Hey folks,
I'm planning a solo 3-night trip to the SE side of the smokies in early-mid august, and I'm sort of flying in blind. I have looked at maps and there are obviously tons of options, but if any of you have hiked there I would love your thoughts and recommendations. Not feeling the need to crush miles, maybe up to 10 per day depending on elevation gain, etc.
Many thanks!
Alys
That time of the year look at going high as it will be hot.
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Why not start at the southern entrance to the Smokies and go. There's a nice trail head at Fontana Dam and you can go from there.
Could do a Forney Creek - Forney Ridge loop from Clingmans Dome parking lot. I did it last July 4th and posted a photo album if you'd like pics.
"You can stand tall without standing on someone. You can be a victor without having victims." --Harriet Woods
http://www.MeetUp.com/NashvilleBackpacker
.
A loop starting at the Big Creek Trailhead up Big Creek Trail to campsite 37 up Swallow Fork Trail to the Benton MacKaye Trail up to the top of Sterling Mnt and campsite 38, then back down the steep side of the mountain down the Baxter Creek Trail is an awesome hike.
My son and I just did a shuttle across Fontana Lake to the Hazel Creek trailhead. We hiked up Hazel Creek to campsite 83 for the first night and then up to campsite 82 for the second. Spent parts of 3 days fishing with Tenkara rods for trout. Never caught a fish, but had several bites. It was a fun deal as well.
Last edited by TNhunter; 06-07-2017 at 20:59.
I would like to see the pics Rain Man. Was it a cool hike in July?Originally Posted by Rain Man
If you like fishing, I suggest Deep Creek, I did it a few years ago and loved it. Several intersecting streams with loop trails, and waterfalls. Caught fish and had a great hanging spot at a site about 7 miles for the Deep Creek Picnic Area Parking Lot. I didn't worry about leaving my car there since there's a gate that is locked at night, due to it also being a federal campground. You can reach Clingman's Dome on this trail and return via a choice of another trail to the parking lot. No charge for using the picnic parking lot just a registration. Closest to Bryson City, not far from Silva and Cherokee, NC. Silva has great outfitters and fly fishing stores. Get the Trail book and map for sale from the Park Service for lots of details about the park, trails and primitive camp sites. If you call the backwoods or primitive desk for the necessary permits they can provide lots of answers to any questions you may have. Good Luck enjoy your hike!
Here ya go. I posted most of these, but not all. It says who uploaded each photo.
https://www.meetup.com/NashvilleBack...otos/27083150/
There are a couple of bear pics I got, about half-way through the album. Our group was in 3 little groups of 2 each and he/she/it got onto the trail between the first two groups and the last group, which happened to be me and one other hiker. We got to see it, no one else did. Our good fortune.
As far as summer heat, starting off at 6,000', it was much cooler than down below in Gatlinburg, yes. But it was warm enough for me to get in one of the pools at a ford of Forney Creek. But not really summer hot, no, even climbing Forney Ridge 4,000' our 3rd day.
You could go on down Forney Creek to Fontana Lake, then double back, if you want more distance and see the lake.
Last edited by Rain Man; 06-08-2017 at 08:13.
"You can stand tall without standing on someone. You can be a victor without having victims." --Harriet Woods
http://www.MeetUp.com/NashvilleBackpacker
.
Thanks a ton Rain Man.
Thank you all so much! Awesome photos, Rain Man. The ranger I spoke to at the park recommended staying on the NC side because of some trail closures from the fire on the TN side. This weekend I will be looking at the routes you-all suggested in detail. I am not much of a fisher, but maybe I'll bring a simple setup and give it a try. Can't beat fresh fish!
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