For a New Year's Eve adventure we went on a 15-mile trek in the Smoky Mountains with some friends. The last 3 miles, which we finally reached in very dim twilight, were on maintained trails. Everything up until then was rugged unmaintained trail that the Park abandoned decades ago. That's a shame because the fine stonework of the CCC is not being used.
There was a creek crossing a mile from the start that could not be rock-hopped. Our friends had
lightweight waders that went over their shoes and allowed them to cross with dry warm feet. After they crossed, one of them returned with two pair, and we crossed. I expected the coldness of the water to be excruciating, but I did not feel cold with those waders on. After one use, I was SOLD. I'm not suggesting these for long distance hiking, but if anybody does trail maintenance in an area with several crossings, you would love these and use them often.
Tipi, you might want a pair.
Wiggy's Waders
Wiggy's Waders Review
In case you're wondering where we went, we did Thunderhead Prong - Defeat Ridge - Defeat Ridge Cross Trail over to Bote Mountain, which we descended in the dark.