GSMNP (Smokies) Itinerary SOBO

[Rockhound]

The one that requires them to remain on the Trail. Technically, one cannot spend the night (or longer) in Gatlinburg, then resume hiking in the Park on the original permit. (Fortunately for thru hikers, that rule does not appear to be enforced.)

Just another reason to skip the tourist trap that is Gatlinburg.

[sliderule]

Does that apply to section hikers?

No. Only to those taking advantage of the "special dispensation" afforded to thru hikers.

[Lone Wolf]

Just another reason to skip the tourist trap that is Gatlinburg.

gatlinburg is a great town for a coupla days off

[ChinMusic]

The trip is still a "go", looking forward to it.

What town is best for a weather forecast? Or is there an actual site for the Smokies?

[HikerRanky]

What town is best for a weather forecast? Or is there an actual site for the Smokies?

Here you go

Was there last week, and the weather was in the low 60s during the day and 30s - 40s at night. Had some snow, but the storm on Good Friday dumped enough rain to get rid of that...

Have a BLAST!!!

Randy

[ChinMusic]

Thanks for the link but that looks backward. Is there a site that has predictions?

[Mocs123]

I missed this thread before, Chin. Have a good trip. You will have a long sustained climb coming out of Davenport Gap, and a few short steep climbs over Guyot, Chapman, Clingmans Dome, Briar Knob, and Thunderhead but overall isn't that bad. I did Newfound to Davenport in 2 days and Newfound to Fontana in 3, so you shouldn't have a problem. Be sure to check out Mt Cammerer and Shuckstack, as well as Rocky Top and Charlies Bunion.

Here is a link for the weather:

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick...x=157&map.y=93

[ChinMusic]

Thanks for the link Mocs.

[ChinMusic]

I find myself with an extra day. I'm thinking of doing a dayhike prior to the main trip.

What about: NFG (441) - AT north to The Boulevard Trail - take in Myrtle Point and Mt Le Conte - on to Alum Cave Trail - on to 441 parking lot.....about 13 miles.

Sound good?

[ken209]

I find myself with an extra day. I'm thinking of doing a dayhike prior to the main trip.

What about: NFG (441) - AT north to The Boulevard Trail - take in Myrtle Point and Mt Le Conte - on to Alum Cave Trail - on to 441 parking lot.....about 13 miles.

Sound good?

GO for it, you won't be sorry.

[Ashepabst]

What about: NFG (441) - AT north to The Boulevard Trail - take in Myrtle Point and Mt Le Conte - on to Alum Cave Trail - on to 441 parking lot.....about 13 miles.

Sound good?

not a dull moment on this hike. though, if you go on a weekend, you will be swamped with tourists on either end.

[didymus128]

i would actually recommend hopping off the at and enjoying some of the camp sites off the trail along the way. you will have plenty of solitude that way and be able to tent without being hassled by ridgerunners which will be out in full force this time of year.

[ChinMusic]

I find myself with an extra day. I'm thinking of doing a dayhike prior to the main trip.

What about: NFG (441) - AT north to The Boulevard Trail - take in Myrtle Point and Mt Le Conte - on to Alum Cave Trail - on to 441 parking lot.....about 13 miles.

Did this dayhike today and took in The Jumpoff as well. Myrtle Point was a great place for lunch and a nap. The day kicked my butt, esp the downhill on Alum at the end of the day.

On to the main hike tomorrow.

[ChinMusic]

Finished the first half and am in Gatlinburg. Leave tomorrow for the southern section. I was expecting the shelters to be bursting at the seams but nothing could be further from the truth. So far none of the shelters have been full.

Hikers met on the northern half were: ATWaterboy, IHavGon, Doc, Strider, Blue Eyes, Blue Sky, Green Lite, Shades, Smiling Bandit, Graveyard, Spicoli, Running Clear, Rabbit, and Slapshot.

Perfect weather during the three days with views probably as good as it gets. Mt Cammerer Tower was the highlight for me. Most of the thrus blew right past it as it is 0.6 off the trail. IMO skipping it is a mistake.

A fire to the east got our attention while at Pecks (my orig itinerary got changed), with smoke coming into camp. ATWaterboy had a Verizon phone (no one else had a connection) and the ranger said the fire was just outside the park in Cherokee, about 20 miles away. Once the fire got into the park it seems to have been taken care of, as we didn't notice smoke the next morning. Maybe the winds just shifted.

Having a great time.

[double j]

hmmmmm so it wasnt full. maybe ill leave my tent in the car