The Final Information – Gossamer Gear

The Appalachian Path runs for over 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine. Whereas there are a number of part hikes to decide on from for these not seeking to thru-hike it, the stretch via Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park is a bucket listing merchandise for a lot of.

I used to be fortunate sufficient to hike this unbelievable stretch of path with two of my dearest associates as a part of what has change into a convention of selecting to endure bodily struggling for my birthday. Earlier than the hike, my two associates hadn’t met one another, however I knew the pairing could be excellent. And, on a path as unforgiving because the AT via the Smokies will be, having an abundance of confidence in and love in your companions ranks as excessive as well-fitting climbing footwear, for my part.

By the point the three of us completed the AT via the Smokies, I can solely say that I cherished these two girls greater than ever and I’ll cherish these miles collectively for the remainder of my life. Although some have been actually dang laborious. 

In the event you’re seeking to hike the AT via the Smokies, under, you’ll discover a complete information to jumpstart your planning, together with:

• Overview of the AT By the Smokies
• How Many Days to Plan for Mountaineering the AT By the Smokies
• Trailhead Parking and Shuttles for Mountaineering the AT By the Smokies
• The place to Camp on the AT within the Smokies
• AT Water Sources within the Smokies
• Factors of Curiosity Alongside the AT By the Smokies
• Different Suggestions About Mountaineering the AT By the Smokies
• Greatest Gear for Mountaineering the AT By the Smokies
• Further Smokies Articles From the Mild Toes Weblog

My hope with this weblog is that you just, too, can hike the AT via the Smokies and solidify your bonds with family members alongside the best way, meet new faces that change into part of your lifelong story, or just heal no matter wants healed on the best way.

Overview of the AT By the Smokies

The AT runs via Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide park for about 72 miles, largely hugging the Tennessee–North Carolina state line. Mountaineering northbound, the path enters the Smokies at Fontana Dam and exits at Davenport Hole, not removed from Interstate 40. Close to the midpoint of the part, hikers cross Freeway 441—also referred to as Newfound Hole Highway—which is the principle scenic thoroughfare via the center of the park. 

Mountaineering the AT via the Smokies is a traditional instance of what I considerably lovingly and considerably disdainfully check with because the “Smoky Mountain Roll.” There are brutal climbs and knee-terrorizing descents, they usually occur in frequent intervals. A superb pair of trekking poles is very really helpful. 

Cumulatively, the climb from Fontana Dam to Davenport Hole is round 20,000 toes. This can be a good useful resource for seeing the elevation profile of the AT via the Smokies, together with what your day’s hike will seem like between shelters.

No matter which course you enter the park from, you’ll be confronted with a steep climb to start out your trek. In my private opinion, the part from Fontana Dam to Newfound Hole is the tougher stretch that, at instances, will make you query your life decisions. However after climbing almost all the trails in Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park, it’s additionally house to a few of my most favourite stretches of path. Go determine.

How Many Days to Plan for Mountaineering the AT By the Smokies

Most individuals plan for 7 to eight days to backpack the complete part of the AT via the Smokies. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to break up the sections at Newfound Hole and hike both in 3 to five days. It’s also possible to use Newfound Hole as a resupply level, as this highway has quick access into Gatlinburg on the Tennessee aspect or Cherokee on the North Carolina aspect.

In the event you’re questioning what number of days to plan for, I extremely suggest leaning towards extra days than fewer. These Smoky Mountain rolls can actually put on on you and gradual you down, and further time means a better capability to actually benefit from the magnificence round you.

My associates and I had initially deliberate to hike the complete part in six days. On day three, we determined to modify up our plans and used the complete six days to hike simply the part from Fontana Dam to Newfound Hole as a substitute. It allowed for a way more satisfying journey. The following 12 months, we returned and went from Davenport Hole to Newfound Hole in 4 days. We loved taking our time and exploring the totally different shelters alongside the best way.

Trailhead Parking and Shuttles for Mountaineering the AT By the Smokies

In the event you’re planning to go away a automobile at both finish of the path, there’s a respectable quantity of parking in a gravel lot on the Fontana Dam aspect. On the Davenport Hole aspect, there’s a small pull-off on the aspect of the highway that may match a couple of automobiles; in any other case, you’ll be able to park down on the Large Creek Campground and hike as much as the trailhead, which is one other mile or two, relying on the place you park. In the event you’re solely climbing half of the park at a time, you may also select to go away a automobile at Newfound Hole, which has a big paved parking space in a much less distant space of the park.

I’ve left my automobile at Newfound Hole earlier than with out issues, however I don’t suggest leaving a automobile on the Fontana Dam or Davenport Hole trailheads in a single day except you should. Each trailhead areas have been sizzling spots for catalytic converter thefts over the previous few years, which might be an enormous bummer coming off of an extended hike.

In the event you don’t have somebody who can drop you off or choose you up on the trailheads, there are a number of shuttle companies obtainable within the surrounding cities on each the North Carolina and Tennessee sides that may assist. 

One service I can personally suggest is A Stroll within the Woods based mostly out of Gatlinburg. I’ve used them earlier than they usually’ve been skilled, well timed, and beautiful folks. I can even extremely suggest Mike. Mike is splendidly priced, tells nice tales, and even meets you on the finish of the path with chilly drinks. If you want to name Mike to ask about shuttling you, shoot me an e mail at korrin@gossamergear.com and I’ll get you his information!

The place to Camp on the AT within the Smokies

Backpackers are required to remain at designated shelters or campsites when in Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park. You may reserve your spot by making use of for a allow via the park’s on-line system or by calling the backcountry workplace at: 865-436-1297. There’s a nominal charge per particular person per evening that helps to help the park.

Pre-pandemic, backpackers have been required to sleep on the bunks within the shelters alongside the AT quite than establishing a tent. Nonetheless, the park allowed for tent tenting throughout COVID-19 and, as of this writing (10/19/2022), nonetheless permits for backpackers to tent outdoors the shelter if they’ve a sound allow. When you’ve got questions, contact the backcountry workplace to verify any adjustments. 

If tenting outdoors the shelter, do your finest to go away no hint. Prior to now couple of years, I’ve sadly seen a number of folks tenting outdoors the shelter stomp down vegetation to create new tenting spots. These are closely used areas and wish everybody’s assist to guard them.

Beneath is a listing of the obtainable campsites alongside the AT within the Smokies, ranging from Fontana Dam and shifting towards Davenport Hole. Distances between websites differ between round 4 to 10 miles. Excluding Web site 113, all are websites which have a wood bunk shelter.

• Web site 113–Birch Spring Hole
• Mollies Ridge
• Russell Subject
• Spence Subject
• Derrick Knob
• Silers Bald
• Double Spring Hole
• Mount Collins
• Icewater Spring
• Pecks Nook
• Tricorner Knob
• Cosby Knob
• Davenport Hole

A number of of the shelters have a moldering privy. If there may be one, please use it to assist shield these websites. And for the love of our backcountry rangers who’ve to scrub them, please don’t put any rubbish or actually something aside from poop, pee, and bathroom paper in them. Sure, meaning no child wipes. Pack that different stuff out.

Not all websites have privies, nevertheless, so make sure that to convey alongside a trowel and your GVP Poop Equipment and comply with correct backcountry pooping etiquette. The websites with out privies will usually have a wood signal that factors within the course of the water supply and the course for the place it’s best to poop. For everybody’s sake, please take note of the indicators. 

AT Water Sources within the Smokies

All campsites alongside the AT within the Smokies have a fairly dependable water supply that’s usually marked with an indication if it’s not already apparent. In the event you’re anxious about water ranges, name the backcountry workplace for the newest data to make sure the springs are nonetheless operating. It’s also possible to ask in teams like Mountaineering the Smokies, which have an lively person base the place somebody has possible been on the market very just lately. 

The A.T. Information: A Handbook for Mountaineering the Appalachian Path by David “Awol” Millers is one other good useful resource for water sources alongside the path. There are a couple of in between shelters, although not a ton, so be aware of your provide all through your hike.

All water alongside the path must be boiled for at the very least a minute or filtered via one thing like a Sawyer Micro Squeeze Water Filter.

Factors of Curiosity Alongside the AT By the Smokies

I keep in mind being on a hike within the Smokies sooner or later and operating into a pair guests from out of city. They stopped me and requested, “Is there going to be a view on this path?”

Particularly in case you’re climbing in the summertime, loads of Smoky Mountain climbing is beneath dense tree canopies. Even if you’re on a ridgeline, you’re not at all times going to have scenic vistas. However the Smokies are additionally essentially the most biodiverse unit within the Nationwide Park Service, so it’s price listening to all of the little particulars you’re positive to move alongside the best way—from vegetation and fungi to bugs and birds.

Along with all these “hidden” wonders, there are a number of factors of curiosity price savoring alongside the best way, resembling these under.

Shuckstack Fireplace Tower

Roughly 3.5 miles northbound from the trailhead at Fontana Dam, you’ll attain an unmarked spur path in your proper, whereas the AT continues to your left. That spur path results in Shuckstack Fireplace Tower. There’s a superb probability you’ll see that spur path after the climb you simply did, say “screw it,” and carry on climbing to camp. We positively did. It wasn’t till a future backpacking journey that I truly determined to cease there, and I’m so glad I did. 

Shuckstack Fireplace Tower—for these prepared to fastidiously courageous the rickety climb up the previous metallic fireplace tower’s stairs—affords a number of the finest views within the park, in my humble opinion. Plus, there’s one thing satisfying about with the ability to look down and see Fontana Lake the place you began out so contemporary and filled with vigor, solely to be taunted relentlessly by a couple of 2,400 vertical foot climb from the dam.

Rocky Prime

A couple of mile previous the Spence Subject shelter heading northbound, you’ll discover Rocky Prime. It’s not marked by an indication, however you’ll know you’re there. On a transparent day, you’ll be able to catch views all the best way right down to Fontana Lake. It’s an attractive rocky knob price a well-deserved lunch break after the climb it takes to get there. I like to recommend singing “Rocky Prime” whilst you’re up there earlier than settling into some good backcountry silence.

Clingmans Dome

Between the Double Spring Hole and Mount Collins shelters, you’ll attain Clingmans Dome. That is the best level on all the AT at 6,643 toes, in addition to the best level in Tennessee. You may take a fast spur path to hike up a concrete remark tower for what can both be nice view or nothing however fog. In the event you haven’t seen many individuals shortly, be ready to, as it is a well-liked vacation spot for day journeys to the park.

Charlies Bunion

One other nice overlook, Charlies Bunion is a couple of mile previous Icewater Spring shelter heading northbound. It may well get a little bit busy on weekends with day hikers, however in case you make associates with an area, maybe they’ll allow you to in on the key spot. Charlies Bunion is a superb place to take a seat on the massive rocks for some time and benefit from the view, which may change shortly and often with the rolling fog.

Mount Cammerer

Between the Cosby Knob and Davenport Hole shelters, you’ll discover a spur path known as the Mount Cammerer Path. This can be a 0.6-mile path, so 1.2 miles additional roundtrip. At its finish, you’ll discover a fireplace tower in contrast to others within the park. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corp within the late Thirties, it was absolutely restored in 1995. 

Thought of a “western” model fireplace tower, the octagonal construction is enclosed with home windows on all sides and a wraparound porch. The underside is constructed with hand-cut stones. It’s an attractive construction that provides great views of the Pigeon River Gorge on clear days and, in our case, much-needed shelter from hurricane rains on not-so-clear days.

Different Suggestions About Mountaineering the AT By the Smokies

As you’re making ready your part hike of the AT via the Smokies, there are a couple of different issues to think about.

Climate

As with all journey, make sure that to verify the climate forecast for the times you’ll be out, in addition to the few days earlier than and after, and plan accordingly. Be aware that checking the climate forecast for the encompassing cities is usually deceiving, as temperatures will be round 20 levels cooler at Newfound Hole, for example, than down in Gatlinburg. 

I’ve had many experiences the place there was chilly rain hammering on me at Clingmans Dome and by the point I get again to city, it’s a sweltering 90 levels. Verify climate forecasts for spots like Clingmans Dome, Newfound Hole, and different factors alongside the path for a extra correct image.

Bears

Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park has a wholesome black bear inhabitants, and, given a rise in tourism and guests not accustomed to correct bear etiquette, can be vulnerable to some drawback bears. Be sure that to hold your whole smelly issues at evening. Every campsite within the Smokies has extremely useful bear cables. Throw your stuff in a dry bag, connect it to the cable’s hook, pull, latch to the tree, and also you’re good to go.

I don’t personally hike with bear spray except I’m alone, however I do convey alongside a mini air horn and have certainly used it to maneuver alongside some quite cussed bears within the Smokies.

Shelter websites are vulnerable to sudden closures on account of bear exercise. Don’t ignore these closures. Plan forward to determine different campsites ought to you find yourself with a closed website in your itinerary. The backcountry workplace will warn you to any closures through the contact data you present in your allow utility.

Try BearWise and the park’s web site for extra bear security ideas.

Maps

The AT via the Smokies is pretty well-marked, however it’s best to nonetheless carry a map. The Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park maps by Nationwide Geographic are my go-to. And, if you are going to buy them via the Nice Smoky Mountains Affiliation, your buy additionally helps shield the park for years to come back. 

The waterproof Nice Smoky Mountains Path Map can be useful for fast references, however shouldn’t be used for navigation functions.

Greatest Gear for Mountaineering the AT By the Smokies

I used my beloved Mariposa 60 backpack to hike the AT via the Smokies, and it carried out like a champ, as at all times. It held all of the meals and equipment I wanted for a number of days and carried the burden effectively. Utilizing a pack liner is essential although, because the Smokies could be a very moist place. 

Since I’m not the largest fan of sleeping within the shelters, I additionally introduced alongside The One tent and set it up with LT5 trekking poles, which additionally served to delay the lifespan of my expensive knees.

Part Hike the AT By the Smokies for Scenic, Difficult Surprise

A hike alongside the AT via the Smokies is a grueling, however superb expertise that holds a particular place in my coronary heart. In the event you’re making ready in your personal Smokies journey, you would possibly need to take a look at a few of our different Smoky Mountain content material on the Mild Toes weblog, in addition to a couple of of our different sources:

And, as at all times, we’d like to see your adventures! Share your subsequent Smoky Mountain jaunt with us by tagging us on social media (@gossamergear) and utilizing the hashtag #takelessdomore.