Spring Break in the Great Smoky Mtns. Natl Park

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03-21-2011, 17:22
skyclad

Spring Break in the Great Smoky Mtns. Natl Park

I spent spring break in the GSMNP. That's a two day drive from West Tx. but worth the trouble. I slept in Cataloochee a couple of nights, then hiked up to #38 for a couple of nights. I had my Tenkara rod and attempted fly fishing for the first time with limited success. I caught a couple of fish but both were too small to keep. Cataloochee creek is about 10' across where I was, and overgrown so I spent a significant amount of time unsnagging and unsnarling my line. It rained all Monday night and most of Tuesday but I stayed warm and dry in my WBBB, MacCat and winter Crow's Nest.

I had never been to the Appalachians before but everything was beautiful - fantastic. I hope to go back again soon to explore this amazing part of our world. Photos at: gallery.me.com/paulnabors
03-21-2011, 18:59
flatline

looks and sounds like you had a great trip. sorry you couldn't land some eat'n size fish but that's fish'n, fun either way. the smoky mtns are very nice this time of year.
i'm glad you found "them there hills" worth the drive.
03-21-2011, 19:06
NCPatrick

Great googly. What a great place to take a break, and that's a long haul. I hope it was relaxing as well.
03-22-2011, 09:49
Rain Man

Enjoyed the photos. Thanks for sharing them and the report. And yes, the Appalachians are great mountains to "get away" in! Glad you enjoyed our part of the world.

Rain Man

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03-22-2011, 17:09
skyclad

The eastern lands have a different character than those in the west. I live near the southwest corner of New Mexico and have done most of my camping/hiking there and in Colorado. In the Smokies every fold in the land carries some water, and the trees are mostly hardwoods like hickory and ash. I enjoyed the contrast, and hope to return soon. I haven't spent much time in the Sierras or Cascades, and hope to visit them soon as well.

sky
03-23-2011, 13:07
Buffalo Skipper

I love the Smokies, and Cataloochee is particularly wonderful for me. I have not yet gotten to hang in the backcountry. Can't wait for the opportunity.

For what it's worth, the Smokies are great any time of year.
03-23-2011, 16:21
roar-k

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyclad

I spent spring break in the GSMNP. That's a two day drive from West Tx. but worth the trouble. I slept in Cataloochee a couple of nights, then hiked up to #38 for a couple of nights. I had my Tenkara rod and attempted fly fishing for the first time with limited success. I caught a couple of fish but both were too small to keep. Cataloochee creek is about 10' across where I was, and overgrown so I spent a significant amount of time unsnagging and unsnarling my line. It rained all Monday night and most of Tuesday but I stayed warm and dry in my WBBB, MacCat and winter Crow's Nest.

I had never been to the Appalachians before but everything was beautiful - fantastic. I hope to go back again soon to explore this amazing part of our world. Photos at: gallery.me.com/paulnabors

If you love backpacking and fly fishing you need to go to Deep Creek, some nice size trout. If you decide to hike in there are campsites along Deep Creek trail with access to Deep Creek.