Newfound Gap to Hot Springs

[appstate_mj]

Planning to do this hike in August....for those who have done any or all of this section, any tips, advice, or helpful info?

Thanks in advance...MJ

[HooKooDooKu]

You will need to keep an eye out on the GSMNP Current Conditions Web Page as changes are made during their Phased Reopening of the park.
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Currently, all park trails are open, but unlike normal times, you can only book your permit/shelter reservations 14 days in advance of the start of your trip (normally you can book your permit/reservations 30 days in advance, and that might change back to 30 days between now and August).

Icewater Spring shelter is likely to be a mad-house, and too close to NFG for your 1st day hiking.
Pecks Corner is one of my least favorite shelters. But with the CURRENT rules, you are allowed to set up tents around shelters, so this could be a good night to stop for your 1st night.
Tricorner Knob looks like the nicest shelter on that side of the park. But that makes for about 16 miles your first day... and I don't recall how nice the tent sites are around it.
Cosby Knob is an ok shelter, with several nice spots near by to setup tents.

{Beyond that, can't help you, I'm mainly a GSMNP hiker, not an AT hiker}

[Slo-go'en]

Spend your last night in the park in the cage at the Davenport gap shelter. You can then get to Standing Bear about noon for a pizza, resupply and move on. Couple of good campsites on the way up Snowbird mountain if you spend too much time at the hostel. If you press on to Ground hog shelter you can make it to Hot springs in 3 days more days. Stay at Roaring Fork shelter the next day since you'll be spending most of the day hanging out on top of Max Patch. Do not stay at Walnut mountain shelter. The shelter it's self is in poor repair (and only sleeps 4) plus it has a history of bear problems, but that might be fixed by now. There are a couple of tent sites on the other side of Bluff Mountain which sets you up to arrive in Hot Springs fairly early in the day.

Unless you want to take your time, then add a days worth of food leaving Standing Bear.

[Mr. Bumpy]

It will be hot and dry. Get up before dawn and walk. A lot. When you find a good stream about 1PM take an extra long break. Start walking again at about 4 and walk till near dark.

[carouselambra]

Don't stay on Max Patch on a Friday or Saturday night during the summer. The local wildlife drag their coolers, beer funnels, large tents, and radios up from the parking lot. They don't go to sleep when it gets dark. There are some nice campsites just north of Max Patch in the treeline. You can walk back up from there to catch the sunset.

[appstate_mj]

Thanks everyone for your replies. Another question...are there places to park my car in Gatlinburg during this hike. I'd like to get to Hot Springs, shuttle to Gatlinburg, and be hiking back to my car...but not sure I'm going to be able to get there in time (some of this depends on other people that I am meeting on trail)...so I may just have to go straight to Gatlinburg and spend night, start hike next day. Are there places where you can park your car for a week there?

I've made some adjustments based on your suggestions, and here is my tentative hike plan. Any feedback is welcome

Fri: drive to gatlinburg, stay night
Sa: shuttle to trail, hike 207.3 -> 217.8; camp at Peck's corner shelter
Su: 217.8 - > 230.7; camp Cosby Knob Shelter
M: 230.7 - > 237.8; Davenport gap shelter (short day to meet up w/ friend at Dav gap shelter)
T: 238.7 -> 248.3; groundhog creek shelter
W: 248.3 -> 261.4; walnut mtn shelter
Th: 261.4 -> 271.3 deep park mtn shelter (or continue into hot springs)

Does that sound like an ok hike? For those who have done this section.

Thanks again...MJ

[HooKooDooKu]

You could always park in the national park...
When you fill out the application for your permit to stay at Pecks, Cosby Knob, and Davenport Gap, you include you car's License Plate number.
When a ranger notices your car has been parked at a GSMNP trailhead for a few days, he can just run your tag number to confirm your permit.

However, since your hike will include a few days outside the park, you might want to touch base with the back country office (865-436-1231) at let them know your trip will be a few days longer than what is on your GSMNP permit.
Given that half your trip is inside the park, I don't think they will have any issues with your car being left in the park a few extra days.

[UTurn]

Just hiked Max Patch to Hot Springs for first time. I would add that water will most likely be less available in August from about Bluff Mountain going in Hot Springs. There's more/better water sources from Max Patch to Bluff Mountain if it's a drought season. Still options after, but if it's a hot dry summer you may want to plan ahead to be safe. Also, the trail dumps out at the Laughing Heart Hostel in Hot Springs. If you are not familiar with these folks, they served as a great resource for us- showers/shuttle/supplies.

https://www.laughingheartlodge.com/hostel/

Good luck

[john844]

I would put my car where you want to finish. That way you only need one shuttle. You could do the reverse, but you are shuttling while tired and smelly. I found a shuttle driver out of Gatlinburg that charges $10 pickup + $1 a mile. She does go up to Hot Springs. 317-417-5351

Pecks Corner is .4 miles downhill from AT and water is even further downhill. Shelter was nice and had a privy. There are a few tent sites above the shelter near the privy.

Cosby Knob is also a nice shelter. The water is right next to shelter. There are 3 tent sites above and Slightly south on AT. There was a spring and bear cables at that location and you are still in sight of the shelter.

Davenport shelter still has chain link fencing on the front wall. Some people didn't like the confined feeling of this shelter and pushed on. I only stopped for water here and didn't notice any obvious tent sites, but I didn't look either.

The spacing of those shelters worked well for me this past week and I stayed at 2 of them. The day going to Davenport is mostly downhill and I got to the shelter very early. You could easily push on to Standing Bear Farm or a site just beyond it. That is what we did.

The .6 mile side trail to Mt Cammerer is a nice place to take a break and has awesome views in all directions.

Enjoy your hike!

John

[liteweight]

I’d pass Deer Park Shelter and just head into Hot Springs. Breakfast at the Smoky Mountain Diner is a must ( if it’s open). Charlies Bunion to Cosby Knob is some great hiking.

[FreeGoldRush]

Avoid ice water springs shelter. It’s between Newfound Gap and Charlie’s Bunion. This is the most popular day hike and one nighter in the smokies. Avoid Max Patch on Friday or Saturday night. There’s plenty of room but all the weekend campers there for the sunrise are best avoided.

This entire section is prime black bear territory. Don’t sleep with your food here even if you do in other sections.

This is a memorable part of the trail. Enjoy it.

[appstate_mj]

Avoid ice water springs shelter. It’s between Newfound Gap and Charlie’s Bunion. This is the most popular day hike and one nighter in the smokies. Avoid Max Patch on Friday or Saturday night. There’s plenty of room but all the weekend campers there for the sunrise are best avoided.

This entire section is prime black bear territory. Don’t sleep with your food here even if you do in other sections.

This is a memorable part of the trail. Enjoy it.

By sleep with your food I assume you mean in your tent or with you in shelter? I always hang it. Should be ok as long as I hang it?

[appstate_mj]

Also the last post brings up something else I was wondering about re bears. The other sections of the trail I've done weren't very densely populated by bears....any tips and advice re bears for this section? Best way to avoid them, what to do if I see one, etc etc??

[HooKooDooKu]

By sleep with your food I assume you mean in your tent or with you in shelter? I always hang it. Should be ok as long as I hang it?

Every GSMNP Backcountry campsite has bear cables for hanging your food, and hanging is required.

[FreeGoldRush]

By sleep with your food I assume you mean in your tent or with you in shelter? I always hang it. Should be ok as long as I hang it?
Correct. In the past this has been an area with friendly bears.

[FreeGoldRush]

Also the last post brings up something else I was wondering about re bears. The other sections of the trail I've done weren't very densely populated by bears....any tips and advice re bears for this section? Best way to avoid them, what to do if I see one, etc etc??

If you see a bear enjoy the experience. You are fine. Bear problems are almost always after everyone has gone to sleep and they come into camp for food. The super friendly bears will wander in when people are still awake, but that’s kinda rare. If bear cables or a bear box is available then use it. If camping away from a shelter then do a proper bear bag hang. Don’t leave food around. Don’t throw it in the fire pit. Don’t get it on your clothes. Don’t eat in a tent or hammock. Use a smell proof sack for food and trash (get at REI or online).

Most important: Never admit you spent a moment laying in your tent unable to sleep because you were listening for Bears walking in the woods. Just lie and say you slept like a baby.

[steve_zavocki]

I’d pass Deer Park Shelter and just head into Hot Springs. Breakfast at the Smoky Mountain Diner is a must ( if it’s open). Charlies Bunion to Cosby Knob is some great hiking.

Just got back yesterday from Hot Springs. Smoky Mt Diner is open on the decks, and for takeout. If you are there on a Saturday, they have awesome Cinnamon Buns.

Spring Creek and Iron Horse are open for dine-in. Hardly anyone wearing silly masks. I love how friendly people are there.
If you need a shuttle, contact Jason at 321-693-6455.

[HooKooDooKu]

If bear cables or a bear box is available then use it. If camping away from a shelter then do a proper bear bag hang.
At least while in GSMNP, you MUST camp at the shelters and you must hang your food on the bear cables at the shelter (and you need a permit with reservations for each shelter you plan to stay at).

[carouselambra]

+1 on the Cinnamon Buns (only available on Saturdays) and the Smoky Mt Diner in general. Good food at a good value.


Just got back yesterday from Hot Springs. Smoky Mt Diner is open on the decks, and for takeout. If you are there on a Saturday, they have awesome Cinnamon Buns.

Spring Creek and Iron Horse are open for dine-in. Hardly anyone wearing silly masks. I love how friendly people are there.
If you need a shuttle, contact Jason at 321-693-6455.

[FreeGoldRush]

At least while in GSMNP, you MUST camp at the shelters and you must hang your food on the bear cables at the shelter (and you need a permit with reservations for each shelter you plan to stay at).

No, you do not have to camp at the shelters in the Smokies. Some of us hiked straight thru without stopping just so we could avoid their camping rules. Yes, I am proud of those insanely big miles and the opportunity to legally rebel against their rules and the people who insisted (incorrectly) that I’d be camping at the shelters.

So there are legal alternatives but I realize it isn’t for everyone.

[HooKooDooKu]

No, you do not have to camp at the shelters in the Smokies. Some of us hiked straight thru without stopping just so we could avoid their camping rules. Yes, I am proud of those insanely big miles and the opportunity to legally rebel against their rules and the people who insisted (incorrectly) that I’d be camping at the shelters.

So there are legal alternatives but I realize it isn’t for everyone.
Not sure "following the rule" can count as rebelling...

But given the number of rule breakers I see in GSMNP, I appreciate you following them.



The good news is that, for now, the park is allowing everyone (with a permit) to set up tents near the shelters {like the "over-follow" of thru hikers is normally allowed} as a part of "Social Distancing".
The bad news for legitimate AT thur hikers, the park isn't issuing thru hiker permits. You've got to get shelter reservations like "regular" backpackers do.

[appstate_mj]

No, you do not have to camp at the shelters in the Smokies. Some of us hiked straight thru without stopping just so we could avoid their camping rules. Yes, I am proud of those insanely big miles and the opportunity to legally rebel against their rules and the people who insisted (incorrectly) that I’d be camping at the shelters.

So there are legal alternatives but I realize it isn’t for everyone.

So what kind of mileage did you do, just out of curiosity?

Probably because I've had only good experiences so far, but I actually have liked sleeping in the shelters. I have a bad back and have trouble sleeping, so the flatness and levelness of the floors of the shelters was good for me. And again because I've had good experience with shelter mates, I actually found it comforting to have the other people there out in the middle of the pitch black woods at night haha

I do have a tent in case they are full and I need to stealth somewhere.

Question re etiquette for shelters in GSMNP...I know they require reservations, which I am planning to make...but there have been stories of shelters having double the amount of people allowed and not room in them....so if I have a reservation, and I get to a shelter, and it's full, with people who don't have reservations, is it proper to ask someone to give their spot up? I mean, technically yes, but in real life seems like that wouldn't fly??

[Tennessee Viking]

Hang your food far from your campsite.

[HooKooDooKu]

So what kind of mileage did you do, just out of curiosity?

Probably because I've had only good experiences so far, but I actually have liked sleeping in the shelters. I have a bad back and have trouble sleeping, so the flatness and levelness of the floors of the shelters was good for me. And again because I've had good experience with shelter mates, I actually found it comforting to have the other people there out in the middle of the pitch black woods at night haha

I do have a tent in case they are full and I need to stealth somewhere.

Question re etiquette for shelters in GSMNP...I know they require reservations, which I am planning to make...but there have been stories of shelters having double the amount of people allowed and not room in them....so if I have a reservation, and I get to a shelter, and it's full, with people who don't have reservations, is it proper to ask someone to give their spot up? I mean, technically yes, but in real life seems like that wouldn't fly??
First of all, given that a good bit of the hike listed by the OP is in GSMNP, "stealth" camping is illegal in GSMNP, and is currently not necessary given that EVERYONE can currently tent at shelters.

As for having a reservation at a shelter and showing up at the shelter and it's full... that's just ONE of the many reasons you bring a shelter (tent, tarp) with you.
If that many people WANT to stay in a shelter, that means someone is there illegally... and I'm not about to confront someone, who clearly doesn't mind breaking the rules, while I'm miles into the back country.
That's when I'm going to set my tent up outside the shelter. If a ridge runner or park ranger comes along, I'm going to show them my permit, explain that "for my personal safety", I'm not going to confront rule breakers in the back country, and that I'll gladly pack up my tent and more to the shelter as soon as they evict the guilty parties from the shelter.

[HooKooDooKu]

Hang your food far from your campsite.
But NOT while in GSMNP.
At every campsite are bear cables. When people use them properly, we don't get campsites shut down "due to bear activity".

[Tennessee Viking]

But NOT while in GSMNP.
At every campsite are bear cables. When people use them properly, we don't get campsites shut down "due to bear activity".
True. Namely I40 to Hot Springs. Bears tend to think hikers in hammocks are toys or food bags.

[TNhiker]

No, you do not have to camp at the shelters in the Smokies. Some of us hiked straight thru without stopping just so we could avoid their camping rules. Yes, I am proud of those insanely big miles and the opportunity to legally rebel against their rules and the people who insisted (incorrectly) that I’d be camping at the shelters.

So there are legal alternatives but I realize it isn’t for everyone.



so what's it like hiking for 35 hours straight through?


and yeah.....i dont see how this is a "rebel" move when you still followed the rules, but oh, well........

[HooKooDooKu]

and yeah.....i dont see how this is a "rebel" move when you still followed the rules, but oh, well........
Given all the crap that's been going on in the park (especially during that 1st open "phase"), following rules IS sort of a rebellion.

[EMAN]

Doing this section next week. Got myself going from Cosby to "Painter's Branch" one night. Anyone know what that place is like?
Got it from Guthook.
At 67 YO, that is around 13 miles, a long day for an old guy with henky knees. But not so bad as continuing that climb.

[EMAN]

Doing this section next week. Got myself going from Cosby to "Painter's Branch" one night. Anyone know what that place is like?<br>Got it from Guthook. <br>At 67 YO, that is around 13 miles, a long day for an old guy with henky knees. But not so bad as continuing that climb.<br><br>

[Southeast]

Doing this section next week. Got myself going from Cosby to "Painter's Branch" one night. Anyone know what that place is like?<br>Got it from Guthook. <br>At 67 YO, that is around 13 miles, a long day for an old guy with henky knees. But not so bad as continuing that climb.<br><br>

Painter Branch is a nice camp area. I stayed there June 5th while doing Newfound Gap to Hot Springs. Couple spots right by the creek but if you cross the creek and go upstream
even more. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200617/7eeb9a3382fca8f0c6c1dea4d9a25abb.jpg

[EMAN]

I am looking at parking in Hot Springs. Is the area near the FS road still ok? Another suggestion?

[appstate_mj]

Any of the hotels/hostels/inns in Hot Springs allow you to park you car there for a few days (even if for a fee, I'll pay)...I'm going to park there, shuttle to NFG, and hike back to the car...any advice re parking in Hot Springs?

[bigben]

Walnut mtn shelter is crap. One of my worst AT nights were there. Crap structure, crap water, crap privy, not much flat for tenting, and if the wind is blasting on Nax Patch, itll be blasting there too.

[rmitchell]

Hopefully it will change by August but currently Sevier County is a Covid19 hot spot. Sevierville and Pigeon Forge are among the highest cases per 10,000 residents per capita in Tennessee. Newfound Gap can get very crowded by noon.