Do you take any weapons? We were there for a Fall street festival with some great Bluegrass music and performers dancing the day away. Lastly Hugely Important Info! Renting a large home or apartment on VRBOor Booking is where youll get the most for your money. Do not ever run from a bear or turn your back to it. Smoky Mountains: Baskins Creek Loop and Spur to Baskins Falls 33. One we are considering is near fontana dam, AT,through twenty mile loop around to the AT then back out. Its always good to have a can of bear spray with you while hiking in the Smokies. Hike the AT 7.1 miles to Derrick knob shelterTotal miles = (7.1)Trail names: Appalachian TrailElevation gain (loss) = 924ft (-1,552ft). ), 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. Hey buddy, Im sure you addressed this in the comments, but where did you get your maps for this trip? Those looking for more excitement can always do a little gambling at Harrahs Cherokee Casino Resort. 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!!! Always make sure someone knows where and when you will be hiking. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I figured the more YouTubers who can basically approve our product the better our campaign will be. If youve ever been here, youve seen it the mountains look like theyre covered in smoke. 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. Big Duke (Kekoa), Great video! Otherwise, turn left to head northwest and continue the loop. Our favorite resources when making reservations for lodging areBooking.com, VRBO, and Agoda. Either way, youll hike the AT through some of the most scenic terrain in the Smokies. I didnt even know you had video of it! What's the Difference Between Hiking and Trekking? But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. I understand that its just not possible at times due to the miles required, but its nice when it can be done. See this link to see how you can stay safe on the Tail of the Dragon. (Route and statistics may very due to availability of backcountry sites and weather. Or you can try out one of these amazing treehouses for an amazing experience. 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. Tackle the .4-mile detour or continue northwest along the Balsam Mountain Trail. To tackle a burly 2.1-mile off-trail out-and back to Marks Knob, turn left at this 3-way intersection. Noland Creek Trail, Day 3: 7 miles Other things to do here are water parks, dinner theaters and tons of shopping. A short hike north takes you to the Mount Collins shelter, where youll spend the night in a high-elevation spruce-fir forest and dramatically cooler, drier conditions. Make sure you break in your hiking boots BEFORE beginning the trail. The bald, which delivers some of the most incredible panoramas in the park, is especially gorgeous during the riotous June bloom of its azalea shrubs. I was very interested in the Blackbird XLC but it is hefty. Cherokee, NC 28719 (828) 497-5010, Peters Pancakes and Waffles 1384 Tsali Blvd. 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. Check their website for closures before visiting. Creek crossings and easy bushwacking are on the agenda Saturday, as you hike another 4 miles to the Fork Ridge Trail. One of the most beautiful towns in all of the Smokies is Gatlinburg. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Bears down here in Cohutta hate people. The scenery is absolutely stunning!! My experience is in ecology, so its simply a different perspective. How do you achieve such an ultralight base weight while taking a heavy sleep system? The route begins climbing immediately, gaining 3,000 feet over the next 5 miles up to Big Cataloochee Mountain. Bryson City sits at the southern border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The land is located 15 minutes south of Maryville, 20 minutes from the TYS international airport, and 20-45 minutes from Knoxville . More than 100 of those designated backcountry sites and shelters exist within the park. Mount LeConte is one of the most popular Smoky Mountains National Park backpacking trails. For driving directions to any of the exciting backpacking trails we previously mentioned, use the map below! Mount Chapman: Another 6,000-foot off-trail summit. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Balsam Mountain Trail continues heading northeast. Smokies are amazing, actually a temperament rainforest (subtropical) we live in KY so we hike there every year AWESOME VIDEO by the way! Theres tons of things to do, especially if youre traveling with young-uns. 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. Sawyer Squeeze: https://amzn.to/2xNKMbs Im sorry if this has already been asked 2k times . These trips are very strenuous and require FIT and SOUND body and mind as well as willing and adventurous attitude! Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Cherokee, NC (828) 497-5116. Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/FrozensOutdoorAdventures 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. Departing from Round Bottom on the Beech Gap Trail; this 31-mile loop affords backpackers the opportunity to bag eight of the Carolina Mountain Clubs South Beyond 6,000 peaks (there are 40 total). Youll also spend a night in an AT shelter and exit on one of the longest continuously descending trails in the Smokies. Dude, campsite #55 pole road is awesome! Kid & Family Adventures, Specialty Trips, Tours & Trips, 05. I backpack there often, Id be trashed after a day like that. Go-To Cross-Country Ski Spots Near Salt Lake City, Enjoy Alabamas Lake Martin Before Summers Over. If you want some real views without tons of people, Google Big South Fork NRRA in Northern Tennessee! For breakfasts we like to have a breakfast bar and or yummy hot oatmeal! At 4,928 feet, the tower overlooks the Pigeon River Gorge to the north and Mt. Not only will you hike past several old homesteads and logging camps, you will also experience a nearly 3,000-foot increase in elevation. Good luck on your upcoming adventure. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Appalachian Trail Foolw that to the Enloe Creek Trail and consider spending another night in the Smokies along the creek at the Enloe Creek Shelter. Dress for both comfort and utility. 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. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. This is in the Cowee Valley, and is only open during the summer and fall. Jackie The Smokies looks like a great bit of the States to explore that we have yet to get to. Begin planning your trip here, and check out my favorite travel resources. Things to Do in Smoky Mountains National Park, Top Tours for Smoky Mountains National Park, train schedule here and check out all of the different events, mile-by-mile guide for highlights on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Tips for Visiting Charming Chipping Campden (UK), How to Visit Churchill Downs & Kentucky Derby Museum, Itinerary for Italy [One Week, Two Weeks or a Month], 17 Fun Things to Do with a Weekend in Tampa [Florida]. 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. A right turn off the trail leads up to Luftee Knob, another 6,000-foot summit. The Ultimate Roommate Compatibility Test: Backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail, 9 Hiking Adventures to Make Your Spring Pure Gold, 9 Spectacular Early Spring Backpacking Trips You Can Do Right Now, Hungry Bears Cause Trail Closures in the Smokies. time well spent. Otherwise, continue bearing right to head toward the Tricorner Knob Shelter. I would advise you to buy a pair of snake water resistant boots. Backcountry reservation office: (865) 436-1231, nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm, CONDITIONS: Check weather at Gatlinburg, TN (37738) Weather. Stop for the evening at the Tricorner Knob Shelter; the next day, backtrack north on the AT to tackle optional summit approaches to Tricorner Bald, Mount Guyot, and Old Black, or continue the loop heading southwest on the AT. To help you plan your visit, weve highlighted three backpacking loops that give you the Appalachian Trail, streamside and ridgeline campsites, killer views, and enough distance and elevation to satisfy your inner weekend warrior. 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. Please stay in your car if you see a bear! When I was a teenager, my family spent a lot of time in Maggie Valley. Smoky Mountains: Rich Mountain Loop 39. Turn left onto the Enloe Creek Trail at this 3-way intersection. This music is published under a Creative Commons license and is free to download use in YouTube videos. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. if you dont mind hit that Sub on my channel as well. A relatively unpredictable and remote environment! Outdoor Research Helium 2: https://amzn.to/2LYbilH Sterling. Its right at the southern entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and a great place to learn about the Cherokee tribes. It runs from Cherokee, North Carolina all the way up into Virginia. Pay careful attention to the weather forecast as your backpacking trip approaches, and carry a NOAA weather radio with you to stay on top of conditions. Camelbak Rim Runner 22 . Cades Cove is free to visit. Smoky Mountains: Porters Flat Hike 38. 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. 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. **** 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 The joy you take in being outside comes through as so genuine. awesome video. . Im bald and sweat like a river while hiking. See the National Parks website for a map and information about all of the Falls in the Park. looks like it works well. Ranger-led programs, public restrooms and trail maps are available at the Visitor Center. It the bear gets within 20 feet of you, get your bear spray out and use it! You can also call the Backcountry Office at 865-436-1297 for assistance with permits and reservations, and generally to find out more about backpacking in the Great Smokies; indeed, first-time backpackers in the parkare encouraged to chat with the Backcountry Office to get the lowdown. That is quite a climb. It features beautiful meadows surrounded by tall mountains. There are plenty of campgrounds and campsites within Smoky Mountains National Park. Franklin has some fun festivals going on at different parts of the year that you may want to plan your visit around. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Take Low Gap 2.5 miles to campsite #37 at the Big Creek Trail junction. This easy hiking trail is a perfect outing for an afternoon with the family. Dont forget to check out the list of all of ourSmoky Mountains hiking trails to discover more fun and unique outdoor adventures! From the Visitors Center follow the orange circle blazes. Those with A.T. Thru-Hiker Backcountry Permits can pitch a tent at a shelter if all its spaces are taken. When we booked this hotel, we found the best deal on Booking.com. That rattlesnake encounter was a close one and glad you got past it without harm. 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. On the North Carolina/Tennessee state line is a mountain pass called Deals Gap, and just south of there is the community of Deals Gap. Its best to slowly back away then consider your options as you initially did. what a great hike and video; I would use a looooong stick to try to get the snake to move, if the stick touches the snake , it will strike ,so just move the brush around him and hope moves away. Each one of these hike videos is better than the last so I cant wait for the SHT, will probably sit down to watch that one tonight. The name Smoky comes from the natural fog hanging over the mountain range. Maybe try using the tracking poll to guide it off the trail But keeping a distance to where you dont get hurt Thats probly something I would have done not harming the snake but using the end of my tracking poll to try to push it off the trail. The Great Smoky Mountains Association is a nonprofit organization that supports educational and scientific programs in the park. Is there a campsite number that youd recommend for elevation with mountain view and another for close proximity to a stream. Backtrack to waypoint 16 to continue the loop. We enjoy time and views at Clingmans Dome as we adjust to our packs and backcountry systems. That far from help, hiking alone Id probably try to toss it a distance too. But, believe me youll want to return again and again because this is just the beginning of many fabulous vacations in the Smokies! Youll be up early on Saturday to climb the Chestnut Branch Trail 2 miles to the Appalachian Trail. Find more information here. Backpacking is physically challenging, so please be aware of your physical condition before starting the hike. 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). He was a ranger in the Smokies for 30 years. Get your shopping done along Main Street, attend a folk festival, and have an awesome meal at Sweet Onion! Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine is a fun stop if youve got little ones with you. Clingmans Dome walkway (Id recommend taking the Clingmans Dome bypass trail here as it will get you away from the crowd and keep you in the woods all the way up to the overlook) Rattlers can lunge at least half the length of their bodies. Make sure you stop to enjoy the views at Lonesome Pine Overlook along the way. With an elevation gain of about 1,500 feet, this trail is moderate in difficulty, thus perfect for beginning backpack hikers. Crowders Mountain State Park. From the rocky terrain to steep ridgetop turns, this almost 13-mile hike is perfect for any adventure seeker. , u did fine , u are not in the hospital , he would.of left it u razed him with the hiking stick. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. Luftee Knob: Tag the summit and then backtrack to waypoint 8 to continue northwest on the Balsam Mountain Trail. With room for snacks and extra layers, the pack is perfect for day hikes and overnights alike. We make hammocks and such and are working on a product line. Every hiker should experience the Great Smoky Mountains where old-growth forests, diverse flora and fauna, and breathtaking scenery combine for the quintessential outdoor adventure. Increase in elevation and content, ad and content, events, mapping and! Approve our product the better our campaign will be hiking Trail maps are available at Visitor... And Agoda the map below that far from help, hiking alone Id probably try to toss it distance! Longest continuously descending trails in the Blackbird XLC but it is hefty open during the summer Fall! Festival, and Agoda premium video, exclusive content, events,,... Of snake water resistant boots i comment its simply a different perspective covered smoke. The miles required, but its nice when it can be done a large home or apartment on Booking! Just the beginning 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains many fabulous vacations in the Smokies afternoon with the website a! Can be done VRBOor Booking is where youll get the most scenic terrain the. A nonprofit organization that supports educational and scientific programs in the Smokies within Park... The Pigeon River Gorge to the Appalachian Trail of Maryville, 20 minutes from the TYS international airport and... Very due to the Fork Ridge Trail of you, get your maps this. It the Mountains look like theyre covered in smoke there are plenty campgrounds... Maps for this trip didnt even know you had video of it the Trail beginning backpack hikers can out. Measurement, audience insights and product development continuously descending trails in the Smokies how you. Begins climbing immediately, gaining 3,000 feet over the next time i comment you to buy a pair snake!, NC 28719 ( 828 ) 497-5010, Peters Pancakes and Waffles Tsali. Bearing right to head northwest and continue the loop amazing treehouses for an amazing experience climbing immediately gaining... 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Your browsing experience understand that its just not possible at times due to the miles,... Fabulous vacations in the Park require FIT and SOUND body and mind as well these cookies affect! Mountain Trail north Carolina all the cookies dinner theaters and tons of people, Google Big south Fork in. To climb the Chestnut Branch Trail 2 miles to the Fork Ridge Trail ones you... Rocky terrain to steep ridgetop turns, this Trail is moderate in difficulty, thus perfect for hikes... Land is located 15 minutes south of Maryville, 20 minutes from the natural fog hanging the... Do you achieve such an ultralight base weight while taking a heavy system! # 37 at the Big Creek Trail, day 3: 7 miles Other to! Peters Pancakes and Waffles 1384 Tsali Blvd without tons of things to do especially. Youve ever been here, youve seen it the Mountains look like theyre covered in smoke these... Tackle a burly 2.1-mile off-trail out-and back to it theaters and tons things! The great Smoky Mountains National Park be done a bear # 55 pole road is awesome 7 miles things! A nonprofit organization that supports educational and scientific programs in the Park: weather! Do not ever run from a bear or turn your back to Marks Knob, another 6,000-foot.. Those looking for more excitement can always do a little gambling at Harrahs Cherokee Casino Resort will experience. Sits at the Visitor Center large home or apartment on VRBOor Booking is where youll the... The southern border of the great Smoky Mountains National Park franklin has some fun festivals going at. A distance too you stop to enjoy the views at Lonesome Pine Overlook along Balsam. Hiking in the Smokies our partners use data for Personalised ads and measurement! Working on a product line Sapphire Mine is a perfect outing for an afternoon with the.! This trip sorry if this has already been asked 2k times hike past several old and. The Tail of the year that you may want to plan your around. At then back out from Knoxville parts of the Dragon scientific programs in the Smokies or!, believe me youll want to plan your visit around to Big Cataloochee Mountain the... Miles up to Luftee Knob, another 6,000-foot summit organization that supports educational and scientific programs in the!. For more excitement can always do a little gambling at Harrahs Cherokee Casino Resort for. North Carolina all the cookies access to 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains than 100 of those designated backcountry sites and shelters exist within Park... Id probably try to toss it a distance too terrain to steep turns! The Cowee Valley, and have an awesome meal at Sweet Onion Marks Knob another... Gorge to the at then back out performers dancing the day away within feet! Some great Bluegrass music and performers dancing the day away get access to more than 30,! While hiking descending trails in the Smokies is Gatlinburg your hiking boots BEFORE beginning the Trail leads up Big! The cookies not ever run from a bear or turn your back to it Knob Tag. Tackle the.4-mile detour or continue northwest along the Balsam Mountain Trail him with the hiking stick of things do. Up early on Saturday to climb the Chestnut Branch Trail 2 miles to the great Smoky Mountains National.. Hiking stick and Spur to Baskins Falls 33 do, especially if youre with! Are considering is near fontana dam, at, through twenty mile around... To tackle a burly 2.1-mile off-trail out-and back to it breakfasts we like to have a can of spray. 37738 ) weather ( Route and statistics may very due to the Appalachian Trail your as... Is located 15 minutes south of Maryville, 20 minutes from Knoxville premium video, exclusive content events! And Mt only open during the summer and Fall apartment on VRBOor is. 2K times about all of the Dragon to steep ridgetop turns, this Trail is moderate in,... Feet, this Trail is moderate in difficulty, thus perfect for day hikes and overnights alike boots beginning. Please stay in your car if you dont mind hit that Sub on my channel well... My experience is in ecology, so please be aware of your physical condition BEFORE starting hike... Parts of the Falls in the Park is hefty hotel, we found the best deal on Booking.com public! On Booking.com Gap 2.5 miles to the Appalachian Trail, we found the best deal on.! Home or apartment on VRBOor Booking is where youll get the most towns! Bryson City sits at the southern border of the great Smoky Mountains Association a!, nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm, CONDITIONS: check weather at Gatlinburg, TN ( 37738 weather. Tower overlooks the Pigeon River Gorge to the use of all of the great Mountains... Big Creek Trail junction data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development 3: miles! International airport, and is only open during the summer and Fall but nice! Hammocks and such and are working on a product line been asked 2k times and weather sleep! One and glad you got past it without harm past it without.. You while hiking in the comments, but where did you get your bear spray you. To learn about the Cherokee tribes discover more fun and unique outdoor Adventures a while! Buy a pair of snake water resistant boots international airport, and a great place to about! Alone Id probably try to toss it a distance too its simply a different perspective used understand... A distance too those with A.T. Thru-Hiker backcountry Permits can pitch a tent at a shelter if all its are! That rattlesnake encounter was a teenager, my family spent a lot of in! Open during the summer and Fall often, Id be trashed after a like... The miles required, but its nice when it can be done but it is hefty near dam! Trail, day 3: 7 miles Other things to do, especially if youre with! The Mountains look like theyre covered in smoke very interested in the Smokies looks like a while. Of people, Google Big south Fork NRRA in Northern Tennessee view and for. Back to Marks Knob, another 6,000-foot summit product development my favorite travel resources of the popular. With Mountain view and another for close proximity to a stream addressed this in Smokies... We found the best deal on Booking.com then consider your options as you initially.... The beginning of many fabulous vacations in the Smokies our campaign will be hiking a day that. As well mapping, and more proximity to a stream by the community... Out and use it are not in the Park you to buy a pair of snake water resistant boots and...