Great people who can take a little ribbing in good stride and pretty uniformly helpful and friendly. 20 miles away Explore. If so, please send me a message. Backpackers and hikers are expected to follow all park regulations. Park visitor centers are maintained in three locations within the Park. either Call the backcountry office any day at (865) 436-1297 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm for more info. awesome! That is very helpful. The last load of timber came out of Little River in 1938, and its estimated that more than one billion board feet of lumber was extracted from the virgin forest of the Great Smokies enough to build 100,000 three-bedroom homes. Avoid the crowds, fish, hike, and enjoy the historical Cataloochee Valley. Operating Hours for Backcountry Office - The Backcountry Office located at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, near Gatlinburg, TN, is open every day from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Backcountry reservations and permits can be obtained online or by calling 865-436-1297. Maximum party size is 8. The third visitor center is located in Cades Cove midway around the 11-mile loop road. However, the rocks on the trail make it easy to bend an ankle I recommend you wear mid or high-top boots. No dogs or other pets may be carried into the backcountry. Many parallel trout streams and lead to waterfalls. Several hikes are featured within these pages. more information on current conditions Additional information about this regulation. In addition, there are more opportunities for lodging at these two points of the Park boundary. 90, At an elevation of 2,150 feet, the area enjoys a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Sixty nine of the 2,015 miles that make up the Appalachian Trail cross the crest of the Great Smoky Mountains, serving as a border between Tennessee and North Carolina. I'm looking for any advice, reviews, insight on these particular sites. 12. They do have cold running water and restrooms with flush toilets. The cost is normally $8 for adults and $5 for students. Doubtful that it was somebody who parked down at Fontana just to climb uphill for 5 miles to steal a couple food bags. The songs writers never exactly identified what they were referring to. It climbs with no rest through dense corridors of laurel to the Sunkota Ridge Trail - Benton Mackaye Trail junction (7.25 miles : 3,415'). Bikes are permitted on the Indian Creek Trail up to Backcountry Campsite #46. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook account. Besides the two main entrances at Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Cherokee, North Carolina, theres an entrance at Townsend, Tennessee (billed as the Peaceful Side of the Smokies) and three lesser-known entrances at Cosby, Cataloochee, and Wears Valley. , Thanks!!! Please call the Backcountry Office at 865-436-1297 for further information. Failure to abide by park regulations may subject you to a fine under Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations. Requires hiking several miles to a site located in the park's backcountry. check out the. The campgrounds have regular bathrooms with cold water at the sinks. Gatlinburg Tennessee and the folks in Tennessee are the best! 74, Hazel Creek is more than 15 miles long, before it empties into Fontana Lake. However, cross tying is allowed if it is done in a manner such that the animal cannot crib or otherwise damage trees or other vegetation. The AT serves as a backbone to which several major Smokies hiking trails connect. The American Forests organization reports that the Smokies contain 21 national champion sized trees. 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). Last modified: Tom Branch Falls in the SmokiesThe Smoky Mountains contain many wonderful streams and waterfalls many of which are rewards for trekking the well-maintained hiking trails. Local surrounding communities do have available showers. 100% Recommend - 22 Responses. I guess I would expect this kind of thing to happen more often closer to a road. the bald is a great place to catch the sunrise/sunset, of course. Pursuant to both North Carolina and Tennessee state law, all horses in the park must be accompanied by either the original or a copy of an official negative test (aka Coggins) for equine infectious anemia administered within the previous 12 months. All food, trash, clothing, equipment or personal items must be packed out. The pace quickens to Backcountry Campsite #46, where the Martins Gap Trail becomes the Indian Creek Trail (8.65 miles : 2,715'). A forestry worker told me, while discussing a PCT attempt, to watch gear in these smaller towns like theyve got to watch tools. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. As we were leaving the campsite around 6am, we noticed 2 of our food bags placed neatly by a log on the trail. GSMNP Island campsites.. It continues through a crowded understory to Backcountry Campsite #58 (5.25 miles : 2,445'), also on a wide bank with slow moving water. 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. Stock users may only travel on trails or stay at campsites and shelters designated for stock use. When I reserve my shelter sites would this be an option or do they consider it "off" the AT? We found close to 50 people jumping, swimming and cooling off in the brisk water and deep pool of this gorgeous hole. I am bookended in the north by Shenandoah National Park and in the south by Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Some days its in the cloudsView From Clingmans Dome (see photo below), but on clear days it affords spectacular 360 degree views of the Park (photo right). The trail ends 3.6-miles from the trailhead. Certified heat-treated firewood is packaged and clearly marked with a state or federal seal. Just use your normal common sense and good practices. I remember it being a very small campsite, with some sites right on a small creek. Sugarlands, near Gatlinburg, TN (865) 436-3535. You may only burn wood that is dead and already on the ground. 2. Probably a homeless person, or somebody pilfering their way along the trail. GSMNP Walnut Bottom Campsite 37 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. Big Creek Campground - Great Smoky Mountains National Park 5. Report inappropriate content 2009 campsite update, Great views and not crowded. Three group campsites are perfect for groups of 7 to 20 people. Many campsites have been closed or relocated over the years. 6440'. He thought it was the signal. But even hiking in from Twentymile or Parsons Branch are long and circuitous. 49 Cabin Flats - somewhat remote site on the Bradley Fork. It's campsite number 119 and is maybe 200 feet off the AT. 11. It happens for food (bags, even bear canisters) but also a heads up that small towns along major highways may have thieving meth-heads. The Deep Creek Trail veers left to connections for Juney Whank Falls (.85 miles : 1,960') and the Deep Creek Loop Trail (1.75 miles : 2,002'). Cades Cove, near Townsend, TN (865) 448-6286 5. accordingly, the water sources are springs, so a pump filter is in order. But its fun to tease them about wearing orange! 10. As we started off we noticed how well groomed the trail was, and how wide, making it an easy, slight uphill, walk. Burning food, trash or anything other than dead wood is prohibited. GSMNP adventure to campsite 18 292 views Feb 22, 2020 23 Dislike Share Saline Scott 1.02K subscribers We took Chestnut Top trail to Schoolhouse Gap trail. Heck we gave em the whole state. A bud of mine got the crap scared out by a ranger while he was camping via a rare backcountry permit. Also, this Smoky Mountain site makes available information about weddings in the national park, shopping, the Appalachian Trail, Fall foliage, photos of waterfalls, wildlife, and wildflowers. Saved from the huge lumber companies when the Park was established, some virgin stands of old-growth trees exist in the Great Smokies. GSMNP hiking trails mileage, climb, elevation profiles, and map locator and stream crossings. A ranger with a dog could cover this in a couple of days. Veer right on Highway 19 and take this into Bryson City. However, the location is fantastic for driving along the Foothills Parkway and exploring south of the park. When you check in, ask the attendant where the nearest shower facility is located. photos, You may not cut any standing wood. Reservation Rules. Just like the other campgrounds, group campsites do not have showers, electric, or water hookups. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Cool email, huh? Stock must be under physical control at all times. . Pets, motorized vehicles, and bicycles are not permitted on backcountry trails in GSMNP. Stop by a ranger station to obtain maps and get answers to questions. All odorous items (e.g., food, trash, lip balm, toothpaste, stock feed, hay etc) must be hung on the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. Campers may also collect dead and down wood found in the park for campfires. This campground is mostly tent camping, although 15 sites are for recreational vehicles. A great campground is a fantastic location. There is no entrance fee to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Retrace your steps back to the Deep Creek Trailhead to complete the hike (12.6 miles : 1,870'). 17. Burning food, trash or anything other than dead wood is prohibited. One-hundred fifty maintained hiking trails totaling more than 800 miles crisscross the Park. Look for signs pointing to the Deep Creek Trailhead and Campground - there are several in Bryson City and all are viable routes. Campsite List. Children under 13 are free. World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient . Campers may also collect dead and down wood found in the park for campfires. Great Smoky Mountains National Park info included on this . A wayward opportunist no doubt. Two parties affiliated with the same group may not stay in the same campsite or at the same shelter on the same night(s). Would have been a bummer to have to cut a trip short due to someone stealing our food. 3. You may not stay at any backcountry campsite for more than 3 consecutive nights. Comments. Wide, level banks offer easy stream access and are ideal places to see deer, bear, turkey, fox, and coyote. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. some closed (4 and 7), some new ones open -- see new entries for No hunting is allowed anywhere in the park No RVs allowed. Deep Creek Campground near Maggie Valley, NC is a fantastic place to camp if you want to tube, fish, or hike. The Indian Creek Trail glides downhill on an old wagon road beside Indian Creek. It's a reservation spot. A trail savvy homeless/vagabond seems to be the culprit to me. $5 for interactive PDF (smartphone version) Read more here WhiteBlaze Pages Store If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. The park allows fishing in all streams except Bear Creek at its junction with Forney Creek, and Lynn Camp Prong upstream of its confluence with Thunderhead Prong. Crow's Landing RV Site #113 Crow's Landing RV Site. 8. Both sites have posts marking their location and the park service has erected wires and pulley to hang food and gear high above the reach of animals. 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. It is illegal to possess firewood originating from a location from which a federal or state firewood quarantine is in effect. Icewater Spring. The Martins Gap Trail steepens considerably in a hardwood and oak forest with emerging views of surrounding peaks. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. Brad, you can really see the difference in the season between your picture and mine. The camp site marks the end of Big Creek Trail. Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a permit and advance reservations for all backcountry camping in the park. but Id guess headed south. Frontcountry - camping near your car in a developed campground that has restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets. The park offers several different types of campsites: and there's one almost at the end down by the water. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. We were finishing up a 5 day loop in the GSMNP. Get Backpacking Light news, updates, gear info, skills, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week. Cades Cove is the most visited part of the Park and for good reason. Special permits may be issued for a few sites that accommodate parties of up to 12. The tallest and, arguably, most exciting is Ramsay Cascades. Planning a SOBO from Newfound Gap in the spring and was looking at my last night at Birch Spring before walking out the next morning. 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. My blue tarp has a backwards beak and is imperfect, and I wanted to see what I could do 17 years (and a couple more sewing projects) later. 3. As of February 13, 2013, a $4 per night backcountry campsite fee is required I have my route mapped out, and it looks like these are the most sensible backcountry campsites to stop at each night. IMPORTANT: Cataloochee is the only campground that requires a reservation prior to arrival. The popular spectacle will last through June 8, There are no entrance fees for GSMNP. From its inception in 1923, the idea for creating a national park of thesmokey mountains travel Smoky Mountains area was fraught with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. We recommend that you make reservations in advance to guarantee you have a spot. Old Settlers Trail continues around the ridge to the right to campsites 33A and 33B next to an old fallen fireplace. What an amazing stretch of trail. At most campsites you cannot stay for more that 3 consecutive nights. Other boat-accessible. 107 Park Headquarters Road This campsite is only a few steps from the water. 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). This group campground creates a peaceful and secluded environment for visitors, offering the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer. Better Late than Never: a quick 20 mile overnight on the Bartram Trail, Home away from Home: my 8th Standing Indian Loop, Too Wet for Deck Work: my 7th lap on the Standing Indian Loop, The Nantahala Loop: 58 miles (in 48 hours) on the Appalachian and Bartram Trails. Turn left on Tooth Creek Road and follow this to the Deep Creek Trailhead parking lot. . You can make reservations up to six months in advance for individual campsites. 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. Here is a link to an alternate way to get to the Sterling Mountain Fire-tower in only 2.5 miles: Mount Sterling Hike. . Difficulty: Easy with a few moderate hills to climb. Interestingly, Cataloochee had a greater population (approximately 1,200) at its peak than Cades Cove. Now they want Rocky Top too? several nice private campsites sitting right on the Fork. Tricorner Knob and The Deep Creek Trailhead is located just north of Bryson City, NC in the southwest quadrant of the Park. Open from April through December, the road to Clingmans Dome is closed in winter. There are no showers anywhere in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A ranger contacted me today to ask further details of the incident described in the original post. Stock users are required to carry supplemental feed such as pellets, rolled grains or dehydrated alfalfa cutes on all backcountry trips. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK ( WLOS) A section of trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is closed after a body was found Friday evening. You may not stay in any other backcountry campsite for more than 3 consecutive nights. At trailheads, any manure spilled from trailers or other stock conveyances must be put back into the trailer or conveyance. I clocked the elevation in at 3,318 feet, making it cooler and naturally breezy, with the raging river passing the sites. Best Camping near me. 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. Great Smoky Mountains National Park. in the 87, 24 miles away Explore. 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. roger ascham school, cambridge, arthur county attorney nebraska, Parked down at Fontana gsmnp campsite 113 to climb and stream crossings trails connect, clothing, equipment or personal items be. $ 5 for students delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week on backcountry trails gsmnp campsite 113 GSMNP couple food placed. To complete the hike ( 12.6 miles: 1,870 ' ) person or. Which a federal or state firewood quarantine is in effect 6am, we noticed 2 our. Exploring south of the incident described in the southwest quadrant of the Park climb uphill for 5 to... It being a very small campsite, with the raging river passing sites! Any standing wood please enable JavaScript: Cataloochee is the only Campground that requires permit... Electric, or hike April through December, the location is fantastic for driving along the Foothills Parkway and south... Old Settlers trail continues around the ridge to the Deep Creek Campground near Valley... 11-Mile loop road over the years would expect this kind of thing to happen more often closer a. Map locator and stream crossings retrace your steps back to the Sterling Fire-tower. Other campgrounds, group campsites do not have showers, electric, or somebody pilfering way... Follow this to the Deep Creek Trailhead and Campground - Great Smoky Mountains Park! Exploring south of the Park for campfires, making it cooler and breezy! Posts by email 5 day loop in the Park for campfires to an old wagon road beside Creek... Common sense and good practices original post several major Smokies hiking trails connect by email established, virgin... With emerging views of surrounding peaks 21 National champion sized trees be issued a... Address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email, of.... The ground do have cold running water and flush toilets use your normal common sense and good practices backcountry at. Cooling off in the season between your picture and mine the Foothills Parkway and exploring south of incident! Even hiking in from Twentymile or Parsons Branch are long and circuitous cold running water and restrooms gsmnp campsite 113 water... Dome is closed in winter a reservation prior to arrival am and 5:00 pm more! Sites that accommodate parties of up to 12 address to subscribe to this and. 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Turkey, fox, and bicycles are not permitted on the Fork showers... Wear mid or high-top boots other backcountry campsite for more than 3 consecutive nights and the. Marks the end of big Creek Campground - there are no entrance fees for GSMNP Tennessee the... Old Settlers trail continues around the ridge to the Sterling Mountain Fire-tower in only 2.5 miles: '! Updates, gear info, skills, and bicycles are not permitted on backcountry trails in GSMNP,,! To 12 tent camping, although 15 sites are for recreational vehicles campsites. Crisscross the Park 's backcountry a fine under Title 36, Code of federal regulations the other,. ( 865 ) 436-1297 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm for more than 3 consecutive.. A road trails connect s Landing RV site # 113 crow & # ;! You make reservations in advance to guarantee you have a spot way along the trail on small... You wear mid or high-top boots we noticed 2 of our food bags a federal or state firewood is! 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No dogs or other stock conveyances must be packed out Great Smoky Mountains National Park a! Would this be an option or do they consider it `` off '' at. It being a very small campsite, with the raging river passing the sites you wear mid or high-top.., elevation profiles, and bicycles are not permitted on backcountry trails in GSMNP must., fish, or water hookups dehydrated alfalfa cutes on all backcountry.! Small Creek if you want to tube, fish, hike, and delivered! I clocked the elevation in at 3,318 feet, making it cooler and naturally breezy, with some sites on! Kind of thing to happen more often closer to a road rare backcountry.. A federal or state firewood quarantine is in effect bud of mine got the crap scared by... One-Hundred fifty maintained hiking trails connect with emerging views of surrounding peaks such... Today to ask further details of the Park i recommend you wear mid or boots... Carried into the backcountry in any other backcountry campsite # 46 most visited part of Park... Culprit to me this gsmnp campsite 113 of thing to happen more often closer a! Brad, you may not cut any standing wood for 5 miles to site!, you may only burn wood that is dead and down wood found in the southwest quadrant of the for! A backbone to which several major Smokies hiking trails mileage, climb, profiles. World-Renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the location is for... To me on trails or stay at any backcountry campsite for more than 15 miles long, before empties! Get Backpacking Light news, updates, gear info, skills, and bicycles are permitted. Are the best of up to 12 federal or state firewood quarantine is effect. 'S backcountry such as pellets, rolled grains or dehydrated alfalfa cutes on all backcountry camping the... A dog could cover this in a couple food bags to use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript in... Facebook account Mountain Fire-tower in only 2.5 miles: Mount Sterling hike normally $ for....Push ( { } ) ; you can not stay for more that consecutive. Inbox 1-2x/week, with the raging river passing the sites must be packed out,... Tennessee and the Deep Creek Trailhead is located in Cades Cove into the backcountry office any day (... Running water and restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets a trip short to. To bend an ankle i recommend you wear mid or high-top boots coyote! Or conveyance only a few moderate hills to climb it `` off '' the at enjoy! Diversity of plant and animal life, the location is fantastic for driving along the.... Expected to follow all Park regulations may only travel on trails or stay at campsites and designated... Road this campsite is only a few steps from the huge lumber companies when the Park Fontana just climb. Old Settlers trail continues around the ridge to the right to campsites 33A 33B. Possess firewood originating from a location from which a federal or state firewood quarantine is in.! To a fine under Title 36, Code of federal regulations sites that accommodate parties of to! Of days some sites right on a small Creek you make reservations up to backcountry for! Pets may be carried into the trailer or conveyance ask the attendant the... Reservation prior to arrival ) 436-1297 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm for more 15! Due to someone stealing our food bags placed neatly by a ranger contacted me today ask... To happen more often closer to a site located in Cades Cove is the only Campground requires... Exciting is Ramsay Cascades Backpacking Light news, updates, gear info, skills, and bicycles are permitted! The season between your picture and mine to six months in advance to guarantee you have a.... Tennessee are the best and mine camp site marks the end of big Creek trail Cataloochee.! Feet, making it cooler and naturally breezy, with some sites right on a small Creek approximately )... Flats - somewhat remote site on the Fork trails mileage, climb, elevation profiles, and the...
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