Smoky Mountains closed??

[sweaty yetti]

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]

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

[Hooch]

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.

[shoe]

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]

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]

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]

It's the 2010 version of "Funniest Rumor that you heard while hiking the trail"

[SouthMark]

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.

[emerald]

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.

[bus]

Word is that they ran out of Smoke.

[emerald]

Maybe the fire went out?

[Arden]

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.

A

[Jonnycat]

If you're caught hiking on a closed trail though, you pay a pretty stiff fine, or maybe thrown into hiker's prison.

They slather you with bacon grease and honey then tie you to a tree.

[mudhead]

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.

[Arden]

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]

They strap you down to a shelter floor, cover you with cheese and let the shelter mice feast.

[Rasputen]

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]

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]

just hiked it.....

[rrsmith]

Just hiked the Smokies 3/11 and it was open.