Climate in GSMNP

[Robishack]

What is the weather like in the Great Smokies in Septembre? How long, on average, does it take to complete at that time of year? Am planning a section hike in 2012, coming down from Canada.

Thanks!

[ken209]

What is the weather like in the Great Smokies in Septembre? How long, on average, does it take to complete at that time of year? Am planning a section hike in 2012, coming down from Canada.

Thanks!
That is a great time for doing the Smokies, number of days is up to you. Have met hikers doing it in three, my advice is to take as long as you can.

[gollwoods]

still warm likely. highs could be 80's lows above 40's generally. rain or thunderstorms sometimes.

[Kerosene]

I just did the Smokies the first week of October under absolutely perfect skies. However, there was snow atop Thunderhead a few days before I go there, and a number of storms passed through in September. My first day on the trail crossing Fontana Dam it in the high 30's with a good breeze, but warmed up each day until it was in the 70's when I reached Davenport Gap. Water sources were available, but only at the shelters. Bear activity was very noticeable and I saw two bears; one of which was a very close encounter. Shelter reservations forced me to take 6 days to get through the Park, although I could have easily covered the distance in 5 and I know of one hiker, Caboose, who went SOBO in 4 days. Shelters on most nights were surprisingly full.

[royalusa]

As you get closer to your hike, here's a good website to monitor GSMNP weather (and snow) conditions:

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/productview.php?pil=MRXRTPMRX&versions=8

[Northern Lights]

I'm heading to the Smokies in May, hopefully the weather will be warm that time of year

[Cookerhiker]

No matter when you hike the Smokies, be prepared for rain.