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  1. #1

    Default Hiking Smoky Mountains in June (Good or Bad?)

    Hi!

    I''m planning a section hike of the Smoky Mountains to take place around mid June. I have read mixed opinions about hiking this section during June, as the weather can be unpredictable, and I was wondering if any experienced hikers can tell me whether or not this would be enjoyable. I am open to any section in the 10 day range during mid June, so any suggestions would be great.

    Thanks!

  2. #2
    Registered User
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    A lot depends on where your comfort level is. If you're talking about the AT only, it's at the higher elevations, so a mid-June heat wave should be bearable. If you're wanting to thru-hike the Smokies, understand that there are reservation/permit requirements. Check the park website for details.
    The weather is ALWAYS unpredictable.

  3. #3

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    Well it's probably not going to snow.

    How many monkey butlers will there be?

    One at first. But he'll train others.

  4. #4
    GSMNP 900 Miler
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    Quote Originally Posted by aaronthebugbuffet View Post
    Well it's probably not going to snow.
    LeConte Lodge has recorded snow fall in every month of the year except July and August.
    I stayed at Ice Water Springs Shelter on a July 4th where the night time lows dipped into the upper 30's.

    Climate data shows that average hi/lo temps for June:
    Gatlinburg - 86º/58º (1,462' in elevation)
    Clingman's Dome - 63º/49º (6,643' in elevation)
    The bulk of the AT is around 5,000' in elevation.
    Actual temperatures will likely be +/-10º from these numbers (with extreme weather events extending that range beyond +/-15º).

  5. #5

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    I would find it hard to pull a 10 day backpacking trip in the Smokies no matter the month. Like Illabelle says, you'll have to get a first permit for 7 days ($20) and then a second permit for the next 3 days ($12)---as they do trip permits in 7 day increments max. That's the permit/money part of the equation.

    The worst part of the GSMNP regs is that you'll have to tell them where you will be camping on night 1 and night 4 and night 7 and night 9 etc. There's no way to know where you'll be camping on Day 8 or 9, because you could get sick, creeks could rise making crossing impossible, you get bad weather and need a zero in-tent day. Point is, ALL CAMPSITES in the Smokies must be reservation-only and planned in advance. Good luck.

  6. #6

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    Quote Originally Posted by HooKooDooKu View Post
    LeConte Lodge has recorded snow fall in every month of the year except July and August.
    I stayed at Ice Water Springs Shelter on a July 4th where the night time lows dipped into the upper 30's.

    Climate data shows that average hi/lo temps for June:
    Gatlinburg - 86º/58º (1,462' in elevation)
    Clingman's Dome - 63º/49º (6,643' in elevation)
    The bulk of the AT is around 5,000' in elevation.
    Actual temperatures will likely be +/-10º from these numbers (with extreme weather events extending that range beyond +/-15º).
    Yeah those night lows can really sneak up on you. Hard to comprehend sometimes when it's in the 80s on the way there.

    How many monkey butlers will there be?

    One at first. But he'll train others.

  7. #7
    279.6 Miler (Tanyard Gap) CamelMan's Avatar
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    I think it would be very enjoyable. Just be prepared and you'll have a great time.

  8. #8
    Registered User jbbweeks's Avatar
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    Smokies would not be my first choice for a June hike but if forced I'd do the area north of Newfound Gap - less activity better trail better campsites!


    Tapatalk

  9. #9

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    Quote Originally Posted by jbbweeks View Post
    Smokies would not be my first choice for a June hike but if forced I'd do the area north of Newfound Gap - less activity better trail better campsites!


    Tapatalk
    What would be your first choice for a June hike?

    Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

  10. #10

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    I did the Smokys last year the last week of May. Day temps were mid 70s, nights I had to bundle up. I was glad I had my 20* quilt.

  11. #11
    Registered User jbbweeks's Avatar
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    Roan Highlands - Grayson Highlands


    Tapatalk

  12. #12

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    Quote Originally Posted by jbbweeks View Post
    Roan Highlands - Grayson Highlands


    Tapatalk
    Thanks. That was the other place I was looking at.

    Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

  13. #13
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    the rhododendron and azaleas should be blooming in mid-June.

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