4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains

Youll be up early on Saturday to climb the Chestnut Branch Trail 2 miles to the Appalachian Trail. This hike is also fun to hike in the fall when the leaves have reached their peak fall colors in mid-October. Lakeview Drive However your videos and Adventure Archives inspired me to check out the Smokies, so thank you! Awesome mountians though.steller!, I think I would nm of wore him down with your trecking pole (not kill) but if it is u or snake , umm , u know the answer ! I agree with this being one of my favorite trips! The Village is open from late April through early November. The snake was in defense mode due to being surprised. In the present day, many best short hikes in mt rainier national park products are available to both sexes. I figured the more YouTubers who can basically approve our product the better our campaign will be. Sterling to the south. It's 19 miles and the loop route is Forney Ridge Trail/Forney Creek Trail/Jonas Creek Trail/Welch Ridge Trail/AT. Backcountry reservation office: (865) 436-1231, nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm, CONDITIONS: Check weather at Gatlinburg, TN (37738) Weather. Toaks Long Handled Spoon: https://amzn.to/2JAGmcL Good luck on your upcoming adventure. Good to see a video where the hiker takes some time to soak in the beauty of the surroundings. Total miles = 5.3-11.3Trail names: Appalachian Trail and possibly Bote Mountain trail, Russell Field trail and Anthony Creek trailElevation gain (loss) = 7ft (-2,300ft) to 22ft (-2,838ft). It does not store any personal data. Burgers and brews will hit the spot at Wildwood Grill, while the Mountainview Restaurant highlights seasonal produce, along with fresh, local rainbow trout. The road has 318 curves in 11 miles, and those turns are tight!!!! Straddling the states of Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in the Smoky Mountains, more fondly known as The Smokies. The trail slopes gently for the first 5 miles before making a steeper drop into Deep Creek, but there are few roots and rocks to slow you down. Tackle a 21.5-mile loop over big peaks or lower your mileage and elevation with a night at one of the sweetest creekside campsites in the park. If youre really, really enjoying those windy roads, head over to Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap!! Turn left @ 3-way junction onto the Balsam Mountain Trail; the route continues a stiff climb toward Laurel Gap. Approximately 5 milesThis multi day backpacking trip begins in Gatlinburg, TN with a pre trip orientation and pack up. Backpacking the Great Smoky Mountains 4 days 64 miles. My absolute favorite time of year to visit the Smokies is in October when the leaves are turning all of their amazing Autumn colors! The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Hiking up that trail was a challenge. Toaks Titanium Wind Screen: https://amzn.to/2JnpbrG 06. Turn left on the Hughes Ridge Trail @ the 3-way intersection at Pecks Corner. Synchronized Lightning Bug Experiences, Specialty Trips, Tours & Trips, Copyright 2022 - Camp Exodus LLC, DBA Smoky Mountain Guides. Turn south on the AT and continue climbing 3.3 miles to the 0.6-mile Mt. 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) Here is a list of stuff you should bring with you and what is provided by your guide! Begin planning your trip here, and check out my favorite travel resources. Smoky Mountains: Rich Mountain Loop 39. Deep Creek Trail, Day 3: 23 miles Keep the great videos coming! How do you achieve such an ultralight base weight while taking a heavy sleep system? 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. Again, touristy, but tons of things to keep you and the kids busy. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. ), All meals are prepared by your guide! The temperatures here are much cooler due to the 6,643 foot elevation. The Oconaluftee Indian Village is a living history village that portrays 18th century Cherokee life on the mountainside above the town. The Great Smoky Mountains Association is a nonprofit organization that supports educational and scientific programs in the park. Please remember to disable your ad blocker to view the ad content from our sponsors. On Sunday, make the final 6.3-mile descent to the trailhead on the wide, non-technical Wolf Ridge Trail. Phone calls are the preferred method of contact. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Spence Field Loop Wander from bubbling cascades to scenic balds to wide ridgelines to old-growth forest on this classic 12.5-mile, 2-day loop in the shadow of several 5,000-foot peaks. PERMITS: Required when camping at a backcountry campsite or shelter (free, reserve up to one month before your trip and pick up in person). Save. So read this carefully and please feel free to ask your guide for advice! 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. Such a beautiful place. Turn left @ 3-way junction to continue along the Hughes Ridge Trail. The video was shot at 30 fps. There are lots of bear cubs in the Smokies, and they are absolutely adorable. Great videos what kind of video camera do you use.? I have yet to encounter a rattler on a hikeBeautiful snakes though, my adrenaline would have been pulsing as well! I recommend visiting first thing in the morning. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. PARKINFO: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, (865) 436-1200; nps.gov/grsm, SMOKIES TRIP PLANNER: nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/trip-planner.htm, GAS Shell Super Mart 376 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 430-2161, Texaco 799 Tsali Blvd. 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. Kings Mountain, NC. Davidson River Campground Info. 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). You can check out these great places to stay in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. 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. You came out on top though, even had a little butterfly buddy bidding you goodbye at the end. Enjoy the shelter amenities, like cozy bunks and a fireplace inside. Horseback riding in the Smoky Mountains is an adventure and a new and wonderful way to experience one of the best National Parks in the U.S. 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. Right on the banks of Big Creek, youd be hard pressed to find a more spacious backcountry site in the park. Using a 120 to 130 cm trekking pole is rather dicey. Turn south on the AT and continue climbing 3.3 miles to the 0.6-mile Mt. Do not ever run from a bear or turn your back to it. Its been an absolute pleasure watching your videos. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Noland Creek Trail, Day 3: 7 miles Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frozensoutdooradventures, Business Inquires Trust us when we say that the hike is well worth it when you reach the summit! -Mapped by Scott Sanders, GroundedGraphics.com. If you plan on staying closer to Tennessee, your closest airport is McGhee Tyson (TYS). We pick high quality meals and fruits and veggies for us and our guests so we are all fully energized and feel great for our adventures! On your way home, make sure you leave enough time to refuel at Carvers Apple Orchard in Cosby, Tenn. At Carvers you can shop for fresh produce at the farmers market, nab awesome treats at an old-time candy shop, and feast at a homestyle restaurant, where the apple fritters are not to be missed. Or will, very soon. Always bring a hiking map or guide with you when backpacking. UV? Required fields are marked *, 2023 Jam Travel Tips | All Rights Reserved. Top backpacking spots in and near Great Smoky Mountains Bryson City, Tennessee Appalachian Trail: Clingman Dome to Cades Cove Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine is a fun stop if youve got little ones with you. Remember, anything you bring into the park, you are also responsible for removing. A right turn off of the trail heads up a short, steep climb to the top of Mountain Chapman (waypoint 17). Frozen I like how you drew on your map, how did you do it? Remember, anything you bring into the park, you are also responsible for removing. Normal bandanas are usually too small. The route begins climbing immediately, gaining 3,000 feet over the next 5 miles up to Big Cataloochee Mountain. Dress for both comfort and utility. Martins Gap Trail 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. 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. Youd be amazed how often in this most-visited of U.S. national parks youll get to savor them alone.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'hikinginthesmokys_com-box-4','ezslot_9',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hikinginthesmokys_com-box-4-0'); Its critical to abide by the rules the Park Service has set for regulating backpacking in the Great Smokies. Its just beautiful! Where to Stay in the Smoky Mountains. 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). Push the snake down the hill. That is quite a climb. At 4,928 feet, the tower overlooks the Pigeon River Gorge to the north and Mt. Manage Settings Arrive at the Laurel Gap shelter; after 2,600 feet of climbing you may be ready for a break. From there, its 4 miles back to Round Bottom to finish the loop. At 11:53the chimneywhich campsite number was that? Sawyer Squeeze: https://amzn.to/2xNKMbs This parkway should be on everyones bucket list! We enjoy time and views at Clingmans Dome as we adjust to our packs and backcountry systems. A favorite town of ours in North Carolina is quaint Waynesville. We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Great Smoky Mountains. Bears down here in Cohutta hate people. You can both use them for free AND monetize your videos for your own profit. Bryson City sits at the southern border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. you cant move suddenly or fast enough to get past a coiled rattlesnake ,if he strikes due to sudden movement you could die out there. Hike the AT 7.1 miles to Derrick knob shelterTotal miles = (7.1)Trail names: Appalachian TrailElevation gain (loss) = 924ft (-1,552ft). Clothing, Mugs, and Stickers: https://teespring.com/stores/frozensoutdooradventures, Gear I use and recommend So the reason why I actually started watching your videos is that my partner and I have a business that we are in so I am trying to learn what I can about it. good questions about snakes I have woke up in tents and found snakes either in the tent or on my chest while sleeping I suppose you should use a stick to move it of protect your self using your backpack. I agree that going around it (and I always try to do so on the uphill side) is option 1, by far. Not to mention, you will want to pack your camera because there are several panoramic views points that you will want to capture. 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. 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. Turn right @ 3-way junction to continue on the Enloe Creek Trail. Deep Creek Trail Just thought Id give a warning. Dont go fast or run down a trail. Please direct questions concerning backpacking trip planning to the Backcountry Information Office at (865) 436-1297. Check out one of the bike rental options in the area. I am always surprised at how little backpackers know about the actual forest. Sterling. Throwing things at or near has never worked for me, not has foot-stomping, but you lose nothing by trying them. Winter: https://lighterpack.com/r/5xnpix, Social Media looks like you have a lot of different content. The Balsam Mountain Trail continues heading northeast. GUIDEBOOK: Hiking Trails of the Smokies ($21, smokiesstore.org) details all 150 maintained trails within the park. Lets talk campfires! >> Order the USGS topo quads listed above at store.usgs.gov. Check out all of the festivals in Franklin, North Carolina. When a rattler is buzzing its telling you that its threatened and is prepared to defend itself. Hear the story of the Cherokee people, their history and culture is brought to light. if you dont mind hit that Sub on my channel as well. You would not believe all of the people I have seen stepping out of their cars to get photos of a nearby bear. 4-5 day loop, Smoky Mountains Recommendations 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). Youll also want to spend a little time in the quaint towns of the Smokies. 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. To request a backcountry camping permit through the National Park Service, call 865-436-1297. The land is located 15 minutes south of Maryville, 20 minutes from the TYS international airport, and 20-45 minutes from Knoxville . Altra Lone Peak 3.5: https://amzn.to/2sN42jP 2023 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. We especially love this ride in the fall when the foliage is in its most magical phase. 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. Foolw that to the Enloe Creek Trail and consider spending another night in the Smokies along the creek at the Enloe Creek Shelter. Rattlesnakes can lunge at least half the length of their body so never trust that your trekking pole is long enough. If youve ever been here, youve seen it the mountains look like theyre covered in smoke. In the southwest corner of the Smokies youll find a lesser-used trailhead that leads to the AT and one of the most scenic balds in the park. Its home to Dollywood, Dolly Partons theme park. 2nd time watching, still great video. Is there a way I can contact you in a more private fashion so we can discuss this such as an email. 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. 2. Any time of year is beautiful in the Smokies. 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. We definitely recommend that you pack plenty of water and snacks in your backpack to stay hydrated and fueled during your hike. Plus have my pack at my feet. With an elevation gain of about 1,500 feet, this trail is moderate in difficulty, thus perfect for beginning backpack hikers. Ive messed with snakes a lot. It the bear gets within 20 feet of you, get your bear spray out and use it! However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Featuring Charlie's Bunion, Clingman's Dome, the Appalachian Trail, two of my four kids, and Scott Taylor.Scott Taylor's video of these events: http://bit.ly/2tpJayWCorrections and additions:--I know the town is \"Gatlinburg\" without an \"s,\" but I always incorrectly pronounce it \"Gatlinsburg.\" Sorry.--The granola that Lydia was eating is made with granola, powdered milk (the full-fat kind), and instant espresso, specifically, \"Medaglia D'Oro Espresso Instant Coffee.\" It's really good! Take Low Gap 2.5 miles to campsite #37 at the Big Creek Trail junction. 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. There is a very steep climb for the last half of the trail but the results are worth it. 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. What if the bear doesnt change direction and lose interest? I didnt even know you had video of it! For such a high traffic park, Im surprised theres still so much wildlife, then again it might be all the goodies from so many people not respecting LNT that attracts them to the trail. With more than 800 miles of trails in the park, youre spoiled for choices when it comes to backpacking routes in the Smokies. Camelbak Rim Runner 22 . Rock cuts done by the CCC reveal the amazing geology of this ancient mountain range, which your guide will explain as you hike. Sterling Loop, Great Smoky Mountains. Thats killer! Outdoor Research Helium 2: https://amzn.to/2LYbilH Im fn pissed!!! See all of your camping options here. Backcountry for backpackers, campgrounds with restrooms and running water, and even horse camps. I was very interested in the Blackbird XLC but it is hefty. Turn left onto the Enloe Creek Trail at this 3-way intersection. Check nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fallcolor.htm. Thank you! Travel time from Uptown Charlotte: 40 minutes. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. On a clear day, you can see up to 100 miles in every direction from this free to visit site. You are in my backyard, welcome. I backpack there often, Id be trashed after a day like that. 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). From the fire tower, its a moderate descent 2.1 miles to the Low Gap Trail. Sterling to the south. Temperatures are comfortable and the kids are out of school, so it does get crowded. There are plenty of campgrounds and campsites within Smoky Mountains National Park. 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. Cherokee, NC 28719 (828) 497-9132, RESTAURANTS Smoky Mountain Brewery 1004 Parkway # 501 Gatlinburg, TN 37738 coppercellar.com/Restaurant-SmokyMountainBrewery.html, Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria 968 Parkway # 9 Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 430-4090 bestitalian.com, Grannys Kitchen 1098 Paint Town Rd. Smoky Mountains: Hen Wallow Falls Hike 35. Approximately 8-12 milesTraversing the AT for the entire day, we have the challenge of ascending and descending multiple peaks with great views. I would advise you to buy a pair of snake water resistant boots. 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. 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. AWESOME VIDEO by the way! The fundamental premise of every best short hikes in mt rainier national park model is the same. Respect the determination. The Appalachian Trail continues to the right. We have done it in a corvette and its a blast!!! 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. Dont do this! Those looking for more excitement can always do a little gambling at Harrahs Cherokee Casino Resort. From here, the top of Tricorner Knob is accessible via a .3-mile, off-trail route to waypoint 13. 3.7 miles with 3000+ ft of gain at a pretty . This is a great way to save money, especially if youre traveling with family or a group of friends. (Boiling water also kills any dangerous microbes, but its an inefficientand fuel-costlysystem to rely on for securing safe drinking water. If that dont work; a well placed shot of bear spray up wind of the snake. Using your pack as a block would have been ideal. 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. [Please inform your guide upon reservation of any dietary restrictions or needs.]. Dude, campsite #55 pole road is awesome! Make sure you stop to enjoy the views at Lonesome Pine Overlook along the way. 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. These trips are very strenuous and require FIT and SOUND body and mind as well as willing and adventurous attitude! The same goes for bringing too little! Great Smoky Mountains National Park may be the most popular national park in the country, but for those willing to venture into the extensive backcountry of this Southern Appalachian sanctuary, ample opportunities for solitude are one of many rewards. The office is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). SEASON: The park is open year-round, and our trail scouts have hiked this route in every season. You made it. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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. 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 . Appalachian Trail - 4 Day | Smoky Mountain Guides Appalachian Trail - 4 Day "4 day Appalachian Trail Adventure!" What it's all about: Hike the longest continuous section of the Appalachian Trail that is continuously over 5000 feet! The name Smoky comes from the natural fog hanging over the mountain range. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You may also call the Backcountry Information Office at (865) 436-1297 for information to plan your hiking or backpacking trip. And of course there has to be a desert! Hike 2 miles down Clingmans Dome Road to the Noland Divide Trailhead to start your final 11.4-mile descent. Best thing to do it try to move it down that hill with a VERY long stick. ****MUSIC****Music by me, Evan Schaeffer. You might be interested in the book Bear in the Back Seat II (2 is better than volume 1) by Kim DeLozier. 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. Going big means a hike up the Swallow Falls Trail 4 miles to the Mt. Transportation Services, Tours & Trips, 12. Reservations are required to stay at the Mount LeConte Lodge. Subscribe to our newsletter of follow us on the social channels to stay tuned. During this hike, you will have the unique experience to explore both the Tennessee and the North Carolina side of the national park. Turn left on the gravel road and continue another 1.5 miles back to the Beech Gap Trailhead. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Theres a lot to do here, including the usual mountain adventure of ziplining, hiking and rafting. Need to Know Check trail closures due to the recent fires at Chimney Tops. Get your shopping done along Main Street, attend a folk festival, and have an awesome meal at Sweet Onion!