Heat-treated wood is available from a growing list of private businesses in communities around the park. A Membership is required to post in the forums. Before planning your backcountry trip, please read through this important information about reservations and permits, regulations, bear safety, trail closures, and more. Then we walked across the bridge on. Deaths have occurred at numerous falls throughout the Park. Most all the sites have flat root free tent sites, great tree coverage for shade, and from here we could access several feeder streams that all flow into Big Creek. With hundreds of miles of hiking trails, camping opportunities around every corner and some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, the GSMNP is a national park not to be missed. The walnut bottom site is broken down into 5 individual sites with plenty of room for for up to 4 people in each. Campground facilities and the procedures for obtaining a site in each type are different. Group campgrounds accommodate groups of seven or more. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 113 is a popular spot. Guests in RVs, campers, pop-ups, buses, etc, must use other facilities. Im sorry that you experianced theft I certainly hate a theif, but am surprised you had problems in that area (that wasnt a bear CS#113 is famous for them). They do have cold running water and restrooms with flush toilets. To get to the turn to Big Creek by auto from I-40 going west, as soon (and I mean as soon) as you see the North Carolina Tennasee line get in the right lane to take the Waterville exit 451. Pretty much ALL these people have drug/addiction issues; often alcohol, and usually on top of other psychological disorders (which they are self-medicating). Difficulty: Easy with a few moderate hills to climb. 1. Just like the other campgrounds, group campsites do not have showers, electric, or water hookups. No campgrounds have showers. WhiteBlaze Pages 2023 strange times. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 6440'. Constructing new fire rings is prohibited. " Delicious 12 Hours Later " 08/01/2023. But its fun to tease them about wearing orange! You may only burn wood that is dead and already on the ground. So embarrassed by those wrinkles/ripples in this tarp patch but so fortunate to be using my newest, teal/purple homemade quilt on its first backpacking trip. There are five designated backcountry campsites on the Deep Creek Trail - Indian Creek Trail Loop described above. 9. Knowing it's the busy season we are planning a Monday - Friday trip hoping to miss some of the crowds. in the woods Posts 61 a trail runs along the entire ridge. There is no entrance fee to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Got to have water, some sort of not too distant trail access, and not too distant access to the outer world; as well as not too far from or too much of a climb to 113. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Cosby Campground is a remote camp with 157 sites. 24 miles away Explore. Takeaway #3 Great views from High Rocks and Rocky Top. GSMNP hiking trails mileage, climb, elevation profiles, and map locator and stream crossings. Copyright 2016-2022 Marc & Ann Bowman | All Rights Reserved |, 9. Grazing is prohibited. The Park includes over 500,000 acres with 800 miles of hiking trails, 10 campgrounds, 1,500 types of plants. All group campsites require a reservation. The trail finds the creek once again at Backcountry Campsite #59 on a level bank with good fishing access (4.85 miles : 2,415'). Ive never had an issue like you describe anywhere in the park though it seems there are reports every year of such thievery. We didnt go that far, as it would be 9.6 miles from the start. Or maybe it was Eric Rudolph. No dogs or other pets may be carried into the backcountry. 13. Children under 13 are free. it seems to indicate somebody who is familiar with the GSMNP as opposed to someone who was meandering along the trail and stumbled into some food. Bathing and washing dishes should be done well away from water sources and campsites. Maximum party size is 8. Said person was handing out mushrooms from a bag, and had no gear with them. If you are hiking in the same general area, keep on the lookout. 87, All park campgrounds have cold running water and restrooms with flush toilets. Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Smokies (6,643 feet). To be fair the girls were touching their hair whist smiling at the bear. for all backcountry campsite/shelters Steepest half-mile sections: Eagle Cr mile 7.3 to 7.8 24%, AT mile 20.4 to 20.9 22%, Lost Cove mile 1.8 to 2.2 22%, Chimneys mile 1.2 to 1.7 22%. Soap, even biodegradable soap, may not be used in any water sources. Accessible only by trail and available only by reservation, Mt. You may not willfully approach within 50 yards (150 feet) of elk or bears. The natural beauty and the four distinct seasons enjoyed in the GSMNP is unmatched! A vagabond pseudo homeless could raid it easily via Lost Cove Trail which goes down into some low use areas north of Lakeshore Tr. Read information about this quarantine and the states affected. It doesnt offer quite as much as Cades Cove, so isnt as crowded but thats the attraction for many people. relocated campsite 21 (Huskey Gap), Smokemont Campground. Well at least there was no violence involved :(. Use the links below to share this content: Viewing 23 posts - 1 through 23 (of 23 total), Theft on the AT in the GSMNP 10/26 Campsite 113. Location & Directions Body of Water: Fontana Lake Coordinates: 35.455557598914, -83.784071803093 Get Driving Directions Amenities Launch Point Paid Parking Free Parking Year-Round Bathrooms Seasonal Bathrooms Permit Required Drinking Water Food Available Boat Ramp Campsites Picnic Shelter Picnic Tables Wheelchair Accessible Hazard Free Lunch A campground store featuring a snack bar, ranger station, bike rental, and horse stables, are a welcome benefit. Campsite 87 access is a 936 ft green singletrack trail located near Fontana Dam North Carolina. A post over at whiteblaze.net from No Match indicates that he saw somebody that was obviously a homeless/vagrant at the entrance to campsite 113 with a dog. The ranger of course thought my bud was illegaly camping, but was friendly after seeing the permit. 3. Reserve your Backcountry or Thru Hike permits here: https://smokiespermits.nps.gov/. But even hiking in from Twentymile or Parsons Branch are long and circuitous. The average distance between shelters is 7.8 miles, and the max distance is 32.2 miles between West Mountain and RPH shelters. Each individual campsite has a fire grate and picnic table. You may not stay at any backcountry campsite for more than 3 consecutive nights. If you look closely you can see a woman in a red bikini swimsuit mid air about to plunge into Midnight Hole. Deep Creek Trail - Indian Creek Trail Loop, Mount Le Conte via the Trillium Gap Trail, +1,547' net elevation gain (+2,233' total roundtrip elevation gain), N35 27.877W83 26.012 Deep Creek Trailhead, N35 28.010W83 25.795 .25 miles : Tom Branch Falls, N35 28.353W83 25.717 .75 miles : Deep Creek - Indian Creek Trail split, N35 28.417W83 25.802 .85 miles : Juney Whank Falls Trail split, N35 29.093W83 25.436 1.75 miles : Deep Creek Loop Trail connection #1, N35 29.591W83 25.612 2.55 miles : Backcountry Campsite #60, N35 29.904W83 26.028 3.25 miles : Steep, rolling travel away from creek, N35 30.524W83 25.874 4.1 miles : Brief reprieve beside creek, N35 30.832W83 25.541 4.85 miles : Backcountry Campsite #59, N35 31.022W83 25.527 5.25 miles : Backcountry Campsite #58, N35 31.237W83 25.127 5.85 miles : Martins Gap Trail split and site #57, N35 31.047W83 24.921 6.6 miles : Steep, unabated climb through laurel forest, N35 31.160W83 24.477 7.25 miles : Martins Gap - Sunkota Ridge Trail split, N35 31.092W83 24.142 8.05 miles : Cross first of several bridges on descent, N35 30.642W83 23.966 8.65 miles : Backcountry Campsite #46, N35 30.102W83 24.063 9.25 miles : Martins Gap - Indian Creek Trail junction, N35 29.246W83 24.468 10.25 miles : Gentle glide down wide gravel path, N35 28.546W83 25.063 11.25 miles : Deep Creek Loop Trail connection #2, N35 28.379W83 25.261 11.5 miles : Stone Pile Gap Trail split, N35 28.365W83 25.645 11.8 miles : Indian Creek Falls, N35 28.353W83 25.717 11.85 miles : Complete loop at DCT - ICT split, N35 27.877W83 26.012 12.6 miles : Deep Creek Trailhead. 49 Cabin Flats - somewhat remote site on the Bradley Fork. You may not cut any standing wood. To make reservations by phone call 877-444-6777 and for all other campground related questions you may call 423-487-2683. GSMNP Island campsites.. LeConte is the Alum Cave Bluff Trail. Maximum fine for each violation is $5,000 and/or 6 months in jail. 18. 13, I think, is one of my favorites and not just because it's a short stroll from the bald. Look Rock Campground will be added to our website. You may not stay consecutive nights at campsite 113 or at any shelter. $5 for interactive PDF(smartphone version) (11) No Service. GSMNP, November 2017. Mt. Oi, Lost Cove is dang steep. 2. Each campground offers a unique experience. 98, Enjoy waterfalls from a safe distance, and be mindful of slippery surfaces. Jenkins Ridge, 9. If you have more than 20 people, you may use additional group sites. Great Smoky Mountains National Park info included on this . A short, steep push on narrow track drops back to the creek at Backcountry Campsite #60 (2.55 miles : 2,075'). We always use a carabiner to clip our food to the cables instead of using the hooks because some bears have learned to shake the cables until the treats drop. Frontcountry - camping near your car in a developed campground that has restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets. GSMNP: First Solo Camping Trip & Little River to Campsite 30 I recently camped alone for the first time in the Elkmont campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 0.1 km from Izzy Bees Stuffed Friends. So sorry that happened too you! 11. 76. There also is a sixth site that could be used for overflow, however the 5 sites with fire-rings are for up to 20 people and need to be booked in advance. Here is a list of Great Smoky Mountains National Park campsites that you can paddle or hike to: #87 Jerry Hollow: #78 Double Island #73 Lone Pine #72 Gunter Branch #66 Lower Noland Creek All backcountry campers are required get a reservation and a permit for their chosen site. ;). Click on the titles above for additional information about facilities, reservations, and operating seasons. Stock may not be tied within 100 feet of any water source. Located near the Tennessee and North Carolina border off 1-40. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is the most visited in National Park system. Eventually you would get a pretty well fine-tuned kit as long as you didnt get caught. We had some nice views of NC to the South on Rocky Top last week, but the Tennessee side of the Stateline Ridge was impenetrable mist and clouds. Mild travel continues to Indian Creek Falls, a short but voluminous cascade with a large pool ideal for wading (11.8 miles : 1,950'). 90, There is a new campsite 88 along the new Lakeshore Trail You can get your permits at the National Park Service website. A bud of mine got the crap scared out by a ranger while he was camping via a rare backcountry permit. 107 Park Headquarters Road Brad, you can really see the difference in the season between your picture and mine. Apparently they have had further reports of problems in the area. A great campground is a fantastic location. Gatlinburg most of that ridgeline has a canopy of old, stunted and gnarly oak trees with a grassy understory almost resembles a manicured city park but in a wilderness setting. route between 90 and 86 (see current trail map or Smokemont, near Cherokee, NC (828) 497-2373 A tad too far for us without spending the night! Cool nights, even in the summer, make this a comfortable choice. We recommend that you make reservations in advance to guarantee you have a spot. Now they want Rocky Top too? . In addition to the regulations listed on the information page of the. And so is the trail up from Fontana. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Building a fire in the fireplace of any historic structure or removing any parts of a historic structure, including brick or rock, is illegal. You're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. Camping is permitted only at designated backcountry campsites and shelters. Visit www.nature.org/firewoodmap for a map of local stores and businesses that sell certified firewood. Alternatively, you may use, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Forum, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tourism, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Vacation Rentals, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Vacation Packages, Flights to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Restaurants near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photos, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Guide. Maximum stock per party is one animal per person, plus one pack animal, not to exceed 10 animals in any one party or the maximum number of stock allowed a site or the available number of stock spaces at any site. Would have been a bummer to have to cut a trip short due to someone stealing our food. when are you planning for? Seven Islands State Birding Park. Just like the other campgrounds, group campsites do not have showers, electric, or water hookups. Truly blessed to see such a clear magnificent display of stars and sunrise on Tuesday morning at Shuckstack. Turn right (east) on the Martins Gap Trail. I hope you guys have a great trip. The third visitor center is located in Cades Cove midway around the 11-mile loop road. 1. An update. Additional information about this regulation. Want to rent a horse in the Smokies? And Im an expert because I read a wikipedia article on it last year. Write GSMNP, 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738 or call 423.436.1200. This campsite is only a few steps from the water. Balsam Mountain Campground is the highest elevation campground in the park at 5,310 feet. Concessioners at Cades Cove, Smokemont, and Elkmont will provide heat-treated wood for sale during their operating season (typically March through October at Smokemont and Elkmont and through December at Cades Cove). Stock users are required to carry supplemental feed such as pellets, rolled grains or dehydrated alfalfa cutes on all backcountry trips. . Takeaway #1 We have been backpacking in the GSMNP for 23+ years and have never had anything like this happen. Concessioners at Cades Cove, Smokemont, and Elkmont will provide heat-treated wood for sale during their operating season (typically March through October at Smokemont and Elkmont and through December at Cades Cove). If so, please send me a message. From there, youll travel 7 miles, passing several pullouts for views, and end up in a parking area from which you walk a short distance to the top of the mountain. I'm looking for any advice, reviews, insight on these particular sites. 5. Keep in mind that these are tent only facilities. You may not stay consecutive nights at campsite 113 or at any shelter. Campsite 113 on the Appalachian Trail, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, November 2017. 11. Running Wild: a solo/bear-filming/creek-fording/Smokies Adventure!! The highest shelter is Mt LeConte at 6440'. We enjoyed the view and took a selfy. There is a town called Rocky Top in Tennessee, but it was named after the song. Great Smoky Mountains National Park. . Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (Tax ID: 62-1564782) and an official National Park Service partner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park . Pets, motorized vehicles, and bicycles are not permitted on backcountry trails in GSMNP. Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest of the campgrounds located inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Only artificial lures and flies may be used, and only one hand-held rod is permitted. Short video of Backcountry Campsite #51 in the Great Smoky. If this is your first visit, be sure to The stream from this point up is referred to Guyot Creek. Beginning March 1, 2015, only heat-treated firewood that is bundled and certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. The park entrance is about 2 miles away youll see this sign: Take the gravel road upstream .2 miles to the Big Creek Ranger Station. Travel now undulates over Deep Creek with limited access and only partial views. No hunting is allowed anywhere in the park Smokemont Campground is located near Oconaluftee Visitor Center outside Cherokee, NC. The use of loose hay or grain containing viable seeds is prohibited. Im guessing more just seeing and taking advantage of an opportunity; though they might have recognised it and lain in wait and along came your group. We didnt notice any noises or lights through the night, but due to the nature of the campsite, we were camped a good ways uphill from the bear bag lines and the entry to the campsite. LeConte also boasts the only lodging within the Park: Mt. You won't get electricity at your campsite. All group campsites require a reservation. Maximum party size is 8. Big Creek Campground - Great Smoky Mountains National Park 5. Best Camping near me. For example, theres a black cherry that has a circumference of 210 inches and a northern red oak measuring 257 inches. Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light editorial team. Beyond campsite 33B the trail begins to descend to Redwine creek. GSMNP Campsite 64. Two parties affiliated with the same group may not stay in the same campsite or at the same shelter on the same night(s). If you want to camp at here, you must get a permit from the National Park Service. For information about specific camping areas, please see the following articles. I too had reservations for 113 on a section hike in 2015 but it got closed two days prior after a bear tore into two girls tent. Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a permit and advance reservations for all backcountry camping in the park. I didnt start heavily using this tarp until 2016. A 16-year-old female from middle Tennessee was attacked and injured by a bear while sleeping near her family in a hammock at the backcountry campsite. Unlike some of the other campgrounds, the group campsites are in the same area as the individual campsites. 12. Get our free Handbook and Receive our weekly newsletter to see what's new at Backpacking Light! Our last night of the trip was Monday 10/26 and we were staying at Backcountry Campsite 113 (Birch Springs Gap) on the AT. 100% Recommend - 22 Responses. At 5.2 miles we came upon Swallow Fork, the sign indicated a hike to Mount Sterling could me made from here to the ridge trail in 4 miles, making this the easiest (grade wise) way to get there. either If we cant convince you to get out of your vehicle and enjoy the very best the Park has to offer (150 maintained hiking trails totaling 800 miles, mountain vistas, old growth forests, nature trails, trout streams) then try some of these fantastic auto tours! send waypoints to your Garmin GPS. Bradley Fork is wide, but shallow (at least in summer). 66, Discover and book tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glampingeverywhere from national parks to blueberry farms. Old Settlers Trail continues around the ridge to the right to campsites 33A and 33B next to an old fallen fireplace. 3. A visitors center with pioneer exhibits, a 5-mile hike to Abrams Falls, abundant wildlife, campgrounds, bike rentals, spectacular foliage in autumn, and facilities for horseback riding all make Cades Cove a complete visitors sampler of all the Park has to offer. as you hike up from where you leave the boat on the east side of the island, the campsites are just over the top of the hill. Thanks for sharing. BTW I guess I should clarify that an AT troll is one thing; sort of a version of a con artist/parasite/scavenger and a type I dont have a lot of sympathy for; but someone who is actually hanging out in that area would seem to me to be pretty desperate on some level. 10. I have heard that this site is popular with horse campers but I haven't seen them in my 2 trips there. 12. the bald is a great place to catch the sunrise/sunset, of course. Campsite 14, 13, 113, and 10 Reviews 7 years ago Save I'm planning a five day backpacking trip for a group of 4 people. At 1.5 miles we walked past Midnight hole, a favorite spot for campers and locals on a hot day. Select the campground above you'll be camping in to find nearby businesses. Certified heat-treated firewood is packaged and clearly marked with a state or federal seal. Many local stores and businesses sell certified firewood. . some closed (4 and 7), some new ones open -- see new entries for (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook account. . I guess I would expect this kind of thing to happen more often closer to a road. Hammocks may not be used inside shelters and may not be attached to shelters in any way. AVAILABLE NOW. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In addition to answering your backpacking questions, the experienced backpackers in the Backcountry Information Office can provide you with tips to make your trip safe and enjoyable. You may not stay consecutive nights at campsite 113 or at any shelter.
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