Help! advice: reroute due to snow

[Bigglesworth]

Several of us are stuck in Gatlinburg and have been for a few days due to snow in the Smokies. Roads are closed and we can't get back to anywhere close to Clingman's Dome or Newfound Gap. Is it wrong to start back up at Cosby/Green Corner Road or near there, since it seems to be the only viable option, and since we don't know how long we're stuck at this point. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[Lone Wolf]

get a shuttle to davenport gap and continue north. it's not wrong. no biggie

[SGT Rock]

It's only wrong if you think it is wrong. It is only hiking. There are no referees on the trail, scoreboards at the trailheads, or penalties for changing routes based on weather or mood. Not only is it fine to do (get a map), but it will make for great stories later in life.

Of course some will find fault with you while sitting behind a nice, comfortable keyboard. You decide if they should be headed or not.

[Mags]

I would say closed roads changes the equation a bit. Find an alternative that works for you and hike it. I don't know if there's a lower route you can take (Sgt. Rock can help you out there), but I'd definitely take his suggestion: Grab a map and plan your own route. You could also skip ahead if need be.

A bit of the CDT experience on the AT.

[grizzlyadam]

you could always walk the road back up to newfound gap

[Appalachian Tater]

If you're concerned, call the ATC and ask them what the official route is during the emergency. In other words, get a special dispensation.

[Yahtzee]

Most other places I would say move ahead and forward but north of Newfound Gap to Davenport Gap is just spectacular. I'd exhaust every option and then try them all again. But hell, you can always come back. Not bad to have a reason to come back and go hiking.

[Lone Wolf]

If you're concerned, call the ATC and ask them what the official route is during the emergency. In other words, get a special dispensation.

it's not an emergency. they CHOSE to get off the trail and hitch to town. i bet the road will be back open today

[Fannypack]

you could always walk the road back up to newfound gap

which I heard some hikers did in March 1996 after a 2ft snowfall in the GSMNP caught them in G'burg.

During this same storm my father & I were going over Albert Mtn after staying in the old Carter Gap Shelter (boy was it cold & windy).. and those dang gutters on the shelter, my father must of hit his head 3 times on them....

[Lone Wolf]

it's not an emergency. they CHOSE to get off the trail and hitch to town. i bet the road will be back open today

i just called the park. the road is OPEN

[Johnny Swank]

This is one reason why I always tell folks to just carry a couple more days of food and skip Gatlinburg.

Good luck with whatever you work out. There are trails aplenty to get to the north end of the park, the AT's just one of them.

[The Solemates]

The road was closed for over a week and we had 3 foot snowdrifts in the smokies when we went through. We saw not a soul through the whole park.

[orangebug]

I'll bet these folks are already either at Davenport Gap or past Charlie's Bunion by now.

[Phil1959]

Hey Wolf! You ever get a dispensation?

[Bulldawg]

If you are in Gatlinburg and REALLY worried about it, why not hike the Rainbow Falls trail to Mount Lecont Lodge and then take the trail from there over to the AT?? Thats probably what I would do if I was REALLY worried about it. Or just wait it out in town for a day or two.

[Slimer]

Just go on a two day drunk.
When you wake up, the snow will be gone and everything will be fine.......except for your head.

[Appalachian Tater]

This is one reason why I always tell folks to just carry a couple more days of food and skip Gatlinburg.

I had planned to skip Gatlinburg but ended up going into town because of really nasty weather and enjoyed it very much. Wouldn't want to spend a week there, but it's a great place for hikers to eat and there was even a little trail celebration in the parking lot at the outfitters.

[CaseyB]

Just go on a two day drunk.
When you wake up, the snow will be gone and everything will be fine.......except for your head.

ding! ding! we have a winner!

[Blissful]

If you go to town for saftey reason to not be out in a blizzard, that is smart.

I'd get som yak trax and make tracks if the road is open and you can get to Newfound Gap. Just cut your mileage. It is no big deal hiking in snow, really, just wet feet. I've done it in deep snowdrifts twice last year (thankfully someone else had broken the trail). The weather is projected to get warm later this week which will turn it to slush, though. But you should have no problem. You will be on a ridgeline. Just watch the ice at Icewater.

[Montego]

Hey Wolf! You ever get a dispensation?

Probably not, but excommunication may be a different story