Route Feedback - 6 night - 50 Miles

[MMLRAK]

We would like to see Clingmans Dome. Is there parking at Noland Divide Trailhead on Dome Dr? We’re thinking if we start there and go to 56 or 57 first day that would be 7.7 downhill. Then on the last day we could do the 3.8 from Mt Collins to Clingmans Dome to end there and then back 2 miles to the car. Seems like if we want to see the Dome we are gonna have to do some road hiking?

[MMLRAK]

Our current adjusted route - Noland Divide Trail head to 57 (7.7), then to 52 (7.2), then to 48 (9.25), then to Pecks Corner (6.3), then Icewater Spring (8.1), then Mount Collins (7.5), and finally Clingmans Dome (3.8 + 2 back to car)

[illabelle]

Our current adjusted route - Noland Divide Trail head to 57 (7.7), then to 52 (7.2), then to 48 (9.25), then to Pecks Corner (6.3), then Icewater Spring (8.1), then Mount Collins (7.5), and finally Clingmans Dome (3.8 + 2 back to car)

I don't think it's been mentioned, but you need to know that GSMNP requires reservations for each campsite and shelter for the specific dates you'll be there, and there's a $4 per person per night fee. Probably won't be an issue except for the AT shelters, which tend to fill up early. If you can't reserve the itinerary you want, develop a 2nd or 3rd choice and see what you can work out.

Also should be mentioned that Hurricane Florence may do some damage to the park trails. Unlikely that would all be cleared up when you get there, so be prepared for some blowdowns and washouts.

[TNhiker]

Our current adjusted route - Noland Divide Trail head to 57 (7.7), then to 52 (7.2), then to 48 (9.25), then to Pecks Corner (6.3), then Icewater Spring (8.1), then Mount Collins (7.5), and finally Clingmans Dome (3.8 + 2 back to car)

I likes CS 52...

just keep in mind---while it is newton bald---it's not like other bales in the park....there basically no view from up there.....but the campsite is nice.....and the spring is just downhill a touch...

[MMLRAK]

Thanks for the reservations heads up. We talked with a ranger last week and then got all our reservations/permits done for this route. We are watching Florence closely and will consult with the park website/rangers on any closures that might affect our trip. Hoping for the best for everyone down there now.

[HooKooDooKu]

Looking at the satellite view in Google maps, there is a small parallel parking pullout just before Noland Divide trail with what looks like room for two cars. So there is a chance that you can park at the Noland Divide trailhead... but there is also the possibility that the day you are there, two day hikers might have already beaten you to it. So just make sure you have made a Plan B. If Plan B is to park at Clingmans Dome, you might want to make sure you get there early. While it is a large parking lot, I have seen it full... and the closer we get to October, the more likely it is to be full. Perhaps your worst case Plan C is parking at the pullout I initially described being about 3/4 mile from Noland Divide. Since the parking lot is large and there is no trailhead there, the lot is unlikely to be full even on the most crowded of weekends... and if it were, it would be with people pulling over breifly for the view... the parking lot has room for you to pullout of the road and wait out any such visitor.

I agree with TNHiker about liking CS52. No view, but there is something quaint about this site that makes it one of my favorite in the park (except earlier this summer when we were getting bit pretty bad by the bugs... it's currently still pretty hot out there so you might want to make sure you have some method of bug protect in case it is needed... be it a little bit of deet or a set of rain gear to hide in).

[MMLRAK]

Like the 1, 2, 3 parking option idea. We can play it by ear when we arrive and go with the best option. Thanks again so much for sharing your knowledge of the areas!! Much appreciated!!

[Wheezy]

Site 52 is great when the leaves are down. Can watch the sun set on one side and then watch it rise the next morning on the other side of the ridge. Steep climb down to the spring though. Be sure to get all you need on the first trip!


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