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Post by markweth on Aug 16, 2016 11:53:08 GMT -8
The 24 mile loop is most likely using the Gunter Fork Trail to take you to Laurel Gap. Gunter Fork is a beautiful trail. I did the 37 to Laurel Gap to 38 a few years ago and had a blast. We hiked it in mid-May and the wildflowers were spectacular. Not sure about how it would be for fall colors though.
Laurel Gap is a really neat place to spend the night, especially if you two have it to yourselves. Campsite 38 is cool because of the Mt. Sterling fire tower. Spectacular view from up there! However, overall there aren't that many great vistas from the trail on that loop . . . the fire tower is pretty much the main attraction as far as views go, at least from what I remember.
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Post by kevinumberger on Aug 16, 2016 11:59:24 GMT -8
im not looking at map, but i would think maybe the extra mileage would be going up gunter fork to laurel gap, instead of taking swallow fork up to baxter and doubling back to 38.......
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Post by kevinumberger on Aug 16, 2016 12:12:50 GMT -8
"However, overall there aren't that many great vistas from the trail on that loop"
yeah...........thats what i was thinking as well....
thats kinda why i suggested the hazel creek route----i think the views while up on the AT ridge, would be better than the limited views going the big creek route......
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Post by thrillseeker on Aug 19, 2016 22:14:51 GMT -8
Ok, thanks all. It looks like these are both good options. I think my preference at this point is Hazel Creek, but if my hiking partner strongly prefers otherwise, Big Creek is a good option B.
May follow up with a few other Qs as we map things out a bit more, but this is a great start. Thanks again for your time and insight!
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Post by packdad on Aug 21, 2016 18:53:21 GMT -8
Message me if you need a shuttle on the tn side. Mcgee Tyson airport (knoxville) is only about 20 miles from the nearest trail head into the Smokies (goldmine trail). So many loop options. On of my favorites is 20 mile ranger station to Gregory Bald and back. Enjoy you hike.
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Post by markweth on Aug 22, 2016 10:18:16 GMT -8
As mentioned above, Twentymile to Gregory Bald is a nice option. A friend and I did a loop in October 2014 leaving from Twentymile, camping at Upper Flats (#92) the first night, then an easy hike up to Gregory Bald where we camped the second night and took time to soak up the views, then a leisurely descent to Dalton Branch (#95) for our last night. Short, easy days with plenty of time for fall color gazing. Pretty short for a three-night trip (only around 16 miles) but plenty of time for throwing Frisbee at Gregory Bald, sleeping in after late nights by the campfire, and generally just enjoying the landscape. An easy first day makes it tempting to pack in some extravagant food and beers to chill in the creek (we did!). Here are a few pictures, and a link to my trip report: alternativepinnacles.com/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-october-2014/We timed it a bit late, as there seemed to be more leaves on the ground than on the trees but there were still some really great displays of fall color at the lower elevations. Enjoy whichever trip you choose!
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