how are the smokies?

[GA BASS]

going to try to hike twenty mile area in the smokies this weekend. Anyone have any idea about current trail conditions? I hoping to head out to Gregory Bald

[Roche]

Just returned yesterday from a few days in the Abrams Falls area, about 6 miles (as the crow flies) north of Gregory Bald. Plenty of water sources, only came across a few day hikers. Found Abrams Creek a bit too fast, deep and cold to cross. Otherwise it was perfect - bugs were minimal, views expansive as the leaves are just starting to show.

[humunuku]

FYI 129 from the foothills parkway to the NC line is closed due to a rockslide...

[Ox97GaMe]

They are going in at 20 mile, so wont be affected by the rock slide, as long as they come in from the south (Franklin NC to Fontana or Blue Ridge to Andews to Robbinsville

Wont encounter any snow, water should be plentiful, and creeks will be slightly higher than normal due to all the recent snow melt at higher elevations. Not sure about blow down situation in that region of the park. Crews have been in the park since April 1 to work on this, but there is a VERY large number of trees down in the park in the 2100 - 3500 ft elevation band. you will pass through this zone as you climb up 20 mile.

Im assuming you will do an in and out, or a loop back to 20 mile ranger station. If not, you need to be aware that the Cades Cove loop is closed until April 25th to vehicular traffic.