Usually I go to the Smokies this time of year. I am doing a solo 3 night. I want to do something a little bit different. I would like it to be within a 2 hour drive of Gatlinburg, meeting the family there after backpacking. Don't mind good elevation changes, would like nice vistas, I would like to choose my own camp spots. About a 30-40 mile loop. Probably need to camp over 3-4 K to stay cool. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Kirk
Last edited by Bammacker; 07-06-2017 at 11:06.
Looked at any of trails near Clingmans Dome? I personally haven't been out there but it's on the list.
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I've done a good bit of backpacking at the Smokies, I was wanting to change it up a bit. Thanks for the suggestion.Originally Posted by wcannon32
Gatlinburg is 2 hr 30 min from Oconee State Park, the western terminus of the Foothills Trail. See the map below.
You could have a shuttle drop you off at the Bad Creek Access or Upper Whitewater Falls and hike the western end of the trail about 30 miles to Oconee State Park.
I can help you with the planning and recommend camp sites if you're interested.
You'll see some nice waterfalls and camp on the Chattooga River.
Here is a video I made.
Swampfox
He is your friend, your companion, your defender... he is your dog. You are his life, his leader, and master. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of that devotion.
Wow, looks really nice. Maybe a bit warm for Summer backpacking.
Bammacker,
Have you done the Forney Ridge / Forney creek trail? The wife and I did Forney Ridge last week as a day hike and at Clingmans in was in the 60's. Got into the mid 70's a lower elevation. It's all down hill and all back up hill but it's a very very nice trial for the most part. It can be anywhere from a 15-20 mile trip.
http://www.protrails.com/trail/520/g...ey-creek-trail
I don't disagree.
Spring or Fall would be better.
Swampfox
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He is your friend, your companion, your defender... he is your dog. You are his life, his leader, and master. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of that devotion.
Check out Joyce Kilmer/Slickrock Wilderness
Forney Creek trail is awesome, I hiked that a few years back, awesome trail. Thanks.
I backpacked there about 3 years ago, during winter, one of the best backpacking trips I've done. I took my son and nephew. I actually am thinking about doing that one again. Thanks.
If you don't mind a lot of creek crossings, start at the bottom of Slickrock Creek and hike up to the Hangover and then Stratton Bald. You could come back over the Foderstacks to complete a loop. Camp near Wildcat Falls, Stratton Bald and somewhere near Little Foderstack. I attempted something like this a couple summers ago. You can see the details of my trip here http://backpackandbeer.blogspot.com/...hydration.html
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