Planning for an upcoming backpacking trip to Smoky Mountains National Park. http://www.sintax77.com Nothing like hanging out in the backyard on a beautiful S…
Feedback! Smoky Mountains Backpacking Trip Ideas – 2 Nights, 3 Days Hiking
October 1, 2013 by
I prefer Winter trips, no bugs and lots of views. Look up Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness. It is just south of the GSMNP. I think it is prettier without all of the people. Check out the Hangover and Slickrock Creek. I have come videos on Youtube if you are doing some homework on the area.
I’m actually planning to return to the area in the Fall with my wife and some friends, so this is very helpful info, thanks!
The Eagle Creek upper section from Spencer Field to campsite 97 is rarely used (at least we had to bushwhack). I really enjoyed our last hike (and the 17 stream crossings). If you ever go back, you could start at the Fontana Dam and hike the AT to the Shuckstack fire tower (you need to see it before it is gone). Then to Spence Field and down Eagle Creek. You can have a boat pick you up at the lake (contact the Fontana marina) or hike Lake shore trail back to the dam. Plan on getting wet though.
I don’t have any advice, but can’t wait for the vids! Have fun dude
Maddron Bald Loop – check out the trip beta on Backpacker’s site (descrip, map, etc.). 3 day, 2 night loop, very nice, tons of water – but – not difficult, you’ll only do ~6 mi’s a day. And no great alpine views, mostly woods/creek walking, then up high on the Snake Den Ridge section, but, again, not views like you’d get from the spine-hugging AT or Clingman’s Dome.
Planning my first gig up to the Kanc to loop Lafayette and Washington. Any tips appreciated. Bring on the vids! Its summer already as far as I’m concerned after this winter.
My videos are loopy 😉
Looking forward to yours! Good luck.
They also don’t allow dogs on the trails which is why we have not been there in awhile. They claim it’s for the dogs “safety” from the bears. Shenadoah has a lot more bears and they allow our dog on the trails. Don’t get me wrong, we love the Smokies but the park regulations are a bit out of control if you ask me.
Beware the black bears in the park. They are accustomed to humans and not afraid of too much. Hang everything and have a fantastic trip!
40 mins, that’s awesome! I’m a pretty jealous of that. I guess the consolation prize of being mid-coast is being able to explore some of he southern Appalachians as well, but I would love that drive. I’m civilian by the way.
I keep up with all your vids. Help gets me motivated for summer trips up here in NH. I feel guilty being lazy about a 40 min drive to the Whites when you pack it in for 6 hours and a night in the trunk.
Just curious, did you serve in the military?
Spence Field and Rocky Top are great. You could reach them via Eagle Creek Trail. Gregory Bald is nice, campsite 13 is one of my favorites. The views along most of the AT in the park are pretty amazing.
I was actually tinkering with some routes along the Lakeshore Trail last night. Looks like a beautiful lower elevation run. Are you aware of any nice higher elevation vistas in the area that I could reach via a connecting trail to get the best of both worlds?
The new online reservation system works pretty well. I spend a lot of time in the smokies and I have enjoyed every trip. The Lakeshore Trail is great, and is more remote than other areas. If you decide on the east side of the park, Mt. Cammerer tower is definitely worth seeing.
My Girlfriend and I were just there last month. We did a few day hikes while there. One thing you must do is visit Clingmans Dome while there. Another highlight that I really enjoyed was our hike to Rainbow Falls. I picked up quite a few maps and pamphlets while there and am willing to mail them to you as long as your willing to mail them back when your finished. We stayed near Gatlinburg, TN and used it as a base camp for our various hikes, etc.
Never been there but sounds like a cool trip! Look forward to the video. God bless you on the trip.
Can’t wait for the video
Love to see you incorporate a thermal imaging camera.
We are heading at the end of smokey mtn natl park to hot springs NC the first of June
Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We hike there alot!
Clingman’s dome is a good hike
Does anyone know the symptoms of a clinical panic attack? Because I think I might be having one…
Awesome feedback, I’m breaking out the map as we speak…
Park just above Fontana dam (trail head).
You can ether hike up Shuck stack or the dotted trail (5.2 miles).
Eagle Creek Trail !!!
My favorite in park.
22 stream crossings, you can go up it or down it to/from AT.
I can give u more info if you are interested
I’ve seen enough of your hiking videos to understand why that would be a tough pill for you to swallow.
Thanks, Neil. I guess my main issue is accepting that I have to even go to a designated camp site at all :D