|
Post by WoodChuck on Aug 6, 2015 7:15:18 GMT -8
Howdy yall,
I am in the process of looking into doing a three day backpacking trip with my wife in the Smokies. I just wanted to reach out to you folks and see if yall may have some suggestions on some nice loops and/or good campsites. I had recently hiked the Meigs Mountain Trail and stayed at campsite 19. The site was a little too overgrown and rustic for our tastes. Also the two of us can hike up to around 5-8 miles in a day (we like to stop early, set up camp, and explore the area.). Any of yall have any suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated!
Justin
|
|
|
Post by packdad on Aug 6, 2015 17:17:32 GMT -8
You might look at the the loop starting at Twentymile ranger station. Use 92, 13, and 95. I used this hike for my daughters first bp trips. Its a moderate hike. Take the short side trip to Rich Spring. Enjoy the view from Gregory Bald. I live next to the park on the west side and could help with a shuttle if you want to do a one way hike.
|
|
|
Post by WoodChuck on Aug 6, 2015 18:06:57 GMT -8
Yeah i have looked into that loop for our three day trip. It looks very promising.
|
|
|
Post by indianabob on Aug 6, 2015 18:09:53 GMT -8
Day one: Lakeview Drive Trailhead (end of the Road to Nowhere), through the Tunnel and up to Campsite 75. Day Two: Ascend to Welsh Ridge, then climb to the AT and Siler's Bald Shelter Day Three: descend via Jonus Creek Trail to Campsite 70 (including 5 interesting creek crossings)
Then it is a short easy walk to the Lakeview Drive TH the next morning.
I did this trip with a couple of friends over Thanksgiving weekend a few years ago and it was Epic. Great scenery, a few bears and we only saw 5 other people the entire trip.
|
|
VAN
Trail Wise!
Posts: 133
|
Post by VAN on Aug 8, 2015 17:37:18 GMT -8
I just recommended in a thread below about the Cosby area. And I loved the Road to Nowhere just a day hike! I'm sure it would be a great backpacking trip.
|
|
|
Post by WoodChuck on Aug 9, 2015 9:45:17 GMT -8
Yeah packdad, i was just looking in to reserving campsite #13 near gregory bald and the site said that that site is closed until further notice because of bear activity. So i guess that route is a no go.....
|
|
|
Post by WoodChuck on Aug 9, 2015 10:39:49 GMT -8
van, yeah i just went ahead and reserved those two sites. it seems like it may be a little busy in that area for the labor day weekend. i just hope it is not TOO busy. so how is the hiking difficulty in that area?
|
|
|
Post by ashepabst on Aug 10, 2015 8:38:50 GMT -8
Gabes Mtn is pretty forgiving trail as far as elevation gain goes, but you'll have a pretty stiff climb up to Maddron Bald (assuming you're going counter clockwise).
|
|
VAN
Trail Wise!
Posts: 133
|
Post by VAN on Aug 10, 2015 11:23:10 GMT -8
It was a long time ago but from what I remember, the ups to #34 were not as bad as the ups to #29. But I'm a flatlander Floridian, so take that with a grain of salt. Also, we went down Snake Den Ridge, which was a killer on the knees.
|
|