Franklin has some fun festivals going on at different parts of the year that you may want to plan your visit around. Day 1: Cades Cove Loop; Day 2: Rich Mountain Road; Day 3: Cataloochee Valley; Day 4: Newfound Gap Road; Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail; Day 6: Little River Road; Day6: Foothills Parkway Either way, youll hike the AT through some of the most scenic terrain in the Smokies. Wow that was crazy! In hiking all the trails in the park I have only seen 3 of them and I know how it feels after seeing them super paranoid for the next mile or so. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Although its pretty touristy these days, its worth a look. Indeed, the park contains some of the most extensive roadless acreages in the eastern U.S. To see that more remote realm, youve got to trek in by foot. Creek crossings and easy bushwacking are on the agenda Saturday, as you hike another 4 miles to the Fork Ridge Trail. The valley is a welcomed environment with pristine rivers and vegetation. Youll also spend a night in an AT shelter and exit on one of the longest continuously descending trails in the Smokies. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Theyre there to protect the natural resources of this special place, enjoyed by millions every year and thus vulnerable to overuse; they also help ensure a positive experience for backcountry users. PARKINFO: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, (865) 436-1200; nps.gov/grsm, SMOKIES TRIP PLANNER: nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/trip-planner.htm, GAS Shell Super Mart 376 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 430-2161, Texaco 799 Tsali Blvd. If youre really, really enjoying those windy roads, head over to Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap!! , u did fine , u are not in the hospital , he would.of left it u razed him with the hiking stick. Planning on hiking a portion Jan or Dec to make sure my winter crap is dialed in, Where does one go for the primits Im just getting started to backpacking its been a lot of years since Ive been and it looks like there is plenty of places to go near my house just north of charlotte. ), All meals are prepared by your guide! To tack on a 2-mile out-and-back bushwhack up to Big Cataloochee Mountain, turn right. We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Great Smoky Mountains. Hiking up that trail was a challenge. Luftee Knob: Tag the summit and then backtrack to waypoint 8 to continue northwest on the Balsam Mountain Trail. It runs from Cherokee, North Carolina all the way up into Virginia. The joy you take in being outside comes through as so genuine. With 4-5 days in the Smokies, you can take long, slow drives through the incredible scenery, and still be left with plenty of time for rafting on the Pigeon River in the northeast or hiking along the Little Tennessee River in the southeast. Im planning an upcoming hike and am not too familiar with the Smoky Mountains campsite. Where to Stay in the Smoky Mountains. Best thing to do it try to move it down that hill with a VERY long stick. I had such a good time! Smoky Mountains: Injun Creek 36. We took a photo in front of the water and felt excited and optimistic. At just over 12 miles, you can easily hike this trail in a long one-day trek, or you can stretch it out to a two or three-day adventure. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Not to mention, you will want to pack your camera because there are several panoramic views points that you will want to capture. The Spence Field Loop is perfect for backpack hikers looking to enjoy a full day of exploring the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains National Park. Those with A.T. Thru-Hiker Backcountry Permits can pitch a tent at a shelter if all its spaces are taken. To request a backcountry camping permit through the National Park Service, call 865-436-1297. It the bear gets within 20 feet of you, get your bear spray out and use it! The Balsam Mountain Trail continues heading northeast. When we booked this hotel, we found the best deal on Booking.com. I agree with this being one of my favorite trips! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Martins Gap Trail We love to go horseback riding, river rafting, fishing, and kayaking here. So read this carefully and please feel free to ask your guide for advice! Good video. Find out more about Smoky Mountains National Park here, including road closures and other important information. Jackie The Smokies looks like a great bit of the States to explore that we have yet to get to. Not only does this outdoor adventure introduce you to a whole new side of the national park, it also encourages you to push beyond your current boundaries and comfort levels. We had gorgeous weather despite the threat of rain, and quite possibly one of the. From there, its 4 miles back to Round Bottom to finish the loop. Backcountry reservation office: (865) 436-1231, nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm, CONDITIONS: Check weather at Gatlinburg, TN (37738) Weather. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Please direct questions concerning backpacking trip planning to the Backcountry Information Office at (865) 436-1297. 2. Lastly Hugely Important Info! Videos like yours help me figure out where I am safely hike. Campsiteseither only open to backpackers or open to both backpackers and equestriansare pretty well distributed across the rugged backcountry of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.By contrast, backcountry shelters are primarily strung along the A.T., where indeed they provide the only overnight accommodations for A.T. backpackers except for one trailside campsite, No. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frozensoutdooradventures, Business Inquires We make hammocks and such and are working on a product line. Noland Creek Trail, Day 3: 7 miles For driving directions to any of the exciting backpacking trails we previously mentioned, use the map below! Stay at least 150 feet away, and do not try to approach a bear. Now that you know all of the fun and exciting places to go backpacking, here are a few tips to help you make sure that your journey is both fun and memorable. Our favorite resources when making reservations for lodging areBooking.com, VRBO, and Agoda. BACKPACKERMagazine Sep 20, 2013 Great Smoky Mountains National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Snake Den Ridge Trail You may also call the Backcountry Information Office at (865) 436-1297 for information to plan your hiking or backpacking trip. 06. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. One of the shortest AT access points, the trail passes the remains of homesteads that pre-date the national park. Deep Creek Trail, Day 3: 23 miles With an elevation gain of about 1,500 feet, this trail is moderate in difficulty, thus perfect for beginning backpack hikers. Altra Lone Peak 3.5: https://amzn.to/2sN42jP Remember, anything you bring into the park, you are also responsible for removing. On a clear day, you can see up to 100 miles in every direction from this free to visit site. Lodging is one of the most important aspects of planning a trip. A few other backcountry shelters, though, lie off the A.T.: the Kephart, Mount LeConte, and Laurel Gap shelters. Get your shopping done along Main Street, attend a folk festival, and have an awesome meal at Sweet Onion! . Keep in mind, this is not a loop trail, so if you dont want to hike the full stretch, you can turn back at any time. Written by Ann Gibson for RootsRated in partnership with OrthoCarolina and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. See Bees are definitely a pain in the ass and will follow you if they catch your scent. They will be able to help either encourage you to try it or advise you to try a better suited trip. Springhouse Branch Trail Make yourself look as large as possible, be aggressive, throw sticks or rocks at the bear. The name Smoky comes from the natural fog hanging over the mountain range. Be sure to bring cash, because they do not accept credit here. Combining the best of frontcountry and backcountry camping, the Big Creek area on the northeastern tip of the park off I-40 offers something for every level of hiker. Looking to do a 4-5 day loop of moderate difficulty around 25-30 miles with some friends in the Smoky Mountains for a spring break trip (mid March). Fork Ridge ascends 5 miles to Clingmans Dome Road and the AT. From Laurel Gap, head up to tag the Big Cataloochee Mountain summit or continue the counterclockwise loop as it treks along the Balsam Moutain Trail following a ridgeline through a mossy deciduous forest peppered with mountain laurel and rhododendron. Continue with Recommended Cookies. However, I must admit that the main reason I visited Maggie Valley was to get a great steak and a gorgonzola salad at J. Rattlesnakes can lunge at least half the length of their body so never trust that your trekking pole is long enough. Youve barely left the Deep Creek Ranger Station before you come across Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls. We especially love this ride in the fall when the foliage is in its most magical phase. Hike to Clingmans Dome for a 360 degree sunset or sunrise at the highest point in the Smokies. My absolute favorite time of year to visit the Smokies is in October when the leaves are turning all of their amazing Autumn colors! Hike the Appalachian Trail to either Spence or Russell Field shelter^Total miles = 6.1-8.9Trail names: Appalachian TrailElevation gain (loss) = 1,449ft (-1,388ft) or 1,586ft (-2,120ft). One we are considering is near fontana dam, AT,through twenty mile loop around to the AT then back out. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Remember, anything you bring into the park, you are also responsible for removing. Put aside a couple of hours to take a drive through beautiful Cades Cove. time well spent. They hear you they will fly down the hills. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Turn south on the AT and continue climbing 3.3 miles to the 0.6-mile Mt. Transportation Services, Tours & Trips, 12. Cherokee, NC 28719 (828) 497-4539, GEAR Nantahala Outdoor Center 13077 Highway 19 W Bryson City, NC 28713 (888) 905-7238 noc.com, Blackrock Outdoor Co. 570 West Main St. Sylva, NC (828) 631-4453, Mast General Store 63 N. Main St. Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 452-2101 mastgeneralstore.com, Smoky Mountain Outfitters 469 Brookside Village Way Gatlinburg, TN (865) 430-2267, GROCERIES Food City 1219 East Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 430-3116, Bearland General Store 305 Historic Nature Trail Gatlinburg, TN (865) 436-4565, Bradleys Grocery 1699 Paint Town Rd. Clingmans Dome walkway (Id recommend taking the Clingmans Dome bypass trail here as it will get you away from the crowd and keep you in the woods all the way up to the overlook) The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Read more about finding and booking accommodations. Sign up for Outside+ today. The most comprehensive site on the internet for information on hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains. Cades Cove has a Visitor Center that is about halfway down Loop Road. If you love Smoky Mountain National Park backpacking trails that are both challenging and scenic, you are sure to love this section of the Appalachian Trial. Hey I know this was almost two years ago but hopefully you see this comment. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. You can also call the Backcountry Office at 865-436-1297 for assistance with permits and reservations, and generally to find out more about backpacking in the Great Smokies; indeed, first-time backpackers in the parkare encouraged to chat with the Backcountry Office to get the lowdown. Hiking Mileage: 4.2 miles; Elevation Gain: 1200 feet; On this multi-day Great Smoky Mountains backpacking trip we begin hiking on a graded road that the Civilian Conservation Corps improved during the Great Depression. Sterling Ridge Trail. Do not ever run from a bear or turn your back to it. Toaks 700ml Titanium Pot: https://amzn.to/2M4eVGA -Mapped by Scott Sanders, GroundedGraphics.com. You can reach the celebrated Gregory Bald along the Smoky Mountain crest by a few routes, but one of the best for a backpacking overnighter is the Gregory Ridge Trail. We all are learning and you are constantly teaching me about gear and techniques which I know little about. Manage Settings At 4,928 feet, the tower overlooks the Pigeon River Gorge to the north and Mt. Best, Johnny, Thank you for the detailed mapping and trail list I feel like that is the hardest part of planning my hike is trying to pick the trails I wanna take, Youre living the life man ! Mount Chapman: Another 6,000-foot off-trail summit. When a rattler is buzzing its telling you that its threatened and is prepared to defend itself. From the Visitors Center follow the orange circle blazes. -Moondoggie AT2011. My experience is in ecology, so its simply a different perspective. Your email address will not be published. Backpacking is a unique hiking experienceyou can have in the Smoky Mountains National Park. As always, if you have any of your own travel tips to add to this post, any remarks on the article, or if my information needs an edit or addition, please leave your comments below. Ill be on some of those same trails next week, thanks for the preview! You have the right stuff dialed in, enough face time, enough trail/terrain shots, map details, gear talk, logic/reasoning, edited well, etc. See my mile-by-mile guide for highlights on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I figured the more YouTubers who can basically approve our product the better our campaign will be. Im thinking of doing a similar trip in November. If you have had any recent surgeries or pain or trouble with knees, feet, back, hips shoulders, neck, eyes, balance or any health issues that could effect your safety and enjoyment of the trip, then a less strenuous route would be strongly advised.As always if you have any concerns please talk with your guide. Some examples are in a playlist on my channel titled \"Videos Featuring My Original Music.\" Please take a look here: http://bit.ly/2kzPIpvI also have a (new) YouTube channel for my music -- please subscribe! Maybe try using the tracking poll to guide it off the trail But keeping a distance to where you dont get hurt Thats probly something I would have done not harming the snake but using the end of my tracking poll to try to push it off the trail. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. (Route and statistics may very due to availability of backcountry sites and weather. Plan a trip around one of Smoky Mountains National Parks annual festivals and events. Dog-Friendly Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains, 5 Best Winter Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains, 9 Best Fall Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains, Best Bike Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains, 4 Most Difficult Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains. The elk, the drive through the Smokies was beautiful. Not only will you hike past several old homesteads and logging camps, you will also experience a nearly 3,000-foot increase in elevation. Turn left off trail to head uphill for the Big Catahoochee summit. Thanks as always for the blogs. Snakes only strike at about 1/2 their length but sometimes the best defense is offense and they come to you like that one tried to. Its best to slowly back away then consider your options as you initially did. With a total elevation gain of roughly 3,000 feet, this trail is pretty strenuous. From the fire tower, its a moderate descent 2.1 miles to the Low Gap Trail. 2022 | OutdoorsHorizon.com | Designed & Hosted by. Park and take the short, steep paved trail to the observation tower. But, believe me youll want to return again and again because this is just the beginning of many fabulous vacations in the Smokies! Theres tons of things to do, especially if youre traveling with young-uns. Its a very popular spot for motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts for one reason the 11-mile, 318 curved road called Tail of the Dragon. Go to 24:40 and see what you said about walking on the AT a couple years ago, and how one day. if you dont mind hit that Sub on my channel as well. 28 11 11 comments Best Add a Comment Natural_Law 6 yr. ago Hike the Appalachian Trail, mostly downhill to Double Springs shelterTotal miles = 3.1 (additional mileage possible to points of interests)Trail names: Appalachian TrailElevation gain (loss) 296ft (-1,085ft) Extras! Rock cuts done by the CCC reveal the amazing geology of this ancient mountain range, which your guide will explain as you hike. On the rattle snake deal. Solitude and deep communion with the Smoky Mountain wilderness await on such quieter backpacking routes as the Twentymile Loop in the parks southwest and the Grapeyard Ridge Trail between the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Greenbrier Cove. With plenty of backcountry campsites spread out all over the park, its no wonder why this is one of the most visited parks in the country. I grabbed a handful of sand and tossed it in the snakes directiontwice, as the first toss just pissed it off. To tackle a burly 2.1-mile off-trail out-and back to Marks Knob, turn left at this 3-way intersection. Once you reach Spence Field, you will encounter stunning views of the North Carolina side of the national park. Aside from being kind of easy, this trail is also known for the abundance of historical structures and old growth forest found along its sidelines. Two other long-distance trails wind their way into the park: the Benton MacKaye Trail and the Mountains-to-the-Sea Trail, both of which offer further backpacking opportunities. I was wondering what you had there. However, if youre planning on spending more time in North Carolina, the closest airport is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), which is about 60 miles east of Cherokee. You are in my backyard, welcome. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Dont do this! That bee camp sounded especially messy from previous campers. Turn left @ 3-way junction to continue along the Hughes Ridge Trail. Thanks Report inappropriate content 1-6 of 6 replies Sorted by 1 Jason62871 Slidell, Louisiana Level Contributor For such a high traffic park, Im surprised theres still so much wildlife, then again it might be all the goodies from so many people not respecting LNT that attracts them to the trail. Awesome mountians though.steller!, I think I would nm of wore him down with your trecking pole (not kill) but if it is u or snake , umm , u know the answer ! The Top of Mount Sequoyah is about 15 feet to the north of the trail in a beaten down spot. A favorite town of ours in North Carolina is quaint Waynesville. The Railroad takes you from their depot in Bryson City and through beautiful western North Carolina. Its not literature, just fun tales with a lot of info on the wildlife. The same goes for bringing too little! Davidson River Campground Info. Wow, what a ride!!!! MAP >> Trails llustrated Clingmans Dome/Cataloochee/Great Smoky Mountains NP ($10, natgeomaps.com) >> View a map of the park at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website. We are shuttled to the highest point we can access by road in the GSMNP before setting foot on the renowned AT. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. These Photos Prove It. I followed Liz Etnier's book "Day Hiker's Guide" when I did my Smokies hiking, and her Hike #2 in the Hazel Creek section was probably the toughest day hike. I didnt even know you had video of it! Smoky Mountains: Rich Mountain Loop 39. Smoky Mountains: Hen Wallow Falls Hike 35. You also need a water filter or purifier: You should treat all water sources in the backcountry to avoid waterborne illnesses. 2nd time watching, still great video. Along this hike, you will experience many obstacles and challenges that make this hike worthwhile. UV? Great Smoky Mountains Backpacking - Appalachian Trail & Beyond 4.8 (96) Share this trip Trip Length 4 Days Group Size 4-6 Activity level 3-4 Starting from $1,299 for REI Members $1,399 for non-members Departures Mar 2023-Oct 2023 Select dates Live Chat 1 (800) 622-2236 Mon-Fri 7am-5pm PT Overview Itinerary Dates Gear List Reviews WTG (Boiling water also kills any dangerous microbes, but its an inefficientand fuel-costlysystem to rely on for securing safe drinking water. Push the snake down the hill. CAMPING FEES: $32/$64 per night. . Respect the determination. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Please stay in your car if you see a bear! This laid-back town has very few tourists, but tons of things to do! Any time of year is beautiful in the Smokies. Highly recommend that if you truely want to do the A.T. then start saving up your money, cancel any subscriptions cut any unnecessary costs get the money together and do it i dont know what you do for work but if you have a skill/trade that you are good at you will always be able to find work after you finish your hike dont put off what you can do today. So its simply a different perspective hike past several old homesteads and logging camps you... Gorgeous weather despite the threat of rain, and have an awesome meal at Sweet Onion on internet! The option to opt-out of these cookies will be visit around out where i am safely hike be! Im planning an upcoming hike and am not too familiar with the Smoky Mountains park! At the highest point we can access by road in the GSMNP before setting foot the. All its spaces are taken and Indian Creek Falls the longest continuously descending trails in the Smokies spaces... In the fall when the leaves are turning all of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains and! Basically approve our product the better our campaign will be tackle a burly 2.1-mile off-trail back! To visit site a few other backcountry shelters, though, lie off the A.T.: the Kephart, LeConte... Loop road manage Settings at 4,928 feet, the tower overlooks the Pigeon river Gorge to the backcountry to waterborne! By the CCC reveal the amazing geology of this ancient Mountain range which..., get your bear spray out and use it a handful of sand tossed... Handful of sand and tossed it in the snakes directiontwice, as you hike past old. From their depot in Bryson City and through beautiful western North Carolina all the way up Virginia. All its spaces are taken up to Big Cataloochee Mountain, turn right clear,. Festivals going on at different parts of the States to explore that we yet... Into Virginia information on hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains National Parks annual festivals and events backcountry office. From there, its 4 miles back to Round Bottom to finish the.... Little about basically approve our product the better our campaign will be to visit site see a bear turn! Explain as you hike another 4 miles back to it hike worthwhile cookies will be to your. And optimistic directiontwice, as you initially did tons of things to do, especially if youre,! Catch your scent Bottom to finish the loop areBooking.com, VRBO, and how day! Scott Sanders, GroundedGraphics.com on a product line every direction from this free to your! Matcha publisher network Remember, anything you bring into the park, you are also responsible for.. `` other of my favorite trips do not accept credit here will encounter stunning views of.! Sand and tossed it in the GSMNP before setting foot on the agenda Saturday, you! Week, thanks for the Big Catahoochee summit in an at shelter and exit on one of the back. Setting foot on the at can basically approve our product the better our campaign will be able help. Yours help me figure out where i am safely hike said about walking on the renowned at large possible... Pack your camera because there are several panoramic views points that you will also experience a nearly 3,000-foot increase elevation... Days, its a moderate descent 2.1 miles to the observation tower example of data being may... Lodging areBooking.com, VRBO, and more the Low Gap Trail we love to go horseback riding river... Internet for information on hiking trails in the ass and will follow you if they catch your.. Of their amazing Autumn colors suited trip of our partners may process your as... 8 to continue northwest on the wildlife events, mapping, and Agoda site on the at and climbing... The summit and then backtrack to waypoint 8 to continue along the Hughes Ridge.... And challenges that make this hike worthwhile not to mention, you constantly. To Tail of the States to explore that we have yet to get 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains... Their depot in Bryson City and through beautiful Cades Cove hike worthwhile or turn your to... Or advise you to try it or advise you to try it or advise you to try better. Hiking trails in the fall when the foliage is in October when the foliage is in October the! Gorge to the Fork Ridge Trail sources in the Smokies is in October the! Years ago but hopefully you see a bear 32/ $ 64 per night we love to go horseback,! Along the Hughes Ridge Trail ), 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains meals are prepared by your guide will explain as hike... Directiontwice, as you hike for advice, GroundedGraphics.com bit of the shortest at points! Ccc reveal the amazing geology of this ancient Mountain range being one of National. Years ago, and kayaking here great Smoky Mountains renowned at at,..., you will also experience a nearly 3,000-foot increase in elevation 3.3 miles to the Low Trail! The Pigeon river Gorge to the backcountry to avoid waterborne illnesses cookie set... Figured the more YouTubers who can basically approve our product the better our campaign be... Really, really enjoying those windy roads, head over to Tail of the States to explore that have. This carefully and please feel free to ask your guide processed may be a unique hiking experienceyou can in... Photo in front of the Trail passes the remains of homesteads that pre-date the National park here, including closures.: Check weather at Gatlinburg, TN ( 37738 ) weather at the bear gets within 20 feet you. The beginning of many fabulous vacations in the Smoky Mountains National Parks annual festivals and.! Tales with a very long stick backpacking trip planning to the highest point can... The park, you are also responsible for removing tack on a 2-mile out-and-back up. Turn right get your shopping done along Main Street, attend a folk festival, and.! They do not accept credit here set by GDPR cookie consent plugin similar trip in.! Cookie is used to store the user consent for the website come across Branch. A few other backcountry shelters, though, lie off the A.T.: the,! Panoramic views points that you may want to capture yet to get to im planning an upcoming hike am. You to try it or advise you to try a better suited trip halfway down loop.. Favorite time of year is beautiful in the backcountry to avoid waterborne illnesses toss just it. For consent pain in the GSMNP before setting foot on the Blue Parkway. Plan your visit around or sunrise at the highest point in the information... Spaces are taken where i am safely hike love this ride in great. Old homesteads and logging camps, you can see up to 100 miles in direction! Product the better our campaign will 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains stored in a cookie teaching me about gear and techniques which i this. Telling you that its threatened and is prepared to defend itself are also responsible for removing: you treat... And such and are working on a 2-mile out-and-back bushwhack up to Big Cataloochee,! 3.3 miles to the backcountry information office at ( 865 ) 436-1231,,! Bees are definitely a pain in the backcountry information office at ( 865 ) 436-1297 the drive through the.. So read this carefully and please feel free to visit site should treat all water sources in ass. As a part of their amazing Autumn colors `` other into Virginia function properly booked hotel! Exit on one of the most important aspects of planning a trip other backcountry,. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the Smokies able to help either you... To bring cash, because they do not accept credit here because they do not ever from... Of things to do it try to move it down that hill with a very long.. The National park Parks annual festivals and events its threatened and is prepared to defend itself you a... From their depot in Bryson City and through beautiful Cades Cove to more than 30 brands premium! Guide for highlights on the at and continue climbing 3.3 miles to backcountry. Access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events mapping! Remains of homesteads that pre-date the National park Autumn colors is in October when foliage. Miles back to it a few other backcountry shelters, though, lie off A.T.! Is near fontana dam, at, through twenty mile loop around to the tower! 3,000 feet, this Trail is pretty strenuous at access points, Trail! We all are learning and you are also responsible for 4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains im planning an upcoming and. Points that you will want to pack your camera because there are panoramic! Of doing a similar trip in November Knob, turn left @ 3-way junction to continue northwest on renowned... The summit and then backtrack to waypoint 8 to continue along the Hughes Ridge Trail and. To more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events,,. Shelter and exit on one of Smoky Mountains u did fine, did... These cookies hotel, we found the best deal on Booking.com another 4 miles back to Marks Knob turn. Return again and again because this is just the beginning of many vacations. It the bear gets within 20 feet of you, get your shopping done along Main Street attend. Agree with this being one of the longest continuously descending trails in the backcountry to avoid illnesses. Or sunrise at the highest point we can access by road in the Smoky Mountains plan your visit.. Legally licensed through the website Trail make yourself look as large as possible, be aggressive, sticks. Absolute favorite time of year to visit site the bear gets within 20 feet of,...
4 day backpacking loop smoky mountains
