Cataloochee in August?

[Hangin' Burrito]

Here's a list of those that are in, and those that might be coming,

Definitely in:

-Hangin' Burrito
-Running Feather
-Hickery
-Cookie

Maybe:

-BillyBob58
-Legs

I'll keep this list up to date. I know more will come on board as the date gets closer. It's hard to know for sure sometime with work schedules, family obligations, etc. This is one of the most beautiful areas in the Smokies, IMO!

[Hangin' Burrito]

Well, here's an update on the trip. I talked to a volunteer at the reservation office for the Park a couple of days ago. She told me I couldn't make reservations until a month prior to the trip. I asked her about the various closeres of campsites, ( 36, 37, etc. ) and why and how they're closed.

She said due to bear activity they had to be closed. I asked her, "What do you mean they're closed?" She said," People have been putting food out, or leaving their trash, so they can see bears up close. They have to close the campsite for a while until the bears learn that no food is there anymore."

It amazes me how stupid, people can act. There is so much info on how to act in bear country and yet some so blatantly disregard it. I'm not going to get on a rant, but that's the kind of thing that ruins it for the rest of us who do follow the rules.

Anyways, so on the 27th I'll call and reserve site 38, which she said was still open. I'll post more info later. This'll be a fun trip I know!

[Cookie]

Unbelievable! There are times when I wonder how our species got to the top of the animal kingdom, and how much longer will we actually stay there… But I am looking forward to this trip. Thanks for the planning efforts Hangin' Burrito.

[Hangin' Burrito]

Truly my pleasure, planning it. It'll be good to hike with you again, Cookie.

I don't believe it'll be as rugged as the Gorge, but equally as beautiful. Either way, it's spending a great weekend in the wilds of the Great Smokies!

[wisenber]

Since you'll be in my neighborhood, I may have to make an appearance as well.

[Hangin' Burrito]

That would be great, Wisenber. Love to have you come along.

[Skyline]

I did that loop last October starting at hte Mt Sterling trial to Long Bunk. It was a nice loop be sure to check out the old Gravyard, Church, and Cabins on the Catalooche trail. Also water up on the Top of Mt Sterling is about .7 mile down the Baxter creek trail and drops about 300 ft. it is a small spring about .2 miles off of that trail, it is marked by a small sign.

[Hangin' Burrito]

Thanks Skyline. Any information from someone whose been there is certainly helpful.

[Skyline]

Hey also want to make you call into the Backcountry Permit office no more than 30 days prior to your first night out to get your backcountry permits. They are free but if you don't have one it is a steep fine if you get caught

[Hangin' Burrito]

Called the reservation office today and she said all I had to do was fill out the permit at the trailhead and drop it in the box!

We got less than a month ya'll.