|
Post by jhaveman on Sept 16, 2015 3:56:40 GMT -8
We did a trip over spring break this year in GSMNP and had a great trip. We are thinking of going back there, but I am looking for suggestions to see if there is somewhere else we should look? I live in Michigan so heading south is a requirement in early April. Where south is open to suggestions. What areas should I look at, are there better options that a national park? Any and all help is appreciated!
|
|
|
Post by ashepabst on Sept 16, 2015 7:40:49 GMT -8
the Smokies certainly don't have a monopoly on good hiking in the southern mountains, but they sure are a hiker's paradise. the downside of course is all the red tape -- designated campsites, required itineraries -- and the crowds, though that's really only a problem near the roads, popular campsites and destination spots.
other wilderness areas with good loop options: Joyce Kilmer/Slickrock, Citico, Bald River, Snowbird (all adjacent), Linville Gorge, Grayson Highlands, Big South Fork, Big Frog/Cohutta.
did you guys already have a Smokies route in mind?
|
|
|
Post by jhaveman on Sept 16, 2015 8:00:34 GMT -8
No route in mind. My wife actually prefers the designated campsites/permits but it doesn't matter to me. Really just looking for an enjoyable trip with some nice scenery.
|
|
|
Post by packdad on Sept 16, 2015 17:09:08 GMT -8
There are so many options in the gsmnp. How many days/miles? Loop or through hike? Post some ideas and you will get feedback.I can help with shuttles in the gsmnp area.
|
|
|
Post by ashepabst on Sept 17, 2015 6:52:44 GMT -8
keep in mind that you're talking about thru hiker season, so the AT Shelters could be crowded and tougher to reserve.
what did you guys do last year?
|
|
|
Post by kevinumberger on Sept 17, 2015 12:15:26 GMT -8
"the downside of course is all the red tape -- designated campsites, required itineraries -- and the crowds"
I wouldn't let the red tape affect your decision too much..............other than, if a campsite is full for when you wanna book........
getting reservations and all the other red tape, is not much really to deal with.................
|
|
|
Post by jhaveman on Sept 18, 2015 4:15:03 GMT -8
Last year we did a loop that left from Smokemont (Chasteen Creek trail/Bradley Fork trail). It was a 3 day/2 night loop. I think we would like to do another 3 day/2 night hike. It doesn't have to be GSMNP. Last year we were the only group in either of the two sites (48, 49) that we stayed at.
I prefer loops since we can hike at our own pace, etc. A shuttle is an option, but I have never used one so I don't know how they work out.
|
|
|
Post by ashepabst on Sept 18, 2015 6:01:42 GMT -8
think about the loop out of Big Creek up Swallow Fork and down Baxter Creek --that's a great leisurely two nighter... lots of good river scenery with a nice dose of high elevation including a night at the firetower. the CS down on Big Creek is right on the river... great for lounging around camp, fishing?, whathaveyou.
if you do consider a shuttle, A Walk in the Woods is a good company --very nice folks, very professional. they waited for us when we were 20 minutes late, so maybe I'm biased because I was appreciative that it didn't ruin our Leconte traverse.
|
|
|
Post by hikingtiger on Sept 18, 2015 8:32:13 GMT -8
I'll throw in a recommendation for the Sipsey Wilderness. Though April rainfall can change your plans for you (water levels can rise quickly.)
One thought regarding shuttles: park your car at the end point and have the shuttle pick you up there, then drop you at the start point. That way if you're early/on time/late arriving at the end, your car is there and you haven't inconvenienced the shuttle driver.
|
|
|
Post by markweth on Sept 18, 2015 8:58:53 GMT -8
think about the loop out of Big Creek up Swallow Fork and down Baxter Creek --that's a great leisurely two nighter... lots of good river scenery with a nice dose of high elevation including a night at the firetower. the CS down on Big Creek is right on the river... great for lounging around camp, fishing?, whathaveyou. I'd recommend this loop, but would also suggest considering doing it as a three-night trip and taking a hike up Gunter Fork instead of Swallow Fork Trail. Gunter Fork is hikers only (no horse use) and has absolutely sublime scenery. It also passes a nice waterfall. It can be a challenge at high water though, so keep that in mind. You can then camp at Laurel Gap shelter, which is a stone structure and delightful to camp in. Then you have an easy ridge walk to Mt. Sterling campsite/firetower and then down Baxter Creek on your way out. I wrote up a detailed trip report on this route, with plenty of pictures, after a friend and I did the trip in May 2014: bikehikewrite.com/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-may-2014/
|
|
|
Post by WoodChuck on Sept 22, 2015 16:15:34 GMT -8
well there is a loop that i have been wanting to try. I was going to do it this past month but a family emergency happened. Its a loop in cosby. You take gabes mountain trail to campsite 34. then from there continue, take maddron bald trail to 29 then hike out on snake den ridge trail. somewhere in the area of 16 miles and not too difficult (from what i hear) in that direction described.
|
|
|
Post by jhaveman on Jan 21, 2016 9:53:19 GMT -8
Planning is in full swing. I am thinking of a couple different loops at this time. The Mt. Sterling loop and the Maddron Bald loop. I am also considering areas outside the park, so any other recommendations are appreciated. One thing I am concerned about is weather at the higher elevations for the camping. I will be with my 16 and 18 year old kids, so I want them to enjoy it too. Is the hike up to Mt. Sterling from Big Creek as hard as it looks (4000+ elevation gain)?
|
|
|
Post by Coolkat on Jan 21, 2016 12:46:10 GMT -8
I live in Michigan so heading south is a requirement in early April. Looks like you have your heart set on a hike in the south but a michigan hike in April is not always out of the picture. Actually kind of nice since the black flies aren't out yet. A few years ago RedDoug and I did a trip on the Fox River Pathway in the up 2nd week in April and had wonderful weather. However, if you need to plan ahead what you're doing is probably wise since April in Michigan can go either way.
|
|
|
Post by markweth on Jan 25, 2016 17:04:11 GMT -8
Is the hike up to Mt. Sterling from Big Creek as hard as it looks (4000+ elevation gain)? I've hiked down that trail and would occasionally turn around, glance up, and shake my head. That trail is STEEP. Unless you're in super-human physical condition, hiking that trail with a pack will be challenging at best and miserable at worst.
|
|
|
Post by ashepabst on Jan 25, 2016 17:56:05 GMT -8
i've only done it on the downhill, but yeah, 4000ft in 6 miles is pretty rough. it's a beautiful trail, though
|
|