The Great smoky mountains

[Egads]

@siestita
So you guys are saying with 4 days(i can do more if i like) its not likely to get both low elevation creeks/etc and ridges/peaks, its one of the other

I hiked from Smokemont up the Hughes ridge tr to the AT over to Balsam Mtn tr back on the BMT to campsite #47 at Enloe Creek one day. I saw creeks, ridges, climbs, descents, & wild life the same day. Certainly you can get r done in 4 days.

[Ashepabst]

In regards to number two, i would have no problem staying in ridge shelters. But i have to ask, are their trees around them? within a few hundred feet or so, i think if we could sleep in our hammocks next to them that would be better. Are there no backcountry camping sites near ridges?

you can only overnight in established backcountry sites and shelters. when staying at a shelter, you're required to stay in the shelter.

good luck with your planning. you can't really go wrong in the smokies. my only recommendation is to take it easy, don't be too over-ambitious with your route. oh, and don't wear cotton.

[ike1985]

you can only overnight in established backcountry sites and shelters. when staying at a shelter, you're required to stay in the shelter.

good luck with your planning. you can't really go wrong in the smokies. my only recommendation is to take it easy, don't be too over-ambitious with your route. oh, and don't wear cotton.

I know about cotton. This is not my first dance so to say.

[Ashepabst]

I know about cotton. This is not my first dance so to say.

oh, my bad. i must've confused you with the guy who was in here earlier asking all the stupid questions... the guy who --so politely-- asked for advice.

[Farr Away]

The Smokies see a lot of rain - they're classified as a temperate rain forest. At times it can seem like you can set your watch based on the 3 pm shower. It would not be at all surprising for you to see rain every day.

In July though the rain is warm, so not a big deal. Just something to be aware of.

Have a great hike!

-FA

[Plodderman]

Rating the trails is difficult because it can be relative. The Smokies can be challenging in July because it can get warm and it rains in the afternoon but I would not classify them a difficult in relation to the rest of the AT. A few years ago we had some water problems but not enough to turn back and the Rangers warned us in advance.

It does get cool at night so a long sleeve fleece is nice.

I have spotted a few bears but none close enough to worry about and all I carry is my hiking stick. I have hiked there three times and have never had a problem nor has anyone I hiked with. We do take precautions like hanging our food and not eating in the shelter.

The only problem I have ever had in the Smokies is getting shelter reservations in the places I wanted them.

[ike1985]

oh, my bad. i must've confused you with the guy who was in here earlier asking all the stupid questions... the guy who --so politely-- asked for advice.

Which guy was that?

[Egads]

oh, my bad. i must've confused you with the guy who was in here earlier asking all the stupid questions... the guy who --so politely-- asked for advice.

Which guy was that?

He is referring to the OP

[ike1985]

He is referring to the OP

so he's just being an ass then, nice attitude ashpabst.

[kyhiker1]

One of my favorite hiking/camping areas in the Smokies is the Big Creek area on the eastern side of the park.Another website that may be helpful with lots of local hikers and general info and photos of areas you may want to visit is http://www.gosmokies.com

[ike1985]

thank kyhiker1