The Smokeys in October

[ficade]

My friend and I are doing a 3-4 day hike in the Smokeys starting October 23rd. Anyone interested in hiking with us would be great. Not sure of the exact location yet, thinking about Cades Cove, or Newfound Gap. Any sugguestions?

[Ewker]

Just make sure that any campsite you want to stay at isn't one that is rationed. You need a permit to stay in those. I had to reserve 2 spots for my trip a few weeks ago due to so many people going to the Smokies this time of yr

[rockrat]

Traditionally the higher elevation shelters fill up faster. I prefer to hike along the Middle Prong Area myself or on the backside near Cataloochee.

[otterman]

I tried to reserve shelters at Cosby Knob and Davenport Gap a couple of weeks ago. They were full, so I had to settle for the weekend of November 3.

[Hikes in Rain]

I just reserved Mt. Collins, Derrick Knob and Mollies Ridge for that weekend. Actually, I'll be at Mt. Collins on the second, but...sounds like we're heading in opposite directions, anyway. Have a great hike!

[generoll]

i'm leaving for the easternmost part of the BMT tomorrow. i had no problems getting into the rationed campsites.

[ficade]

Looking at the SM Map I think we may hike Eagle Creek down to Fontana Lake. Probably will clear away from the AT.

[gollwoods]

i'm heading to deep creek for a hike up to the A t and back down that weeek, I had no problem getting Mt collins shelter on the 25th, anyone feeling like going along let me know.

[Gray Blazer]

Mt. Sterling is a great place to view the leaves from Big Cataloochee to Guyot to Mt Cammerrer, etc.

[NECKBONE]

I'm starting on the 22nd at Cades Cove and heading up to Russell and across to Derrick and 3 other sites for a loop of 5 nights. Maybe we'll run into each other.
Neckbone

[ficade]

An FYI Eagle Creek Camp site (camp 9) is closed due to Bear Activity. We are hiking from Elkmont down to Miegs Mountain Trail down to West Prong Trail finally meeting Bote Mountain Trail and then hitting Eagle Creek all the way down to Cades. Seems like a good 3 day hike. About 9 miles a day.

[Whiskyjo]

ficade,, check your map before taking Eagle Creek to Cades Cove you will get wet,I live in the Smokies and the wind hit about 60 mph here last night and even stronger above 3500 ft. in elevation.

[ficade]

Or wet as in flood? I saw the weather report posted on http://www.nps.gov/grsm/parknews/windstorm.htm did NOT look good. Hope I can still go and get around.

[Whiskyjo]

No,,, wet as in Eagle Creek leads to Fontana lake on the other side of the smokies.

[Ramble~On]

I figure I should post this and I hope it reaches anyone planning to visit the park anytime soon.

There was a storm that struck the park recently which caused extensive wind damage. 441 between Gatlinburg and Cherokee has been cleared.
Clingman's Dome Rd and Cade's Cove have been cleared but the park service warns that not all of the trails have been checked or cleared.
Trails may have a lot of brush and blowdowns making for some slow hiking in spots.