Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2018 8:03:48 GMT -8
Hi, all. Spending some time in the Smokies the first week of April. Specifically, near Gatlinburg, but some driving to trail heads is fine. If folks could help me plan the hiking based on my "dealbreakers" as opposed to "wants", I would appreciate it. We will be doing three day-hikes and the only thing I really have to avoid are exposed ledges or really gnarly descents. I cannot deal with exposure and crazy steep descents where I need to use my hands. Nothing I find on trail descriptions or trip reports ever mentions these elements.
Can anyone offer some "avoid these trails" advice? Figured that's easier than recommending hikes.
Thanks!
Tom
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null
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Post by null on Jan 26, 2018 9:34:34 GMT -8
Most of the trails in the Smokies are open to equestrians, meaning that they are all graded around 10%, with an occasional max of about 15%. 15% is nowhere near "crazy steep".
Even the ones that are not open to horses are still pretty moderate when compared to other areas of the country. The only steep exposed area I can think of is on the Boulevard Trail approaching Mt. LeConte, although you won't need your hands.
You WILL need to use your hands on many of the log bridges however. I'm guessing that's not a deal breaker though.
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Post by kevinumberger on Jan 26, 2018 11:39:27 GMT -8
yeah...
theres no trail in the Park like that....
there are steep trails but nothing "hand over feet"......
nor are there really any ledges..........one spot maybe on the AT would qualify but it aint bad....
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leafwalker
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peace on earth and good will toward all - om shanti
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Post by leafwalker on Feb 22, 2018 16:59:01 GMT -8
Hike there a lot. No problems of the type you mentioned.
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GaliWalker
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Have camera, will use.
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Post by GaliWalker on Feb 24, 2018 5:39:03 GMT -8
I would avoid the final bit up to Chimney Top (steep with exposure):  Other than that, I can't think of any trails (of the ones I've done) that are ultra steep or have exposure. The trail up to the viewpoint on Cliff Tops near the Mt LeConte hiker lodge is a bit steep (nothing major), but it's a pretty short section and there's no exposure.  |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2018 6:23:36 GMT -8
Chimney tops trail is closed for now. Not sure when it will reopen.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 26, 2018 9:11:55 GMT -8
Thanks everyone for your great advice. My fiancée and hiking partner says we can just turn around if I get uncomfortable (while she carries my man card in a pink change purse). But hey, I kill the spiders when she freaks out. It sounds like we can go just about anywhere in the Smokies so I'm looking forward to it. First week of April, hoping for great weather. Day hikes only, so a little less complicated.
Thanks again.
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Post by ashepabst on Feb 27, 2018 8:42:35 GMT -8
no one mentioned Alum Cave --gotta walk across a pretty thin ledge at one point. but the section's only like 8-10 feet long, and there's a cable to hang onto.
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Post by hikingtiger on Mar 1, 2018 7:22:20 GMT -8
And there are the Cat Stairs going up Greenbrier Pinnacle, but you have to intend to go there since it's not on official trail.
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Post by hikingtiger on Mar 1, 2018 7:24:00 GMT -8
And there are the Cat Stairs going up Greenbrier Pinnacle, but you have to intend to go there since it's not on official trail. I would avoid the final bit up to Chimney Top (steep with exposure): I've never gone up that way. We always swung around to the right and made our way up. Still had to scramble a bit...and that portion may have let go since I was last up there. |
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