Does anyone know of any speed records for the GSMNP section of the AT? (that is, the 68 miles + between the park boundaries) This would be as a trail run, not carrying overnight gear.
I made an attempt (N to S) last Sunday while in the park on a photo trip, but had to bail at Newfound Gap due to a substantial thunderstorm. It was a bummer to have to end it prematurely, as I was feeling great, but considering the amount of terrain above 5000' that I would have to still deal with, I just couldn't justify the risk posed by the intense lightning. After waiting out the rain, hail, and lightning for 45 minutes, the message from Mr. Clingman was pretty obvious! I was hoping to finish in about 18 hours or less ( time was 8:10 hours from Davenport Gap to Newfound Gap).
Nancy Hoch at "The Hike Inn" near Fontana showed me a postcard she received from a Father and Son team that did it in 23.5 hours on their 3rd attempt. I also saw that someone posted elsewhere on this site that "SOBO Squeaky" did it in 22 hours, but with a "full pack" - which probably means overnight gear ( I didn't use a support team, just got water at the springs and carried food and rain gear, with one self-support food/gear cache hidden off the AT near Clingman's Dome)
It's such beautiful running terrain - the grades are so mellow in comparison to the Northeast, for the most part, that much of it is actually "runnable".
I'll really look forward to coming back for another attempt, as well as to photograph some of the great views - but probably not until next spring.
Thanks in advance for any info!