I want to go back pack and hang in the smokies this summer. Either June or July. I don't think my roommate will be able to make the trip. I don't Think it would be a good idea for me to go by myself! Would any one here be interested in going?
I want to go back pack and hang in the smokies this summer. Either June or July. I don't think my roommate will be able to make the trip. I don't Think it would be a good idea for me to go by myself! Would any one here be interested in going?
Keep in mind that you have to stay in the shelters if they are not full. You can stealth, which isn't that hard to do but highly frowned upon by the ATC ridge runners, or just keep walking til you find a full shelter (that is what I did - only slept two nights in the smokies, and one was in a firetower, the other in my hammock - BIG miles.) I went through on my trek up the AT, which is still ongoing. Have fun, it is a beautiful place.
Off topic but...what is a ridge runner?
Ridge runners are volunteers that go shelter to shelter, carrying supplies, doing trail maintenance, things like that.
If you are off the AT, I think all back country campsites require reservations. I don't recall any shelters at those sites. If you are not a "thru-hiker" by NPS rule (starting 50 miles before entering the park) you will need reservations at the shelters also.
Rockdawg69
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When I did my ~100 mile trip last June, I only needed reservations for certain sites. All sites along the AT and many sites along other heavy-use trails needed reservations. Not all sites had shelters, but they were all pretty decent sites with plenty of hanging opportunities and nearby water. Other sites were marked on the maps but didn't require reservations; none of these had shelters.
The sites requiring reservations were clearly posted in several places...but the lists didn't always agree exactly. But...the ones they disagreed on were smaller sites off the AT, so you're less likely to see a ranger or ridge runner anyway.
FWIW, I saw very few animals and more folks on the ridgeline trails (like the AT), and a lot of animals and very few folks on the Lakeshore Trail (part of the BMT). Lakeshore is easier hiking, as well. You don't get big ridgeline views, but you do get some pretty nice views of the lake. You're not actually hiking on the shore...it just basically follows the lake, and it even crosses the ridgeline a few times.
GSMNP is a great area...I really enjoyed the hike. Watch out for ticks.
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IMPOSSIBLE JUST TAKES LONGER
The GSMNP requires reservations for all AT shelters and some backcountry campsites. All backcountry camping requires a permit which can be found at the ranger stations. Due to recent storms and tornadoes (an EF3 tore up the area around Abram's Falls) many of the trails on the west end of the park are closed, including some campsites. You should definitely check the park website for trail closures before you plan your route.
In June and July, depending on where you camp, you won't be alone.
Just reread your OP. You're looking for someone to go with you, not permit info. Sorry if I gave you info you already know. Depending on when you plan your trip it might work out for me. Just keep the tread bumped to the top. Others might join in.
If you come around the week of Fathers Day in June Gregory Bald is a must see. I'll be making reservations for CS13 Sheep Pen Gap in a few days to see the flame azalea show.
These are from my trip last year.
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