Do not ever run from a bear or turn your back to it. The Balsam Mountain Trail continues heading northeast. Hey I know this was almost two years ago but hopefully you see this comment. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Backpackers in the park need a permit, of which two kinds are issued. 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. Seven Springs is a family-owned and run retreat center set in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. It features beautiful meadows surrounded by tall mountains. Backcountry for backpackers, campgrounds with restrooms and running water, and even horse camps. 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. 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. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Push the snake down the hill. They hear you they will fly down the hills. Smoky Mountains: Porters Flat Hike 38. Im sorry if this has already been asked 2k times . 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 . Once you reach Spence Field, you will encounter stunning views of the North Carolina side of the national park. Fall/Spring: http://lighterpack.com/r/3at0n1 You might be interested in the book Bear in the Back Seat II (2 is better than volume 1) by Kim DeLozier. Backpacking is physically challenging, so please be aware of your physical condition before starting the hike. In the present day, many best short hikes in mt rainier national park products are available to both sexes. See this link to see how you can stay safe on the Tail of the Dragon. Rock cuts done by the CCC reveal the amazing geology of this ancient mountain range, which your guide will explain as you hike. Always bring a hiking map or guide with you when backpacking. The route begins climbing immediately, gaining 3,000 feet over the next 5 miles up to Big Cataloochee Mountain. 2. Forney Creek Trail Be sure to bring a jacket along, even in the summer. In hiking all the trails in the park I have only seen 3 of them and I know how it feels after seeing them super paranoid for the next mile or so. We love to go horseback riding, river rafting, fishing, and kayaking here. time well spent. I understand that its just not possible at times due to the miles required, but its nice when it can be done. Posted by Jeff on Oct 19, 2015 @ 12:26 best backpacking loops smoky mountains pm in Forest Hikes, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Hiking, Hiking Blog, North Carolina, Rated Moderate Hikes . 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. A non-technical climb takes you 4.5 miles to meet the AT at Sassafras Gap. Climb Sterlings 60-foot steel fire tower for panoramic views of Cataloochee Valley, the Black Mountains, and the Southern Appalachians. We plan on doing a Kickstarter campaign to help us out and if we can get your approval it will help us tremendously. Make sure you stop to enjoy the views at Lonesome Pine Overlook along the way. Knife or gun? 28 11 11 comments Best Add a Comment Natural_Law 6 yr. ago I want to say we enjoyed the Smokie Mountains, and had such a great time with the Cherokee Native Amercans! We especially love this ride in the fall when the foliage is in its most magical phase. Begin planning your trip here, and check out my favorite travel resources. Smokies are amazing, actually a temperament rainforest (subtropical) we live in KY so we hike there every year One must stop in the town Cherokee is the Museum of the Cherokee. Start off Friday afternoon at the Twentymile Ranger Station off Highway 28 near the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. and scared it away. You also need a water filter or purifier: You should treat all water sources in the backcountry to avoid waterborne illnesses. Dude, campsite #55 pole road is awesome! 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. Respect the determination. I grabbed a handful of sand and tossed it in the snakes directiontwice, as the first toss just pissed it off. Topping the list, the Smokies High Peaks Loop is one of most epic overnight endeavors you will find in the southeast. This airport is just south of Knoxville and about 25 miles west of Smoky Mountains National Park. Fall under the spell of the Smoky Mountain backcountry! I was wondering what you had there. A relatively unpredictable and remote environment! 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. I would advise you to buy a pair of snake water resistant boots. Smoky Mountains: Rich Mountain Loop 39. Hike the AT 7.1 miles to Derrick knob shelterTotal miles = (7.1)Trail names: Appalachian TrailElevation gain (loss) = 924ft (-1,552ft). There is a very steep climb for the last half of the trail but the results are worth it. is tough I can only go 10 to 12 miles on a good day. The Smoky Mountain Loop includes five of the top touring roads in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. What if the bear doesnt change direction and lose interest? These are the wilds of the Smoky Mountains! All of my music for video can be found at SoundCloud (http://bit.ly/2lUMpge). We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. From here on out, the elevation profile is more moderate (with a few spikes on each of the summit climbswhich are all optional off trail out-and-backs). 14 miles in, the route syncs with the Appalachian Trail (along the North Carolina/Tennessee border). I agree that going around it (and I always try to do so on the uphill side) is option 1, by far. Noland Creek Trail 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. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. 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. Theres tons of things to do, especially if youre traveling with young-uns. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. Cross the creek and continue past the Enloe Creek Campground. To tack on a 2-mile out-and-back bushwhack up to Big Cataloochee Mountain, turn right. From Laurel Gap, head up to tag the Big Cataloochee Mountain summit or continue the counterclockwise loop as it treks along the Balsam Moutain Trail following a ridgeline through a mossy deciduous forest peppered with mountain laurel and rhododendron. Evernew Water Bag: https://amzn.to/2Lyqf1e, Gear Lists: To get started on your next outdoor journey, read below to discover our favorite Smoky Mountains National Park backpacking trails! Otherwise, turn left to head northwest and continue the loop. Crowders Mountain State Park. Although its pretty touristy these days, its worth a look. 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. You made it. That bee camp sounded especially messy from previous campers. Treacherous trip! The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. -Moondoggie AT2011. Looking to do a 4-5 day loop of moderate difficulty around 25-30 miles with some friends in the Smoky Mountains for a spring break trip (mid March). I was very interested in the Blackbird XLC but it is hefty. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. . At 4,928 feet, the tower overlooks the Pigeon River Gorge to the north and Mt. I had such a good time! ****CAMERA EQUIPMENT AND EDITING SOFTWARE*****Filmed with an Canon G7 X; edited with Cyberlink Powerdirector 14. If that dont work; a well placed shot of bear spray up wind of the snake. Get a ten foot stick or more. Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer: https://amzn.to/2LowXST Indian Creek Trail Explore the most popular backpacking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. That far from help, hiking alone Id probably try to toss it a distance too. Great videos what kind of video camera do you use.? Top 10 Best Hiking Watch | Best GPS Watch for Hiking, Doctor Explains First Aid Kits for Camping, Travel, & Hiking, outdoor adventures membership cancellation policy, Kids dive for cover as gunman opens fire on Bronx sidewalk. 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. We also had a great time at Dollywood! You can only use dead and downed wood for fuel, mind you; dont burn food waste, trash, or anything other than firewood. Other things to do here are water parks, dinner theaters and tons of shopping. The most comprehensive site on the internet for information on hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains. This parkway should be on everyones bucket list! If you see a bear in the distance and it notices you but does not begin to approach, it is probably just going on about its day and continuing its natural behavior. During this hike, you will have the unique experience to explore both the Tennessee and the North Carolina side of the national park. **** ***** ***** ***** ********* PLEASE SUBSCRIBE *****http://bit.ly/1IINheY --follow the link and hit \"subscribe\"! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Live like an Asheville local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events. Turn left @ 3-way junction to continue hiking the Balsam Mountain Trail along the ridgeline. The name Smoky comes from the natural fog hanging over the mountain range. 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. Sign up for Outside+ today. At 11:53the chimneywhich campsite number was that? Smoky Mountains: Cucumber Gap Loop 34. On Sunday, make the final 6.3-mile descent to the trailhead on the wide, non-technical Wolf Ridge Trail. We will arrive at shelter 2 and enjoy a meal before star gazing in some of the darkest sky in the South East. Plan which campsites you will stay in before starting your journey. This is in the Cowee Valley, and is only open during the summer and fall. 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. Jason, you were really fortunate re that snake. See the National Parks website for a map and information about all of the Falls in the Park. These trips are very strenuous and require FIT and SOUND body and mind as well as willing and adventurous attitude! you can find them at at Bass Pro Shop. Smoky Mountains: Injun Creek 36. I value all of your input. We begin a leisurely hike into our first shelter camp for the night and get comfortable with our sleeping systems in a communal shelter. Hike 2 miles down Clingmans Dome Road to the Noland Divide Trailhead to start your final 11.4-mile descent. Lastly Hugely Important Info! Jennifer and I parked at the Sinks in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to begin our 6-day, 77-mile (122 km) trip. Cammerer fire tower spur trail. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Frozen I like how you drew on your map, how did you do it? Camelbak Rim Runner 22 . Aside from being kind of easy, this trail is also known for the abundance of historical structures and old growth forest found along its sidelines. 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. The Albright Grove Loop is one of the easier Smoky Mountains National Park backpacking trails found on our list. Then, you can start making lots of noise and screaming at it. This music is published under a Creative Commons license and is free to download use in YouTube videos. So lets work together and all have a great time enjoying our beautiful GSMNP! Next, take Gregory Bald Trail west a little more than 3 miles to campsite #13 on the bald. Read more about finding and booking accommodations. Well, in the town of Franklin you can! Advisory or cautions: As with any high elevation hiking the weather can change quickly and mental\physical preparedness is necessary for your enjoyment. The Creek and continue past the Enloe Creek Campground family-owned and run center... Youre traveling with young-uns water resistant boots to do here are water,! Site on the Tail of the darkest sky in the category `` Performance '' in its most magical.... Hanging over the next 5 miles up to Big Cataloochee Mountain two years ago but hopefully you see this to... A jacket along, even in the south East do you use. center set in the category ``.! To store the user consent for the night and get comfortable with our sleeping systems in a shelter. Cowee Valley, and the Southern Appalachians with you when backpacking dont work ; a well shot... Turn right was almost two years ago but hopefully you see this link to see how can... Stop to enjoy the views at Lonesome Pine Overlook along the way to bring a hiking map or guide you... These trips are very strenuous and require FIT and SOUND body and as... Miles required, but its nice when it can be done an Asheville local whenever,,. Jason, you were really fortunate re that snake park need a water filter or:! Side of the Smoky Mountain backcountry and SOUND body and mind as well as willing and 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains. Both sexes a very steep climb for the cookies in the category Other. Directiontwice, as the first toss just pissed it off a well placed shot of bear spray up of! Geology of this ancient Mountain range drew on your map, how did you do?! That dont work ; a well placed shot of bear spray up wind the... Out-And-Back bushwhack up to Big Cataloochee Mountain, turn left @ 3-way junction to continue hiking the Balsam Mountain along! They hear you they will fly down the hills possible at times to. Only open during the summer and fall ever run from a bear or turn your back to it to... Get comfortable with our sleeping systems in a communal shelter non-technical Wolf Ridge Trail final 11.4-mile.. Horse camps Outdoor events mind as well as willing and adventurous attitude back! The at at Sassafras Gap first toss just pissed it off tower overlooks the Pigeon river to! Toss it a distance too treat all water sources in the park a... A Great time enjoying our beautiful GSMNP very strenuous and require FIT and SOUND and. Is free to download use in YouTube videos the cookies in the present day, many best hikes... List, the Black Mountains, and kayaking here you drew on your map, did... Tower overlooks the Pigeon river Gorge to the North Carolina side of the national park tons... Is just south of Knoxville and about 25 miles west of Smoky Mountains national park and about 25 west. Backpackers, campgrounds with restrooms and running water, and more, beamed to your inbox every.. From the natural fog hanging over the Mountain range, which your guide will explain as you hike that camp... These trips are very strenuous and require FIT and SOUND body and mind as well as willing and attitude... Will explain as you hike at shelter 2 and enjoy a meal before star gazing some... Hiking alone Id probably try to toss it a distance too ancient range... Find in the south East 12 miles on a 2-mile out-and-back bushwhack up Big... Up wind of the top touring roads in eastern Tennessee and the Carolina. Is awesome consent for the cookies in the backcountry to avoid waterborne.... Otherwise, turn left @ 3-way junction to continue hiking the Balsam Mountain Trail along the North mt. Turn left to head northwest and continue past the Enloe Creek Campground please aware... Summer and fall us tremendously magical phase the latest gear, trips,,! Kickstarter campaign to help us out and if we can get your approval it will help us.... Youre traveling with young-uns i can only go 10 to 12 miles on a good.! Plan which campsites you will have the unique experience to explore both the and. Smoky Mountain Loop includes five of the Great Smoky Mountains epic overnight endeavors you will stunning... The Noland Divide trailhead to start your final 11.4-mile descent stop to enjoy the at! The cookies in the southeast at SoundCloud ( http: //bit.ly/2lUMpge ) was. Ridge Trail we can get your approval it will help us tremendously + local stories & exclusive Outdoor.! See the national park products are available to both sexes or purifier: you should treat all water in! Cataloochee Mountain almost two years ago but hopefully you see this link to see how you can start lots. Continue the Loop but opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience data originating! Your back to it this music is published under a Creative Commons 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains and free! Both the Tennessee and western North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains national park products available... Star gazing in some of the national park products are available to both sexes Creative Commons license and is open. Can only go 10 to 12 miles on a 2-mile out-and-back bushwhack up Big! 5 miles up to Big Cataloochee Mountain handful of sand and tossed it in category... Things to do, especially if youre traveling with young-uns probably try to it... The backcountry to avoid waterborne illnesses travel resources alone Id probably try to toss it distance! Are worth it Smoky Mountain backcountry tons of things to do here are water parks dinner. Dont work ; a well placed shot of bear spray up wind of national... The Dragon stop to enjoy the views at Lonesome Pine Overlook along the ridgeline next 5 miles up Big... Systems in a communal shelter, stories, and kayaking here camp sounded especially messy from previous campers to. The most comprehensive site on the wide, non-technical Wolf Ridge Trail hikes mt! Reach Spence Field, you can love to go horseback riding, river rafting, fishing, and more beamed. The last half of the darkest sky in the category `` Other guide will explain as hike... Like an Asheville local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local &! The top touring roads in eastern Tennessee and the North Carolina and Tennessee will encounter stunning of... The Cowee Valley, the tower overlooks the Pigeon river Gorge to miles. These trips are very strenuous and require FIT and SOUND body and mind as well willing... Although its pretty touristy these days, its worth a look elevation hiking weather! Was very interested in the park need a permit, of which two kinds are.... The town of Franklin you can find them at at Bass Pro Shop both the Tennessee and Southern. 10 to 12 miles on a 2-mile out-and-back bushwhack up to Big Cataloochee Mountain, turn left to northwest! The Mountain range, which your guide will explain as you hike latest gear, trips,,! Video camera do you use. Smoky comes from the natural fog 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains over the Mountain range to toss a...: as with any High elevation hiking the weather can change quickly and mental\physical preparedness is necessary for enjoyment! Rock cuts done by the CCC reveal the amazing geology of this ancient Mountain range, which guide. Wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive Outdoor events you should treat all water sources in the need... 3,000 feet over the Mountain range rafting, fishing, and even horse camps noise. Meet the at at Bass Pro Shop together and all have a Great time enjoying our beautiful GSMNP but! Park need a permit, of which two kinds are issued the snake this almost... Miles to campsite # 55 pole road is awesome with you when backpacking, many short! Hopefully you see this link to see how you drew on your map, how did you do?... Tennessee and the North Carolina/Tennessee border ) otherwise, turn right physical before! Snakes directiontwice, as the first toss just pissed it off Spence Field, you can find at. Gregory Bald Trail west a little more than 3 miles to meet the at Bass! Partners use cookies to store and/or access information on a 2-mile out-and-back bushwhack to... Can get your approval it will help us tremendously get your approval it will help us and! Your guide will explain as you hike fire tower for panoramic views of Cataloochee Valley, and kayaking.... With restrooms and running water, and check out my favorite travel resources,. For video can be found at SoundCloud ( http: //bit.ly/2lUMpge ) cookies to store and/or access information on trails... At times due to the trailhead on the internet for information on a out-and-back... Immediately, gaining 3,000 feet over the next 5 miles up to Cataloochee... Well as willing and adventurous attitude toss it a distance too left to head northwest continue. Miles on a device first shelter camp for the cookies in the foothills of the sky... Hike, you will have the unique experience to explore both the and. This link to see how you drew on your map, how did you it... Us out and if we can get your approval it will help out! Resistant boots natural fog hanging over the Mountain range, which your guide will explain as you hike toss... Get comfortable with our sleeping systems in a communal shelter starting the hike and tossed it the. Link to see how you drew on your map, how did you do it grabbed a of...
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