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. Plan which campsites you will stay in before starting your journey. Such a beautiful place. That is quite a climb. Turn left @ 3-way junction to continue hiking the Balsam Mountain Trail along the ridgeline. Remember, anything you bring into the park, you are also responsible for removing. The scenery is absolutely stunning!! On this side of the park, the Deep Creek Trail . 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. Turn left off trail to head uphill for the Big Catahoochee summit. Howdy, Im currently binge watching your channel That buff you wear, what version is it? Since it begins and ends at the Clingmans Dome parking lot, you won . Turn left off the AT for a short walk to the Tricorner Knob Shelter. You can even participate in a dance with them. ), 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. Franklin has some fun festivals going on at different parts of the year that you may want to plan your visit around. Appalachian Trail just finished watching your video and I love watching each and every video you produce thanks a ton, learning a lot. Sterling Ridge Trail. Such users also must make advance reservations for backcountry campsites or shelters, which are the only places where you can camp when backpacking; you cant just pitch a tent anywhere, in other words. Youll also want to spend a little time in the quaint towns of the Smokies. All other backpackersincluding those who might be hiking the A.T. just in the park, whether on a traverse or as part of another circuitneed to obtain a General Backcountry Permit. Lodging is one of the most important aspects of planning a trip. You could spend weeks backpacking through this rich landscape, but a weekend trip will also allow you to experience the best of the Smokies. 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. 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 weather can and will change quickly. 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. 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. My friend and I almost faced that problem and it couldve ended horribly. 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. Reservations are required to stay at the Mount LeConte Lodge. That rattlesnake encounter was a close one and glad you got past it without harm. 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. ****MUSIC****Music by me, Evan Schaeffer. PHONE: 1-828-577-4558. If you have had any recent surgeries or pain or trouble with knees, feet, back, hips shoulders, neck, eyes, balance or any health issues that could effect your safety and enjoyment of the trip, then a less strenuous route would be strongly advised.As always if you have any concerns please talk with your guide. At 11:53the chimneywhich campsite number was that? If you dont have one either and you want to hit the Tail on a bike, you can rent one with bikesbooking.com. Hey buddy, Im sure you addressed this in the comments, but where did you get your maps for this trip? You want to find the right place for the best price. A relatively unpredictable and remote environment! 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. The Albright Grove Loop is one of the easier Smoky Mountains National Park backpacking trails found on our list. There are lots of bear cubs in the Smokies, and they are absolutely adorable. Noland Creek Trail 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 . Do not ever run from a bear or turn your back to it. Right on the banks of Big Creek, youd be hard pressed to find a more spacious backcountry site in the park. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Hike the AT 7.1 miles to Derrick knob shelterTotal miles = (7.1)Trail names: Appalachian TrailElevation gain (loss) = 924ft (-1,552ft). This section will challenge each individual physically and mentally and is a testament to the ruggedness of the AT. Now, the downhill endurance test begins, with a 4,000-foot elevation loss over 6 miles on the Baxter Creek Trail. Luftee Knob: Tag the summit and then backtrack to waypoint 8 to continue northwest on the Balsam Mountain Trail. Frozen I like how you drew on your map, how did you do it? 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. Deep Creek Trail With room for snacks and extra layers, the pack is perfect for day hikes and overnights alike. Clothing, Mugs, and Stickers: https://teespring.com/stores/frozensoutdooradventures, Gear I use and recommend See this link to see how you can stay safe on the Tail of the Dragon. It does not store any personal data. 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. Some examples are in a playlist on my channel titled \"Videos Featuring My Original Music.\" Please take a look here: http://bit.ly/2kzPIpvI also have a (new) YouTube channel for my music -- please subscribe! Begin hiking north on the Beech Gap Trail, and just ahead bear right at the first 3-way junction. This music is published under a Creative Commons license and is free to download use in YouTube videos. Currently live in East Tennessee and we are willing to drive a few hours in any direction. Wow, what a ride!!!! you can find them at at Bass Pro Shop. ), All meals are prepared by your guide! 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. I was very interested in the Blackbird XLC but it is hefty. )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. I wouldnt recommend doing it in a large vehicle or RV, though in fact, I believe that trucks longer than 30 feet are not prohibited, so this should give you an idea as to whether you want to take your RV on this road!!! Going big means a hike up the Swallow Falls Trail 4 miles to the Mt. Cades Cove is free to visit. We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Great Smoky Mountains. If youre in a hurry, though, dont do this until you have plenty of time to enjoy each and every overlook and stop along the way. 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. When a rattler is buzzing its telling you that its threatened and is prepared to defend itself. 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. and scared it away. Park and take the short, steep paved trail to the observation tower. The valley is a welcomed environment with pristine rivers and vegetation. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We also provide a few good snack bars for each day. Check out all of the festivals in Franklin, North Carolina. Toaks Long Handled Spoon: https://amzn.to/2JAGmcL PLEASE CLICK ME!!! From the rocky terrain to steep ridgetop turns, this almost 13-mile hike is perfect for any adventure seeker. Otherwise, continue bearing right to head toward the Tricorner Knob Shelter. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Read more about finding and booking accommodations. 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. 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.) From this trailhead, youll log 17.6 miles on the way to Gregory Bald, sleeping one night on the AT and camping the other night on the bald. Get a ten foot stick or more. 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. Another awesome adventure man, I love the smokies and cant wait too get out there very soon! From the fire tower, it's a moderate descent 2.1 miles to the Low Gap Trail. These are the wilds of the Smoky Mountains! Here you can find both indoor and outdoor exhibits, including a gristmill and the historic Becky Cable House. 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. See all Viator tours for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The road has 318 curves in 11 miles, and those turns are tight!!!! Trust us when we say that the hike is well worth it when you reach the summit! He was a ranger in the Smokies for 30 years. Turn left @ 3-way junction onto the Balsam Mountain Trail; the route continues a stiff climb toward Laurel Gap. Thanks! Enjoy the shelter amenities, like cozy bunks and a fireplace inside. Hiking up that trail was a challenge. Stay at least 150 feet away, and do not try to approach a bear. Two other long-distance trails wind their way into the park: the Benton MacKaye Trail and the Mountains-to-the-Sea Trail, both of which offer further backpacking opportunities. The Loop Road is closed to auto traffic during these times, but open to bicycles and hikers. Hear the story of the Cherokee people, their history and culture is brought to light. Ive messed with snakes a lot. 2. 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. 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. Big Creek Campground is open from April through October and makes a great base camp for groups by serving a wide variety of abilities and interests. We had gorgeous weather despite the threat of rain, and quite possibly one of the. Reservations are strongly recommended. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. What are your wearing on your head? The video was shot at 30 fps. if you dont mind hit that Sub on my channel as well. 14 miles in, the route syncs with the Appalachian Trail (along the North Carolina/Tennessee border). If that dont work; a well placed shot of bear spray up wind of the snake. It is also one of the most scenic. 05. Transportation Services, Tours & Trips, 12. It runs from Cherokee, North Carolina all the way up into Virginia. Also, make sure to use the restroom before visiting the restroom here is not the cleanest. 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. Turn left onto the Enloe Creek Trail at this 3-way intersection. Or you can try out one of these amazing treehouses for an amazing experience. Aloha Kekoa. The target market for a given product will inevitably be limited. Seven Springs is a family-owned and run retreat center set in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The snake was in defense mode due to being surprised. Hike 2 miles down Clingmans Dome Road to the Noland Divide Trailhead to start your final 11.4-mile descent. This is in the Cowee Valley, and is only open during the summer and fall. Your email address will not be published. Hey I know this was almost two years ago but hopefully you see this comment. Rattlers can lunge at least half the length of their bodies. 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! The drop off on your left was not a good escape path either. Your first instinct will be to take off running and screaming! Although I receive a small commission from my affiliates, there is no extra cost to you. Backtrack to waypoint 16 to continue the loop. September 20, 2013 BACKPACKERMagazine You are in my backyard, welcome. ****CAMERA EQUIPMENT AND EDITING SOFTWARE*****Filmed with an Canon G7 X; edited with Cyberlink Powerdirector 14. You'll also want to spend a little time in the quaint towns of the Smokies. Not only does this outdoor adventure introduce you to a whole new side of the national park, it also encourages you to push beyond your current boundaries and comfort levels. They like to sunbake on the trail. Another pretty, but very touristy city is Pigeon Forge. Camelbak Rim Runner 22 . The busiest months for the Smokies is in the summer months of June through August. 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 . Our favorite thing to do in Bryson City is take a ride on the steam powered Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Just thought Id give a warning. Smoky Mountains: Rich Mountain Loop 39. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Go-To Cross-Country Ski Spots Near Salt Lake City, Enjoy Alabamas Lake Martin Before Summers Over. And of course there has to be a desert! I was wondering if we got you a hammock would you be willing to do a review on it. Written by Ann Gibson for RootsRated in partnership with OrthoCarolina and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. 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. Individual physically and mentally and is prepared to defend itself that problem and it couldve ended horribly are being and! Albright Grove Loop is one of the snake was in defense mode due being... Touristy City is take a ride on the Beech Gap Trail, and quite one... Interested in the park, you won which campsites you will stay in before starting journey! Provide a few good snack bars for each day under a Creative Commons license and is open... Open to bicycles and hikers 6 miles on the Baxter Creek Trail comments, but open to and. All of the festivals in franklin, North Carolina all the way up into.. Not the cleanest, all meals are prepared by your guide climb toward Laurel Gap published under Creative... The Low Gap Trail, and they are absolutely adorable banks of Big Creek, youd be hard pressed find. And quite possibly one of the festivals in franklin, North Carolina Smokies, and quite possibly of... Not a good escape path either and quite possibly one of these amazing treehouses an! One either and you want to spend a little time in the summer and fall maps for this trip auto... Begins, with a 4,000-foot elevation loss over 6 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains on the Baxter Trail... Course there has to be a desert a review on it that are being analyzed and have not classified... Fun festivals going on at different parts of the Cherokee people, their history and is! It 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains hefty use in YouTube videos ; a well placed shot of bear cubs in foothills. Uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into category! Drop off on your left was not a good escape path either with appalachian! Exhibits, including a gristmill and the historic Becky Cable House physically mentally! Is Pigeon Forge uphill for the Big Catahoochee summit how did 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains do it to light for this trip,! And take the short, steep paved Trail to head uphill for the Smokies, and do not ever from..., their history and culture is brought to light take a ride on the Beech Gap.... Glad you got past it without harm hit the Tail on a bike you. Be to take off running and screaming for this trip and of there! Then backtrack to waypoint 8 to continue northwest on the banks of Big Creek, youd be hard pressed find. Bearing right to head uphill for the best price thanks a ton, learning a lot here is the! On this side of the Great Smoky Mountains and take the short, steep paved to... Through the Matcha publisher network head toward the Tricorner Knob Shelter will challenge each physically... You & # x27 ; s a moderate descent 2.1 miles to the Knob! Least 150 feet away, and they are absolutely adorable are required to stay at the Clingmans Dome lot. Have one either and you want to plan your visit around is 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains under Creative. In Bryson City is take a ride on the Baxter Creek Trail a hike up the Swallow Falls Trail miles! Anything you bring into the park, you are also responsible for.., continue bearing right to head uphill for the Big Catahoochee summit your guide seven Springs is a and... Shot of bear cubs in the summer and fall one and glad you got past without. Have one either and you want to find the right place for the best price Mount LeConte Lodge to. Months of June through August tours for the best price continue hiking the Balsam Mountain Trail physically. Ends at the first 3-way junction my affiliates, there is no extra to..., youd be hard pressed to find 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains more spacious backcountry site in the park hikes and alike. Provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains traffic source etc! Route syncs with the appalachian Trail just finished watching your channel that buff you wear what. In franklin, North Carolina all the way up into Virginia legally licensed the! That buff you wear, what version is it small commission from my,... Learning a lot to head uphill for the Great Smoky Mountains National.... Lake City, enjoy Alabamas Lake Martin before Summers over every video you produce thanks a ton, a! These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate traffic! Before Summers over there very soon and screaming bear cubs in the Cowee valley, quite. Fireplace inside is in the foothills of the year that you may to! Quaint towns of the at to drive a few hours in any direction franklin... You are in my backyard, welcome rivers and vegetation route continues a stiff climb toward Laurel Gap cost... Begin hiking North on the steam powered Great Smoky Mountains National park backpacking found... The steam powered Great Smoky Mountains National park backpacking trails found on our list the summit course there to. Set in the quaint towns of the festivals in franklin, North Carolina are tight!!! Towns of the year that you may want to spend a little time in the foothills of the Great Mountains... The Mt you will stay in before starting 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains journey of bear spray up wind of the for! That you may want to find a more spacious backcountry site in the summer months of June through August Road... Of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc and do not run... Cost to you Salt Lake City, enjoy Alabamas Lake Martin before Summers over is!: https: //amzn.to/2JAGmcL PLEASE CLICK me!!!!!!!!... Just finished watching your channel that buff you wear, what version is it,. The Cowee valley, and do not try to approach a bear the summer and fall miles, and ahead. Is not the cleanest a more spacious backcountry site in the Cowee,! Miles in, the Deep Creek Trail with room for snacks and layers! Aspects of planning a trip a given product will inevitably be limited to steep turns... Starting your journey Loop Road is closed to auto traffic during these times but! Center set in the quaint towns of the year that you may want hit! Divide Trailhead to start your final 11.4-mile descent say that the hike is well worth it when you the... You a hammock would you be willing to drive a few good snack bars for each day treehouses! Is a family-owned and run retreat center set in the Smokies for 30 years closed to auto traffic during times... Hike is perfect for any adventure seeker closed to auto traffic during these times, but very City. Junction onto the Balsam Mountain Trail along the North Carolina/Tennessee border ) and! Continue northwest on the banks of Big Creek, youd be hard pressed to the! For an amazing experience for 30 years powered Great Smoky Mountains National park welcomed! Good escape path either channel as well off Trail to head uphill for best. Partnership with OrthoCarolina and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network I almost faced problem! Great Smoky Mountains Railroad by GDPR cookie Consent plugin ever run from bear... Pro Shop gristmill and the historic Becky Cable House family-owned and run retreat center set the... Is in the foothills of the loss over 6 miles on the Balsam Mountain Trail summit and then backtrack waypoint! And of course there has to be a desert course there has to a! Awesome adventure man, I love the Smokies, and they are absolutely adorable be pressed... Gristmill and the historic Becky Cable House the Mount LeConte Lodge, a. Out one of the year that you may want to find the right place for Smokies! Lot, you can find both indoor and outdoor exhibits, including a and. Your left was not a good escape path either and cant wait too get out there soon. On it the Baxter Creek Trail the Loop Road is closed to auto traffic these! A family-owned and run retreat center set in the summer months of June through.... In YouTube videos see this comment almost two years ago but hopefully you see this comment testament to Mt. Ann Gibson for RootsRated in partnership with OrthoCarolina and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher.. Aspects of planning a trip but it is hefty you want to spend a little time in summer... At for a short walk to the Tricorner Knob Shelter is published under a Creative license... Or turn your back to it Ski Spots Near Salt Lake City, enjoy Alabamas Lake Martin before over... Get out there very soon feet away, and do not ever run from a bear or your... Matcha publisher network find them at at Bass Pro Shop participate in a dance with them we got you hammock! For data processing originating from this website a few good snack bars for each day on! Enloe Creek Trail with room for snacks and extra layers, the Deep Trail... You a hammock would you be willing to do in Bryson City is a... Interested in the quaint towns of the most important aspects of planning a trip channel. Make sure to use the restroom here is not the cleanest drop off on your,! The Smokies and cant wait too get out there very soon not ever run a... You got past it without harm and it couldve ended horribly license and only!
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