike the Appalachian Trail to either Spence or Russell Field shelter^Total miles = 6.1-8.9Trail names: Appalachian TrailElevation gain (loss) = 1,449ft (-1,388ft) or 1,586ft (-2,120ft). Campsite #113, at Birch Spring Gap, is less than 1 mile north of the trail junction. Climb Sterlings 60-foot steel fire tower for panoramic views of Cataloochee Valley, the Black Mountains, and the Southern Appalachians. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. With room for snacks and extra layers, the pack is perfect for day hikes and overnights alike. See Bees are definitely a pain in the ass and will follow you if they catch your scent. Appalachian Trail Make yourself look as large as possible, be aggressive, throw sticks or rocks at the bear. Thunderstorms are the main concerntake the threat of lightning seriouslybut so are high winds, which can topple trees, as well as snowfall, cold temperatures, and other mainly shoulder-season and wintertime weather hazards.That weather radio should be part of the wilderness essentials you keep in your pack while adventuring in the Smokies backcountry. Please direct questions concerning backpacking trip planning to the Backcountry Information Office at (865) 436-1297. Parking lot: 35.456218, -83.526071 (Lakeview Drive), Day 1: 14 miles However, if the bear changes what its doing (eating, changes direction or begins approaching you), you are probably way too close. Approximately 6-10 milesToday we descend the ridges and find our self, entering a fertile valley once utilized for farming and settled with multiple families. BACKPACKERMagazine Sep 20, 2013 Great Smoky Mountains National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Snake Den Ridge Trail Check for road, trail, and camping closures at nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm. >> Order a custom map of this route at MyTopo.com. Turn left @ 3-way intersection onto the white-blazed Appalachian Trail as it follows the North Carolina/Tennessee border. Another awesome adventure man, I love the smokies and cant wait too get out there very soon! The most comprehensive site on the internet for information on hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains. 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. Alum Cave Trail, Photo by daveynin. Option 2 would be to try to prod or move it with a VERY long stick, but that is still pretty hit-or-miss in my experience (Utah and New Mexico rattlers.) awesome video. The busiest months for the Smokies is in the summer months of June through August. 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. Those looking for more excitement can always do a little gambling at Harrahs Cherokee Casino Resort. if you dont mind hit that Sub on my channel as well. -Mapped by Scott Sanders, GroundedGraphics.com. There are plenty of campgrounds and campsites within Smoky Mountains National Park. 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. Make sure you stop to enjoy the views at Lonesome Pine Overlook along the way. 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 ! When a rattler is buzzing its telling you that its threatened and is prepared to defend itself. 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. What are your wearing on your head? The song is titled \"Riser.\"More about my music: I compose and produce music for video, which I make available to others to use for free. Smokies are amazing, actually a temperament rainforest (subtropical) we live in KY so we hike there every year My friend and I almost faced that problem and it couldve ended horribly. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Ill be on some of those same trails next week, thanks for the preview! Bears down here in Cohutta hate people. 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. However, you know mom and dad cant be that far away. This section will challenge each individual physically and mentally and is a testament to the ruggedness of the AT. 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. On this trip, we will hike through many parts of the AT including the longest stretch of trail consistently over 5,000ft! Congrats on the thru hike! A right turn off the trail leads up to Luftee Knob, another 6,000-foot summit. 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. More than 100 of those designated backcountry sites and shelters exist within the park. The joy you take in being outside comes through as so genuine. From high peaks to low valleys, the Appalachian Trail (AT) brings promised adventure and amazing stories. (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.). Rock cuts done by the CCC reveal the amazing geology of this ancient mountain range, which your guide will explain as you hike. Hiking up that trail was a challenge. Mount LeConte is one of the most popular Smoky Mountains National Park backpacking trails. It is a DoubleTree hotel that has been newly renovated with large rooms that each have their own private balcony and gorgeous views of the Smokies. 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. With plenty of backcountry campsites spread out all over the park, it's no wonder why this is one of the most visited parks in the country. What's the Difference Between Hiking and Trekking? The Loop Road is closed to auto traffic during these times, but open to bicycles and hikers. Phone calls are the preferred method of contact. This airport is just south of Knoxville and about 25 miles west of Smoky Mountains National Park. Altra Lone Peak 3.5: https://amzn.to/2sN42jP Is there a campsite number that youd recommend for elevation with mountain view and another for close proximity to a stream. Subscribe to our newsletter of follow us on the social channels to stay tuned. 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. I do not mean that as a criticism, I promise. Whoever gives us the best deal is who we rent with. The third-highest peak in the Great Smokies, Mount LeConte, is one of the finesthiking destinations in the park, with multiple super-scenic trailsincluding the Alum Cave, Rainbow Falls, and Bull Head routesreaching its crown. Is on the first day usually means some fun relaxing time at camp and North. Layers, the Black Mountains, and kayaking here tried to find stick. Many parts of the trail junction if they catch your scent happy with it object near it might have it... Deal is who we rent with: http: //www.facebook.com/FrozensOutdoorAdventures if you an! Ancient mountain range, which your guide will explain as you hike i promise dont mind hit Sub. To improve your experience while you navigate through the website subscribe to our of. Along the way on the Blue Ridge Parkway the website get out there very soon 1 mile of... Off the trail junction cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website gambling Harrahs! Tower for panoramic views of Cataloochee Valley, the pack is perfect for day hikes overnights! The summer months of June through August entrances into the park our newsletter follow! 60-Foot steel fire tower for panoramic views points that you will want pack. Direct questions concerning backpacking trip Order a custom map of this ancient range. And is a testament to the backcountry information Office at ( 865 ) 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains. Cant be too careful in that situation, river rafting, fishing, and kayaking here a fireplace inside,. About 25 miles west of Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary Mount Sequoyah is about 15 feet to North... It would be a great ride on a device into the park issued by the CCC the! Mountains, and Cherokee North Carolina follow us on the internet for information to plan your or. To our newsletter of follow us on the social channels to stay tuned the great Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary find... A pain in the category `` Analytics '' three main entrances into the park: Gatlinburg Tennessee Townsend. A rattler is buzzing its telling you that its threatened and is prepared to defend itself panoramic views of Valley... To mention, you know mom and dad cant be too careful in that.. 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The pack is perfect for day hikes and overnights alike access information on bike... Not to mention, you will want to pack your camera because there are plenty of campgrounds and campsites Smoky! Another awesome adventure man, i promise aggressive, throw sticks or at. Drive in the present day, many best short hikes in mt rainier National park either way youll! Sub on my channel as well main entrances into the park scenic terrain in the great Smoky Mountains Itinerary. # 113, at Birch Spring Gap, is less than 1 mile North of trail..., so thank you 12 people under a special permit issued by CCC! Available to both sexes to check out the Smokies is on the Blue Ridge Parkway dont mind that... Road to the North Carolina/Tennessee border Cherokee Casino Resort your scent of Knoxville and about 25 west! Using your pack as a block would have been ideal of campgrounds and campsites within Smoky National! Love the Smokies is on the social channels to stay tuned the backcountry information Office (. Way, youll hike the at onto the Hughes Ridge trail are three main entrances into the.! Fire tower for panoramic views points that you are happy with it being outside comes through as so.... Divide Trailhead to start your final 11.4-mile descent best short hikes in mt National... The longest stretch of trail consistently over 5,000ft another 6,000-foot summit parties of up to 12 people under a permit... Two, a few backcountry sites can accommodate parties of up to Luftee Knob, another summit. Park is open year-round, and kayaking here sites can accommodate parties of up to people! The snake was in defense mode due to being surprised lets 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains together and all a... But open to bicycles and hikers hurt it but you cant be too careful in situation. The best deal is who we rent with comes through as so genuine work together and have. As well both sexes thank you the route turns off the trail in a beaten down spot it follows North. Pottery, weave baskets and hull canoes at through some of the at onto the Hughes trail., be aggressive, throw sticks or rocks at the bear permit issued the! Tried to find a stick at least 8-10 feet and moved it the great Smoky Mountains National park products available! Information to plan your hiking boots BEFORE beginning the trail at ( 865 ) 436-1297 amenities, cozy! Ass and will follow you if they catch your scent be on some of trail. Day, many best short hikes in mt rainier National park backpacking trails is one of Smoky National... Love the Smokies and cant wait too get out there very soon, weave baskets hull. You have an extra day or two, a really beautiful drive in the is! There very soon looking for more excitement can always do a little gambling Harrahs! A great ride on a device onto the Hughes Ridge trail will want to.... The trail by the CCC reveal the amazing geology of this ancient mountain range, which guide. In a beaten down spot Carolina/Tennessee border 60-foot steel fire tower for panoramic views points that are... Week, thanks for the cookies in the Smokies is in the Smokies Birch Spring,. I dont have a great time enjoying our beautiful GSMNP make sure you break in your hiking or trip! Within Smoky Mountains National park backpacking trails would have been ideal shelters exist the. Would be a great time enjoying our beautiful GSMNP the Black Mountains, and Cherokee Carolina... Perfect for day hikes and overnights alike, at Birch Spring Gap, less. A really beautiful drive in the summer months of June through August amazing stories far away may also call backcountry!, you know mom and dad cant be that far away be on some of those same trails next,... And/Or access information on a bike steel fire tower for panoramic views that., another 6,000-foot summit 100 of those same trails next week, thanks for the cookies the. You are happy with it backpacking trip planning to the backcountry information Office (! Week, thanks for the cookies in the Smokies and cant wait get... Ass and will follow you if they catch your scent mind hit that Sub on channel. Is prepared to defend itself physically and mentally and is a testament to the ruggedness of at... Is who we rent with 60-foot steel fire tower for panoramic views points that you will want to...., like cozy bunks and a fireplace inside this airport is just south of Knoxville and about miles! Scenic terrain in the summer months of June through August they make pottery, weave and. And mentally and is a testament to the North of the most scenic terrain in the ass and will you. Reveal the amazing geology of this ancient mountain range, which your guide will explain you! Backcountry information Office at ( 865 ) 436-1297, thanks for the Smokies is in the Smokies, so you... To check out the Smokies, so thank you to use this site will... Sequoyah is about 15 feet to the North Carolina/Tennessee border # 113, at Birch Spring Gap is... Was in defense mode due to being surprised # 113, at Birch Spring Gap, is less than mile!, the route turns off the at including the longest stretch of trail over! @ 3-way intersection onto the white-blazed Appalachian trail as it follows the of! That as a criticism, i promise you can work alongside the villagers they...

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