Bryson City to Gatlinburg

[ctranchina]

I'm looking to plan a hike across the Smokies from Deep Creek to Gatlinburg and looking for any thoughts on trails to connect. Anyone have experience with a trip like this?

I've got a friend that works in Gatlinburg to drive us back over the mountain, so looking to spend 3-4 days out there, not necessarily the shortest route.

Thanks!

[WingedMonkey]

The trails part offers so many possibilities for hiking that route. There are literally dozens. The problem is planning out allowed campsites/shelters.
Have you used the online map?
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisi...ap-july-11.pdf

[Tennessee Viking]

The most direct route would be Deep Creek to Fork Ridge Trail (following the MST route) to the AT/Mt Collins Shelter, then down Sugarlands Trail.

Or you could walk up to the AT then walk to the Boulevard Trail to Mt LeConte and then down Rainbow Falls or cut up early to Kephart to the AT/Boulevard

[ctranchina]

Yeah, I've got maps i can chart out various paths and have been around the southwestern smokies a bunch, just curious to hear from anyone who has experience going across or with the aspects you raise...campsites, water availability, etc. I haven't been on the TN side of the park much.

I'll check out those routes Tennessee Viking, thanks!