View Full Version : Smoky Mountains closed??
sweaty yetti
03-25-2010, 21:47
There's a rumor going around the AT that they haven't been letting hikers into the Smoky Mountains due to bad weather. I'll be getting into Fontana Dam here in about 4 or 5 days and wanted to see if anyone had an update on this?? Thanks
-Sonic
Lone Wolf
03-25-2010, 21:57
There's a rumor going around the AT that they haven't been letting hikers into the Smoky Mountains due to bad weather. I'll be getting into Fontana Dam here in about 4 or 5 days and wanted to see if anyone had an update on this?? Thanks
-Sonic
nah. you must be thinkin' about baxter state park
Haven't heard such a rumor, but believe what you want, or you could just call the ranger station in that area to get the truth instead of feeding into said rumor.
I ran into a bunch of thrus last week that have been hearing the same thing. I don't know if it's true or not. I can't imagine someone sitting on the trail saying sorry you can't hike here.
SmokyMtn Hiker
03-25-2010, 22:07
Their website only states that there is lots of snow and most likely numerous blow downs and hiking at high elevations may be slow going. I read threads right here on WB that thru hikers have been passing through even when the snow was 3 feet deep.
BSF-Hiker
03-25-2010, 22:11
US Hwy 129 is closed from the NC/TN line north to Foothills Parkway. This is the western border of the GSMNP. It is a few miles west of the AT and would not have any effect on the trail. It is expected to be closed for several months, due to a rock slide. This is probably where the rumors are coming from.
This will effect anyone driving from Knoxville to Fontana. It will be require a detour to either through Gatlinburg to Cherokee, or go across Cherohala Skyway from Tellico Plains Tn to Robbinsville NC (near Stecoah Gap and Fontana). Either detour will add a couple hours to the trip.
johnnybgood
03-25-2010, 22:12
It's the 2010 version of "Funniest Rumor that you heard while hiking the trail" :D
SouthMark
03-26-2010, 09:25
Just a crazy rumor. I was at Fontana Sunday & Monday. Plenty of thrus headed into the Smokies. Talked to my grandson Wednesday night at Silers Bald Shelter with a shelter full. Not that much snow now.
What's needed right about now and might be had is a post from someone who has just hiked it, but that would dispell any rumours.:rolleyes:
Word is that they ran out of Smoke.
Maybe the fire went out?:rolleyes:
Do they actually post a ranger at Baxter to make sure no one enters when conditions are dangerous?
I was figuring that they use the same method as Mount Washington. When trails are closed, there are red signs stating that the trail is closed, but if you wanted to, you could hike it anyway.
If you're caught hiking on a closed trail though, you pay a pretty stiff fine, or maybe thrown into hiker's prison.:D
A
Jonnycat
03-26-2010, 17:41
If you're caught hiking on a closed trail though, you pay a pretty stiff fine, or maybe thrown into hiker's prison.:D
They slather you with bacon grease and honey then tie you to a tree.
Do they actually post a ranger at Baxter to make sure no one enters when conditions are dangerous?
A
They chase you down, then make you watch reruns of Rosie O'Donnell. :)
They can escort you out of the park and refuse you reentry in the future.
They chase you down, then make you watch reruns of Rosie O'Donnell. :)
They can escort you out of the park and refuse you reentry in the future.
Wouldn't be reruns for me; never seen the show:)
Cabin Fever
03-26-2010, 18:51
They strap you down to a shelter floor, cover you with cheese and let the shelter mice feast.
Rasputen
03-26-2010, 19:38
Hiked Fontana to Spence Field and looped back via Jenkins Ridge / Hazel Creek and LakeShore Trail last Friday and Saturday.
Fontana- AT in great shape up to Spence Field. A couple of small blow downs that are easily stepped over. No snow until doe knob and even then not bad. When the sun heats things up,it's a mess!
The Fontana Bridge was open to vehicle traffic and the small parking area at the LS and AT trail head had about 3 cars parked there.
Jenkins Ridge Trail- Yikes! Until you head down off the South side it is/was major blowdowns and knee deep snow!
Hazel Creek from Jenkins- Clear all the way to LakeShore Trail.
LakeShore Trial from Hazel Creek Trail- All clear to Fontana.
Thanks to all those keeping the trail maintained where you are able to get to it!
aquaman1208
03-26-2010, 19:41
Will be there Monday. How is the weather/snow on the ground up to Hot Springs? Very confused with the rumor mill running wild.
Aquaman
drdewrag
03-26-2010, 21:06
just hiked it.....
Just hiked the Smokies 3/11 and it was open.
Ox97GaMe
03-28-2010, 12:15
The Smokies are open (never officially closed), although many of the roads around the park have been closed due to snow and rock slides over the past month. That may be some of the source of the rumors flying around.
Snow conditions in the park.... No snow until you get to approximately 5000 ft elevation. Snow is currently at Rocky Top/Thunderhead (about 2 ft) and from Double Spring Shelter to TriCorner Shelter (up to 3 ft). The snow is melting fast with all the warm weather and rain. Most of it should be melted by next week, except in places that are well shaded.
I-40 - Hot Springs has no snow. I was in that area doing trail maintenance this past week. Snowbird, Max Patch, and Walnut Mtn (the 3 highest peaks in that section) are all clear of snow. There are a LOT of blowdowns in that area though. Some of the worst Ive seen in the southern sections Ive been on. I-40 to Snowbird has over 100 large trees down. I talked to southbound hikers that stated it was like that all the way to Hot Springs. I havent walked that section to confirm, but wouldnt be suprised.
Chaco Taco
03-28-2010, 19:13
I do know that a Ranger in The Smokies did tell a group of Spring Breakers that they were not allowing them to hike in the upper elevations when we were at Fontana a couple of weeks ago.
saimyoji
03-28-2010, 19:57
Do they actually post a ranger at Baxter to make sure no one enters when conditions are dangerous?
I was figuring that they use the same method as Mount Washington. When trails are closed, there are red signs stating that the trail is closed, but if you wanted to, you could hike it anyway.
If you're caught hiking on a closed trail though, you pay a pretty stiff fine, or maybe thrown into hiker's prison.:D
A
you joke, but one WB member was kind enough to share the poem he drafted while in jail for his illegal hiking in Baxter........
Warren, care to share that again?
Digger'02
03-29-2010, 09:54
I do know that a Ranger in The Smokies did tell a group of Spring Breakers that they were not allowing them to hike in the upper elevations when we were at Fontana a couple of weeks ago.
Chac- this is probably the ridgerunner? he has "advised" that several groups get to get to lower elevations for saftey reasons: heavy snow, low temps, cotton, no map, sneakers, etc. this may be the source of the rumors/
sidebackside
03-29-2010, 10:12
I read this morning about a woman being rescued up in the Smokies yesterday. It was on Mt. LeConte, so not that AT but apparently up in the highest elevations weather is still pretty bad.
*Note: She had to be rescued due to injury.
Tipi Walter
03-29-2010, 12:22
I do know that a Ranger in The Smokies did tell a group of Spring Breakers that they were not allowing them to hike in the upper elevations when we were at Fontana a couple of weeks ago.
Another good reason to avoid the Smokies at all costs. Do I need someone to tell me to turn around? Or to not go in? Crazy.
I just got back from a postholing nightmare and spent several days on my last trip struggling thru 40 inch snow and cursing almost every step. It's called "Winter Backpacking". Get used to it or become a fair-weather dayhiker type and pick and choose yourself out of a trip. Winter is almost over and so this rant is nearly obsolete.
Chaco Taco
03-29-2010, 12:25
Chac- this is probably the ridgerunner? he has "advised" that several groups get to get to lower elevations for saftey reasons: heavy snow, low temps, cotton, no map, sneakers, etc. this may be the source of the rumors/
Could have been. It was still pretty bad up there at the time. Lots of SBers up there that week.
Digger'02
03-30-2010, 09:22
Another good reason to avoid the Smokies at all costs. Do I need someone to tell me to turn around? Or to not go in? Crazy.
I just got back from a postholing nightmare and spent several days on my last trip struggling thru 40 inch snow and cursing almost every step. It's called "Winter Backpacking". Get used to it or become a fair-weather dayhiker type and pick and choose yourself out of a trip. Winter is almost over and so this rant is nearly obsolete.
-If you avoid the Smokies its your loss. The RR asked some folks to turn around because it was unsafe and they obviously didn't know it. They were also trying to get a ride from NFG and the road was closed. I'm not going to bait you into an argument, but you don't have to have an attitude. No one "TOLD" anyone to turn around. They "advised" people who could have really hurt themselves and others. You don't need anyone to tell you anything-great. Others need some instruction and help, and thats ok.
Tipi Walter
03-30-2010, 15:17
-If you avoid the Smokies its your loss. The RR asked some folks to turn around because it was unsafe and they obviously didn't know it. They were also trying to get a ride from NFG and the road was closed. I'm not going to bait you into an argument, but you don't have to have an attitude. No one "TOLD" anyone to turn around. They "advised" people who could have really hurt themselves and others. You don't need anyone to tell you anything-great. Others need some instruction and help, and thats ok.
Thing is, it's not just about "advising" people to turn around. It's about their obsession with keeping my old veteran backpacking dog out, and about their "Camp Only Here" nonsense. I go on long solo trips and who's gonna take care of my dog for 3 weeks? He's belongs out in the woods same as me.
The smokies are fully open!!! Go blaze the trail...
Digger'02
03-30-2010, 15:48
Thing is, it's not just about "advising" people to turn around. It's about their obsession with keeping my old veteran backpacking dog out, and about their "Camp Only Here" nonsense. I go on long solo trips and who's gonna take care of my dog for 3 weeks? He's belongs out in the woods same as me.
Believe me, they are not obsessed with you or your dog. It should be pointed out that you are a model citizen in this case: instead of going to the park and breaking the rules, you avoid it. So thanks.
I wont beat this dead horse anymore, you know that they are trying their best to protect the park i am sure, you just don't agree with their methods. Thats your perogative. Happy trails to you and your pup:)
I passed the injuried lady mentioned above on Sunday. She was coming down from the Lodge, slipped on ice and broke her ankle. We gave her space blankets etc to keep her warm while waiting for the park rangers to take her down on a litter. There was 14 inches of snow at Mt Leconte Lodge with numerous areas that were very icy. It appeared, from the copious run off on the Mtn, that the snow was melting fast.