The Appalachian Trail runs for over 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine. While there are a number of part hikes to decide on from for these not seeking to thru-hike it, the stretch by means of Great Smoky Mountains National 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 buddies as a part of what has turn out to be a convention of selecting to endure bodily struggling for my birthday. Before the hike, my two buddies hadn’t met one another, however I knew the pairing could be excellent. And, on a path as unforgiving because the AT by means of the Smokies could be, having an abundance of confidence in and love in your companions ranks as excessive as well-fitting climbing sneakers, for my part.
By the time the three of us completed the AT by means of the Smokies, I can solely say that I cherished these two ladies greater than ever and I’ll cherish these miles collectively for the remainder of my life. Even although some have been actually dang exhausting.
If you’re seeking to hike the AT by means of the Smokies, under, you’ll discover a complete information to jumpstart your planning, together with:
- Overview of the AT Through the Smokies
- How Many Days to Plan for Hiking the AT Through the Smokies
- Trailhead Parking and Shuttles for Hiking the AT Through the Smokies
- Where to Camp on the AT within the Smokies
- AT Water Sources within the Smokies
- Points of Interest Along the AT Through the Smokies
- Other Tips About Hiking the AT Through the Smokies
- Best Gear for Hiking the AT Through the Smokies
- Additional Smokies Articles From the Light Feet Blog
My hope with this weblog is that you simply, too, can hike the AT by means of the Smokies and solidify your bonds with family members alongside the way in which, meet new faces that turn out to be part of your lifelong story, or just heal no matter wants healed on the way in which.
Overview of the AT Through the Smokies
The AT runs by means of Great Smoky Mountains National park for about 72 miles, largely hugging the Tennessee–North Carolina state line. Hiking northbound, the path enters the Smokies at Fontana Dam and exits at Davenport Gap, not removed from Interstate 40. Near the midpoint of the part, hikers cross Highway 441—also referred to as Newfound Gap Road—which is the principle scenic thoroughfare by means of the guts of the park.
Hiking the AT by means of 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, and so they occur in frequent intervals. pair of trekking poles is very really helpful.
Cumulatively, the climb from Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap is round 20,000 ft. This is an efficient useful resource for seeing the elevation profile of the AT by means of the Smokies, together with what your day’s hike will appear like between shelters.
Regardless of which route 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 Gap is the more difficult stretch that, at occasions, will make you query your life selections. But after climbing practically the entire trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s additionally dwelling to a few of my most favourite stretches of path. Go determine.
How Many Days to Plan for Hiking the AT Through the Smokies
Most individuals plan for 7 to eight days to backpack the complete part of the AT by means of the Smokies. However, you’ll be able to break up the sections at Newfound Gap and hike both in 3 to five days. You can even use Newfound Gap as a resupply level, as this street has quick access into Gatlinburg on the Tennessee aspect or Cherokee on the North Carolina aspect.
If you’re questioning what number of days to plan for, I extremely suggest leaning towards extra days than fewer. Those Smoky Mountain rolls can actually put on on you and sluggish you down, and additional time means a better skill to really benefit from the magnificence round you.
My buddies 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 Gap as an alternative. It allowed for a way more fulfilling journey. The subsequent yr, we returned and went from Davenport Gap to Newfound Gap in 4 days. We loved taking our time and exploring the completely different shelters alongside the way in which.
Trailhead Parking and Shuttles for Hiking the AT Through the Smokies
If you’re planning to depart a automobile at both finish of the path, there’s a first rate quantity of parking in a gravel lot on the Fontana Dam aspect. On the Davenport Gap aspect, there’s a small pull-off on the aspect of the street that may match just a few automobiles; in any other case, you’ll be able to park down on the Big Creek Campground and hike as much as the trailhead, which is one other mile or two, relying on the place you park. If you’re solely climbing half of the park at a time, you may also select to depart a automobile at Newfound Gap, which has a big paved parking space in a much less distant space of the park.
I’ve left my automobile at Newfound Gap earlier than with out issues, however I don’t suggest leaving a automobile on the Fontana Dam or Davenport Gap trailheads in a single day until you will need to. Both trailhead areas have been sizzling spots for catalytic converter thefts over the previous few years, which might be an enormous bummer coming off of a protracted hike.
If you don’t have somebody who can drop you off or decide 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 Walk within the Woods primarily based out of Gatlinburg. I’ve used them earlier than and so they’ve been skilled, well timed, and wonderful individuals. 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 wish to name Mike to ask about shuttling you, shoot me an electronic mail at korrin@gossamergear.com and I’ll get you his information!
Where to Camp on the AT within the Smokies
Backpackers are required to remain at designated shelters or campsites when in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can reserve your spot by making use of for a allow by means of the park’s on-line system or by calling the backcountry workplace at: 865-436-1297. There is a nominal price 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 relatively than organising a tent. However, the park allowed for tent tenting throughout COVID-19 and, as of this writing (10/19/2022), nonetheless permits for backpackers to tent exterior the shelter if they’ve a legitimate allow. If you have got questions, contact the backcountry workplace to verify any modifications.
If tenting exterior the shelter, do your finest to depart no hint. In the previous couple of years, I’ve sadly seen a number of individuals tenting exterior the shelter stomp down vegetation to create new tenting spots. These are closely used areas and wish everybody’s assist to guard them.
Below is a listing of the obtainable campsites alongside the AT within the Smokies, ranging from Fontana Dam and shifting towards Davenport Gap. Distances between websites differ between round 4 to 10 miles. With the exception of Site 113, all are websites which have a picket bunk shelter.
- Site 113–Birch Spring Gap
- Mollies Ridge
- Russell Field
- Spence Field
- Derrick Knob
- Silers Bald
- Double Spring Gap
- Mount Collins
- Icewater Spring
- Pecks Corner
- Tricorner Knob
- Cosby Knob
- Davenport Gap
Several of the shelters have a moldering privy. If there’s one, please use it to assist defend these websites. And for the love of our backcountry rangers who’ve to wash them, please don’t put any rubbish or actually something aside from poop, pee, and bathroom paper in them. Yes, which means no child wipes. Pack that different stuff out.
Not all websites have privies, nevertheless, so be sure that to convey alongside a trowel and your GVP Poop Kit and observe correct backcountry pooping etiquette. The websites with out privies will usually have a picket signal that factors within the route of the water supply and the route for the place it is 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. If you’re fearful about water ranges, name the backcountry workplace for the newest data to make sure the springs are nonetheless operating. You can even ask in teams like Hiking the Smokies, which have an lively consumer base the place somebody has doubtless been on the market very not too long ago.
The A.T. Guide: A Handbook for Hiking the Appalachian Trail by David “Awol” Millers is one other good useful resource for water sources alongside the path. There are just a few in between shelters, although not a ton, so be conscious of your provide all through your hike.
All water alongside the path needs to be boiled for no less than a minute or filtered by means of one thing like a Sawyer Micro Squeeze Water Filter.
Points of Interest Along the AT Through the Smokies
I keep in mind being on a hike within the Smokies someday and operating into a pair guests from out of city. They stopped me and requested, “Is there going to be a view on this trail?”
Especially if you happen to’re climbing in the summertime, plenty of Smoky Mountain climbing is below dense tree canopies. Even once you’re on a ridgeline, you’re not at all times going to have scenic vistas. But the Smokies are additionally essentially the most biodiverse unit within the National Park Service, so it’s value listening to all of the little particulars you’re certain to go alongside the way in which—from vegetation and fungi to bugs and birds.
In addition to all these “hidden” wonders, there are a number of factors of curiosity value savoring alongside the way in which, equivalent to these under.
Shuckstack Fire 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 Fire Tower. There’s 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 Fire Tower—for these prepared to rigorously courageous the rickety climb up the previous steel hearth tower’s stairs—affords a number of the finest views within the park, in my humble opinion. Plus, there’s one thing satisfying about having the ability to look down and see Fontana Lake the place you began out so recent and stuffed with vigor, solely to be taunted relentlessly by a couple of 2,400 vertical foot climb from the dam.
Rocky Top
About a mile previous the Spence Field shelter heading northbound, you’ll discover Rocky Top. 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 way in which right down to Fontana Lake. It’s a fantastic rocky knob value a well-deserved lunch break after the climb it takes to get there. I like to recommend singing “Rocky Top” when you’re up there earlier than settling into some good backcountry silence.
Clingmans Dome
Between the Double Spring Gap and Mount Collins shelters, you’ll attain Clingmans Dome. This is the best level on the complete AT at 6,643 ft, in addition to the best level in Tennessee. You can take a fast spur path to hike up a concrete remark tower for what can both be nice view or nothing however fog. If you haven’t seen many individuals shortly, be ready to, as it is a standard vacation spot for day journeys to the park.
Charlies Bunion
Another nice overlook, Charlies Bunion is a couple of mile previous Icewater Spring shelter heading northbound. It can get slightly busy on weekends with day hikers, however if you happen to make buddies with an area, maybe they’ll allow you to in on the key spot. Charlies Bunion is a good place to sit down on the large rocks for some time and benefit from the view, which may change shortly and incessantly with the rolling fog.
Mount Cammerer
Between the Cosby Knob and Davenport Gap shelters, you’ll discover a spur path referred to as the Mount Cammerer Trail. This is a 0.6-mile path, so 1.2 miles further roundtrip. At its finish, you’ll discover a hearth tower in contrast to others within the park. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corp within the late Nineteen Thirties, it was totally restored in 1995.
Considered a “western” model hearth tower, the octagonal construction is enclosed with home windows on all sides and a wraparound porch. The backside is constructed with hand-cut stones. It’s a fantastic construction that gives fantastic views of the Pigeon River Gorge on clear days and, in our case, much-needed shelter from hurricane rains on not-so-clear days.
Other Tips About Hiking the AT Through the Smokies
As you’re making ready your part hike of the AT by means of the Smokies, there are just a few different issues to contemplate.
Weather
As with any journey, be sure that to examine the climate forecast for the times you’ll be out, in addition to the few days earlier than and after, and plan accordingly. Note that checking the climate forecast for the encompassing cities is usually deceiving, as temperatures could be round 20 levels cooler at Newfound Gap, as an illustration, 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. Check climate forecasts for spots like Clingmans Dome, Newfound Gap, and different factors alongside the path for a extra correct image.
Bears
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a wholesome black bear inhabitants, and, given a rise in tourism and guests not acquainted with correct bear etiquette, can also be susceptible to some drawback bears. Make certain to hold your whole smelly issues at evening. Each campsite within the Smokies has extremely helpful 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 until I’m alone, however I do convey alongside a mini air horn and have certainly used it to maneuver alongside some relatively cussed bears within the Smokies.
Shelter websites are susceptible to sudden closures because of bear exercise. Do not ignore these closures. Plan forward to determine various campsites ought to you find yourself with a closed website in your itinerary. The backcountry workplace will warn you to any closures by way of the contact data you present in your allow software.
Check out BearWise and the park’s web site for extra bear security suggestions.
Maps
The AT by means of the Smokies is pretty well-marked, however it is best to nonetheless carry a map. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park maps by National Geographic are my go-to. And, if you buy them by means of the Great Smoky Mountains Association, your buy additionally helps defend the park for years to come back.
The waterproof Great Smoky Mountains Trail Map can also be helpful for fast references, however shouldn’t be used for navigation functions.
Best Gear for Hiking the AT Through the Smokies
I used my beloved Mariposa 60 backpack to hike the AT by means of the Smokies, and it carried out like a champ, as at all times. It held all of the meals and kit I wanted for a number of days and carried the burden properly. Using a pack liner is vital although, because the Smokies generally is 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 extend the lifespan of my pricey knees.
Section Hike the AT Through the Smokies for Scenic, Challenging Wonder
A hike alongside the AT by means of the Smokies is a grueling, however superb expertise that holds a particular place in my coronary heart. If 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 Light Feet weblog, in addition to just a few 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.