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Post by flyingdutchman on Nov 17, 2017 12:48:36 GMT -8
Looking to do a 3 day, 2 night hiking trip in the Smokie mountains. Hoping to include cling mans dome and Charlies Bunion on this loop. Anybody know of any routes? Never been to the Smokie's so not sure how elevation changes are different from VA triple crown area.
Any advice or routes would be help full!
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Post by Jerry E on Nov 17, 2017 16:42:48 GMT -8
I will be interested to see what suggestions people have for this. I do not know of a good loop that would include both, although I'm sure you could put one together.
Here is a (almost) loop I can recommend: Alum Cave Trail -> Mt LeConte -> Boulevard Trail -> Mt Kephart -> AT -> Newfound Gap. You can stay at LeConte Shelter and Icewater Spring. Short side hike to Charlie's Bunion from Icewater Spring. There would be a short shuttle back to Alum Cave trailhead, and I have managed to thumb a ride there before. Some of the best views in the Smokies!
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null
Trail Wise!
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Post by null on Nov 19, 2017 7:38:41 GMT -8
There are no real loops that include Clingman's and Charlie's Bunion. However you can approximate one by starting (parking) at Smokemont.
Hike up to Kephart Shelter the first day. The next day, go up the Sweat Heifer trail, turn right on the AT to visit Charlie's Bunion. Turn back around, hike across the road at Newfound Gap and stay at Mt. Collins Shelter. The 3rd day, top out at Clingman's dome.
When finished, there are lots of cars in the parking lot that are all headed back to Newfound Gap, many of which will be headed right by Smokemont. Hitch a ride from one of them.
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Post by flyingdutchman on Nov 19, 2017 16:11:03 GMT -8
Not a bad idea. Planing on doing this 2 weekends from now. Not sure how many people will be in the park.
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Post by flyingdutchman on Nov 20, 2017 6:27:24 GMT -8
Was wondering too, I have a bear canister I just hate taking it with me because of the added weight and how bulky it is in my pack. Are they require in this park? If not can I hang my bag, actually have never done this before.
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null
Trail Wise!
Posts: 578
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Post by null on Nov 20, 2017 6:42:55 GMT -8
Actually, they have elaborate bear hang contraptions at every campsite / shelter
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Post by flyingdutchman on Nov 20, 2017 8:39:58 GMT -8
Awesome so bring my own rope and a smell proof bag inside a dry bag?
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Post by ashepabst on Nov 20, 2017 9:01:15 GMT -8
the observation tower at Clingman's is going to be closed for a while... better check on that before you commit to a route. there are nice views to be had around the mountain, but none from the summit without access to the tower.
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Post by kevinumberger on Nov 20, 2017 9:27:59 GMT -8
the dome has reopened temporarily while the work has been shut down for the season (read that somewhere else)..
the road is scheduled to close on december 1st..........however, one can still hike the trails and the road....
and no need to bring canister....
use bear cables and use a carabiner to clip into the loop wire...........there's a hook on the cables thats an open faced hook, that bears have learned to shake cables and get bags down...
and yeah....it would be tough to make a loop of the places you wanna hit...
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Post by hikingtiger on Nov 20, 2017 12:49:17 GMT -8
and yeah....it would be tough to make a loop of the places you wanna hit... in three days, two nights. yep. could be done, but there would be two long days. Thinking Chimney Tops/Road Prong to the AT, turning left to Icewater Springs. Leaving the gear there for the out/back to Charlies Bunion. Day two, west on the AT to Clingman's, then back to Mt. Collins for the second night. Day three could be AT to Road Prong to the car, OR save a couple of miles (but probably zero time) and take Sugarland Mtn North to the "arrow" (presuming it's still there), turning right via the cutoff to the Chimney Tops trail to the car.
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Post by flyingdutchman on Nov 20, 2017 14:14:41 GMT -8
Was thinking maybe I could hit one of these sights on quick hike up a trail and then go back to my truck drive somewhere else to do a loop?
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Post by flyingdutchman on Nov 20, 2017 14:55:27 GMT -8
Actually, they have elaborate bear hang contraptions at every campsite / shelter Is there anything I need to bring my self for these cables? Should I hang my entire pack? Or leave my pack inside my tent?
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null
Trail Wise!
Posts: 578
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Post by null on Nov 20, 2017 15:00:09 GMT -8
Is there anything I need to bring my self for these cables? Should I hang my entire pack? As kevinumberger said, bring a carabiner or 2. No rope necessary. While you could hang your pack, if there are others sharing your campsite it's not that considerate depending upon what they need to hang.
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Post by hikingtiger on Nov 21, 2017 7:40:16 GMT -8
Was thinking maybe I could hit one of these sights on quick hike up a trail and then go back to my truck drive somewhere else to do a loop? Clingman's is only a half mile from the parking lot. I'd do that one (my preference is to take the bypass trail instead of the paved trail), then work something out to include Charlies Bunion. You could go up Kephart Prong to the shelter on day one, continue on to Dry Sluice Gap, left to the AT, left to Charlies Bunion, then night two at Icewater Springs. Day three, continue on the AT to Sweat Heifer Creek trail, down to Kephart Prong and on down to your truck. Or a variation of that starting from Newfound Gap.
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Post by flyingdutchman on Nov 21, 2017 8:47:44 GMT -8
Awesome guys appreciate all the help. I will look at the map tonight and review these suggestions. I always have a carabiner with me so that works out perfectly.
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