See all Viator tours for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The joy you take in being outside comes through as so genuine. Mount LeConte is one of the most popular Smoky Mountains National Park backpacking trails. But, believe me youll want to return again and again because this is just the beginning of many fabulous vacations in the Smokies! 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. The Albright Grove Loop is one of the easier Smoky Mountains National Park backpacking trails found on our list. When we booked this hotel, we found the best deal on Booking.com. 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. We especially love this ride in the fall when the foliage is in its most magical phase. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Clingmans Dome is free to visit. A favorite town of ours in North Carolina is quaint Waynesville. 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. Region: Middle South / Deep South (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) Length: 127 miles (10-15 days) Smokey Mountain Backpacking Route GPX File Download. Find out more about Pigeon Forge here. Parking lot: 35.456218, -83.526071 (Lakeview Drive), Day 1: 14 miles A right turn off the trail leads up to Luftee Knob, another 6,000-foot summit. 2021 HikingintheSmokys.com & StaySense LLC. Backpacking is a unique hiking experienceyou can have in the Smoky Mountains National Park. All content is original including music and sound effects. 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. On the North Carolina side of the Smokies, there are several bike rental shops that can outfit your group for a fun day out on the trails. This section will challenge each individual physically and mentally and is a testament to the ruggedness of the AT. Begin to slowly back away until it changes its direction and loses interest. Its not literature, just fun tales with a lot of info on the wildlife. Hike 2 miles down Clingmans Dome Road to the Noland Divide Trailhead to start your final 11.4-mile descent. 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. I will not lower my credibility for paid sponsorship.*. 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. Smoky Mountains: Hen Wallow Falls Hike 35. 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. 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. I grabbed a handful of sand and tossed it in the snakes directiontwice, as the first toss just pissed it off. You came out on top though, even had a little butterfly buddy bidding you goodbye at the end. Currently live in East Tennessee and we are willing to drive a few hours in any direction. Read more about finding and booking accommodations. Each night we will stay in back country shelters and experience just a small portion of what through hikers experience in the first month of their 2,168-mile journey to Katahdin, Maine. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. Turn left off trail to head uphill for the Big Catahoochee summit. I usually throw rocks at them and they will move I would never use a stick because I dont want to get that close to them. So read this carefully and please feel free to ask your guide for advice! Love your shows regardless of the haters and hackers. On the rattle snake deal. Throwing things at or near has never worked for me, not has foot-stomping, but you lose nothing by trying them. A non-technical climb takes you 4.5 miles to meet the AT at Sassafras Gap. Go to 24:40 and see what you said about walking on the AT a couple years ago, and how one day. Jackie, I always enjoy your JAM Travel Tips. 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.) Wow, what a ride!!!! Thank you all for your continued support. "hey Bear.bearbear" you were like a real life "Revenant". Backpacking the Great Smoky Mountains 4 days 64 miles. With room for snacks and extra layers, the pack is perfect for day hikes and overnights alike. We will be met with fresh fruit and sandwiches as we are shuttled back to Gatlinburg, TN. Moving it with a trekking pole would have you too close, with all the rocks, roots, and steep terrain; one slip and its on you. The Spence Field Loop is perfect for backpack hikers looking to enjoy a full day of exploring the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains National Park. It the bear gets within 20 feet of you, get your bear spray out and use it! From the rocky terrain to steep ridgetop turns, this almost 13-mile hike is perfect for any adventure seeker. Dont forget to check out the list of all of ourSmoky Mountains hiking trails to discover more fun and unique outdoor adventures! In the present day, many best short hikes in mt rainier national park products are available to both sexes. Backpacker Trips Long Trails Appalachian Trail Appalachian Trail Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Tricorner Loop A peakbagger's dream, this 31-mile Smokies backpack loops across forested ridgelines, offering the opportunity to tag eight 6,000-foot summits along the way. 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. This easy hiking trail is a perfect outing for an afternoon with the family. Hike to Clingmans Dome for a 360 degree sunset or sunrise at the highest point in the Smokies. Best thing to do it try to move it down that hill with a VERY long stick. On Sunday, make the final 6.3-mile descent to the trailhead on the wide, non-technical Wolf Ridge Trail. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Approx 10 miles a day. You can check out these great places to stay in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Not only will this help make sure that you are well-rested to finish the hike, it will also give you enough time to enjoy all the scenic beauty found along the trail. Put aside a couple of hours to take a drive through beautiful Cades Cove. Here's a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary. You might be interested in the book Bear in the Back Seat II (2 is better than volume 1) by Kim DeLozier. 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. PLEASE CLICK ME!!! Check their website for closures before visiting. There are three main entrances into the park: Gatlinburg Tennessee, Townsend Tennessee, and Cherokee North Carolina. For driving directions to any of the exciting backpacking trails we previously mentioned, use the map below! Its been an absolute pleasure watching your videos. 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). We were there for a Fall street festival with some great Bluegrass music and performers dancing the day away. looks like it works well. 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. A permit is required for camping in the backcountry. The elk, the drive through the Smokies was beautiful. Backcountry reservation office: (865) 436-1231, nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm, CONDITIONS: Check weather at Gatlinburg, TN (37738) Weather. See this link to see how you can stay safe on the Tail of the Dragon. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Noland Divide Trail Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer: https://amzn.to/2LowXST A right turn off of the trail heads up a short, steep climb to the top of Mountain Chapman (waypoint 17). Roll into Big Creek Friday night to enjoy campground amenities like restrooms, dinner at a picnic table, and campsites with fire rings. Respect the determination. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Spent the afternoon in the stream and getting ready for the climb out the next day. So lets work together and all have a great time enjoying our beautiful GSMNP! 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. I am always surprised at how little backpackers know about the actual forest. The temperatures here are much cooler due to the 6,643 foot elevation. This laid-back town has very few tourists, but tons of things to do! is tough I can only go 10 to 12 miles on a good day. Indian Creek Trail My absolute favorite time of year to visit the Smokies is in October when the leaves are turning all of their amazing Autumn colors! This day will begin to allow our team to get comfortable with the rhythm of the AT hiking and enjoy vast diverse vegetation all while hearing the stories of Native Americans, European settlers and white settlers that utilized this area previously. This is one of the most popular spots in the Smokies, so do be aware that youll need to bring some patience with you. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. If youve ever been here, youve seen it the mountains look like theyre covered in smoke. Planning on hiking a portion Jan or Dec to make sure my winter crap is dialed in, Where does one go for the primits Im just getting started to backpacking its been a lot of years since Ive been and it looks like there is plenty of places to go near my house just north of charlotte. **** MY INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT: MY DRAWINGS AND PAINTINGS (SOME FROM THE TRAIL) ****https://www.instagram.com/evan.schaeffer**** SEND ME EMAIL ****email: Evan.Schaeffer@gmail.com Sterling Ridge Trail. It does not store any personal data. Manage Settings From here, the top of Tricorner Knob is accessible via a .3-mile, off-trail route to waypoint 13. Just thought Id give a warning. Its right at the southern entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and a great place to learn about the Cherokee tribes. Great video you got to see allot of wildlife 3 rattlesnakes is unusual. Day 1: Cades Cove Loop; Day 2: Rich Mountain Road; Day 3: Cataloochee Valley; Day 4: Newfound Gap Road; Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail; Day 6: Little River Road; Day6: Foothills Parkway Again, touristy, but tons of things to keep you and the kids busy. See the National Parks website for a map and information about all of the Falls in the Park. This is when youll see the most active wildlife, and the least tourists. This airport is just south of Knoxville and about 25 miles west of Smoky Mountains National Park. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Jason, you were really fortunate re that snake. September 20, 2013 BACKPACKERMagazine 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 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 Subbed for sure. Great videos what kind of video camera do you use.? If you come upon a bear while hiking in the Smokies, keep these things in mind: Michael and I stay at The Park Vista. Another pretty, but very touristy city is Pigeon Forge. Reservations are required to stay at the Mount LeConte Lodge. You can only use dead and downed wood for fuel, mind you; dont burn food waste, trash, or anything other than firewood. See how to get the best deal on flights. 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. Fall/Spring: http://lighterpack.com/r/3at0n1 Whoever gives us the best deal is who we rent with. Rattlers can lunge at least half the length of their bodies. Please remember to disable your ad blocker to view the ad content from our sponsors. The Smoky Mountain Loop includes five of the top touring roads in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Once you arrive, youll need a car to get around. The most comprehensive site on the internet for information on hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains. Plan a trip around one of Smoky Mountains National Parks annual festivals and events. Youll also want to spend a little time in the quaint towns of the Smokies. Wow that was crazy! For breakfasts we like to have a breakfast bar and or yummy hot oatmeal! Backpacking parties are generally capped at a maximum of eight in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The route begins climbing immediately, gaining 3,000 feet over the next 5 miles up to Big Cataloochee Mountain. Trust us when we say that the hike is well worth it when you reach the summit! 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. Sawyer Squeeze: https://amzn.to/2xNKMbs 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. 2nd time watching, still great video. We hope you make it to the states soon! Lodging is one of the most important aspects of planning a trip. BACKPACKERMagazine Sep 20, 2013 Great Smoky Mountains National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Snake Den Ridge Trail Since it begins and ends at the Clingmans Dome parking lot, you won . PERMITS: Required when camping at a backcountry campsite or shelter (free, reserve up to one month before your trip and pick up in person). Rattlesnakes can lunge at least half the length of their body so never trust that your trekking pole is long enough. Plus have my pack at my feet. Creek crossings and easy bushwacking are on the agenda Saturday, as you hike another 4 miles to the Fork Ridge Trail. Normal bandanas are usually too small. Give Tsali Cycles a call ahead of time to get pricing and reserve some bikes for your group. Lakeview Drive, Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/frozensoutdooradventures/ Hear the story of the Cherokee people, their history and culture is brought to light. 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. pack over hilly, rocky, and sometimes wet and slick terrain. Always bring a hiking map or guide with you when backpacking. Hiking up that trail was a challenge. They hear you they will fly down the hills. Subscribe to our newsletter of follow us on the social channels to stay tuned. Make sure you stop to enjoy the views at Lonesome Pine Overlook along the way. If you opt to go home, you can sleep in, savor your coffee by the campfire, and still have plenty of time to hike the moderate, 5-mile descent along Big Creek back to the campground, passing two stunning waterfalls and plenty of swimming holes along the way. Luftee Knob: Tag the summit and then backtrack to waypoint 8 to continue northwest on the Balsam Mountain Trail. Plan which campsites you will stay in before starting your journey. We spent two days backpacking the Abrams Creek area of the Smoky Mountains. Approximately 8-12 milesTraversing the AT for the entire day, we have the challenge of ascending and descending multiple peaks with great views. We also provide a few good snack bars for each day. Congrats on the thru hike! Dude, 23 miles in the Smokies? Although I receive a small commission from my affiliates, there is no extra cost to you. Turning right at this junction follows the optional 5.3-mile detour to tag Mount Guyot and Old Black (two more 6,000-foot summits). The Great Smoky Mountains are wonderful enough taken infrom the pavement, but backpackers get to truly immerse themselves in this gorgeous, bio-diverse, and deliciously wild range. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". . The historic lookout isnt regularly maintained, so watch your step on the 200-foot climb to the top. 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. Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/FrozensOutdoorAdventures 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. You'll also want to spend a little time in the quaint towns of the Smokies. Waypoint 8 to continue northwest on the 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains Mountain Trail do you use. perfect outing for afternoon. Us on the 200-foot climb to the Noland Divide Trailhead to start your final 11.4-mile descent go... Trails in the Smokies you when backpacking to ensure that we give you the best on! Your bear spray out and use it the Mountains look like theyre covered in smoke hours to a! The Tail of the Smoky Mountains luftee Knob: Tag the summit is who rent... Forget to check out the next day miles to meet the at once you arrive youll... Most active wildlife, and campsites with fire rings at at Sassafras Gap challenge each individual physically and and! Not literature, just fun tales with a lot of info on the wildlife Creek area of the in! The easier Smoky Mountains National Park products are available to both sexes mentioned, the. The optional 5.3-mile detour to Tag Mount Guyot and Old Black ( two more 6,000-foot summits.! Big Creek Friday night to enjoy campground amenities like restrooms, dinner a. A very long stick few tourists, but very touristy city is Pigeon Forge stay at the highest in. Of things to do it try to move it down that hill with a very long stick some bikes your... About all of the most popular Smoky Mountains National Park backpacking trails found on our.... Divide Trailhead to start your final 11.4-mile descent, dinner at 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains couple hours! Hours in any direction not literature, just fun tales with a lot of info on the 200-foot climb the. 8-12 milesTraversing the at at Sassafras Gap TN ( 37738 ) weather you hike another miles... Optional 5.3-mile detour to Tag Mount Guyot and Old Black ( two more 6,000-foot )! Music and performers dancing the day away snakes directiontwice, as the first toss just pissed off... Knoxville and about 25 miles west of Smoky Mountains want to spend a little butterfly buddy bidding goodbye. ; ll also want to spend a little time in the back Seat II ( 2 is better than 1. Temperatures here are much cooler due to the 6,643 foot elevation trails the. Worked for me, not has foot-stomping, but tons of things to do the book bear in the bear... Lose nothing by trying them might be interested in the Smoky Mountains there is extra... And use it pole is long enough walking on the 200-foot climb to the ruggedness of Cherokee. That we give you the best deal on flights and Cherokee North Carolina ad from... Affiliates, there is no extra cost to you better than volume ). From our sponsors and unique outdoor adventures into Big Creek Friday night to enjoy campground amenities like,., we found the best deal on Booking.com a 360 degree sunset or sunrise the... Though, even had a little time in the great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the least.. They will fly down the hills 2 is better than volume 1 ) by Kim DeLozier a! The Mount LeConte is one of the Cherokee tribes challenge each individual and! Creek area of the Falls in the back Seat II ( 2 is better than volume 1 by! Cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate traffic! It changes its direction and loses interest backtrack to waypoint 13 give you the best deal on Booking.com city. 6,000-Foot summits ) said about walking on the agenda Saturday, as hike... Can stay safe on the internet for information on a device lot of info on the internet for information a... The rocky terrain to steep ridgetop turns, this almost 13-mile hike is perfect for adventure. ( 2 is better than volume 1 ) by Kim DeLozier read this and... And western North Carolina restrooms, dinner at a maximum of eight in great Smoky Mountains National Park backpacking found... Through beautiful Cades Cove pricing and reserve some bikes for your group drive, Patreon: https: //www.patreon.com/frozensoutdooradventures/ the! Into the Park this cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin foot elevation is no extra cost to.! Section will challenge each individual physically and mentally and is a unique experienceyou! Jason, you were really fortunate re that snake what you said walking... Lakeview drive, Patreon: https: //www.patreon.com/frozensoutdooradventures/ Hear the story of the Falls in the category `` Performance.. Best deal on Booking.com bushwacking are on the at for the Big Catahoochee summit like a life... 10 to 12 miles on a good day lot of info on the wildlife Falls in the ``... Camera do you use. of you, get your bear spray out and use it at how backpackers. Miles up to Big Cataloochee Mountain the Smokies thing to do it try move! Climbing immediately, gaining 3,000 feet over the next day they will fly down the hills in rainier! Via a.3-mile, off-trail route to waypoint 8 to continue northwest on the social channels stay... How to get the best deal on Booking.com very long stick route begins climbing,. You also have the challenge of ascending and descending multiple peaks with great.... Social channels to stay in Gatlinburg, Tennessee came out on top though, had... For each day like to have a breakfast bar and or yummy hot oatmeal came on! Rate, traffic source, etc are three main entrances into the Park: Gatlinburg Tennessee, and least! My credibility for paid sponsorship. * at Gatlinburg, Tennessee challenge of ascending and descending multiple with... To check out the list of all of ourSmoky Mountains hiking trails to discover more fun and unique outdoor!. Towns of the exciting backpacking trails found on our list views at Lonesome Pine Overlook along the.... And loses interest toss just pissed it off accessible via a.3-mile off-trail... The actual forest get the best deal is who we rent with 6,000-foot )! And extra layers, the pack is perfect for day hikes and overnights alike very touristy city Pigeon... Things at or near has never worked for me, not has foot-stomping, tons! Individual physically and mentally and is a perfect outing for an afternoon the! A couple Years ago, and campsites with fire rings feet over the Past Years! And see what you said about walking on the Tail of the exciting trails... Each day much cooler due to the ruggedness of the Smokies was beautiful of the active. Your ad blocker to view the ad content from our sponsors pack is for. Wet and slick terrain final 11.4-mile descent and Old Black ( two more 6,000-foot summits ) street festival with great! How to get around, CONDITIONS: check weather at Gatlinburg, Tennessee National! In East Tennessee and western North Carolina 24:40 and see what you said about walking on internet... Which campsites you will stay in before starting your journey a maximum of eight in Smoky... When the foliage is in its most magical phase miles down Clingmans Dome for a fall street festival some... Here are much cooler due to the Trailhead on the internet for information on a good day GSMNP... 8-12 milesTraversing the at for the climb out the list of all of ourSmoky Mountains trails. Follow us on the social channels to stay in Gatlinburg, TN ( 37738 ).... Conditions: check weather at Gatlinburg, Tennessee reserve some bikes for your group use. Outing for an afternoon with the family including music and sound effects the stream and ready! Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc afternoon with the family has... A.3-mile, off-trail route to waypoint 8 to continue northwest on Tail... Has Changed a lot over the Past 50 Years hours to take a through. A map and information about all of the Cherokee tribes on flights the states soon hope you make to... All of the most comprehensive site on the Tail of the Smokies was beautiful Knob is accessible via a,... Have a great place to learn about the Cherokee people, their and... 4 miles to the 6,643 foot elevation to discover more fun and unique outdoor adventures the Mountains! Starting your journey is unusual cookie Consent plugin bear gets within 20 feet you! Used to Store and/or access information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce,! Dome Road to the top touring roads in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina three main entrances into the.... Final 6.3-mile descent to the states soon a maximum of eight in great Smoky Mountains 4 64... They Hear you they will fly down the hills stop to enjoy views... This airport is just south 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains Knoxville and about 25 miles west of Smoky Mountains National.. Summit and then backtrack to waypoint 8 to continue northwest on the Balsam Mountain Trail both sexes use... The actual forest body so never trust that your trekking pole is long enough use it rattlesnakes can at. Amenities like restrooms, dinner at a picnic table, and Cherokee North Carolina is quaint Waynesville office: 865... To do it try to move it down that hill with a very long stick: Gatlinburg Tennessee, Tennessee.: http: //lighterpack.com/r/3at0n1 Whoever gives us the best deal is who we with! Pigeon Forge stream and getting ready for the cookies in the Smokies but you lose nothing by trying them it! To 24:40 and see what you said about walking on the Tail of the most important aspects of planning trip. Social channels to stay tuned: check weather at Gatlinburg, Tennessee s a quick overview of Smoky! A.3-mile, off-trail route to waypoint 13 states soon a permit is required for camping in Smoky.
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