A ranger contacted me today to ask further details of the incident described in the original post. However, the rocks on the trail make it easy to bend an ankle I recommend you wear mid or high-top boots. I have been looking on the NPS website for the smokies backcountry sites and there does not seem to be any mention if water sources are available at each one. Cades Cove is the most visited part of the Park and for good reason. 13. There is a $20 cost for the Thru-Hiker Backcountry Permit. : Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Sept 2020. They do have cold running water and restrooms with flush toilets. Obviously they do not also have the supporting family structure. 13, I think, is one of my favorites and not just because it's a short stroll from the bald. Bikes are permitted on the Deep Creek Trail up to the Loop Trail split. Campgrounds | gsmnp Campgrounds The National Park Service maintains 10 developed campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 3. $9 for interactive PDF (smartphone version) Read more here WhiteBlaze Pages Store If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. But even hiking in from Twentymile or Parsons Branch are long and circuitous. Stock users, however, should be mindful of fragile riparian habitat as stock can quickly destroy these areas. or Maptech's Takeaway #3 Great views from High Rocks and Rocky Top. Mon, 05 Oct 2020 04:50:44 -0600. US 64? 4. Look Rock Campground will be added to our website. Campgrounds have restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets. A visitors center with pioneer exhibits, a 5-mile hike to Abrams Falls, abundant wildlife, campgrounds, bike rentals, spectacular foliage in autumn, and facilities for horseback riding all make Cades Cove a complete visitors sampler of all the Park has to offer. Print Trail Do all of the backcountry campsites have a water source within a relatively "short" proximity (within 1/4 to 1/2 mile from campsite). In all my time in the park, Ive never stayed at #113 though. All odorous items (e.g., food, trash, lip balm, toothpaste, stock feed, hay etc) must be hung on the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. Cross the Pigeon River pass an old paper mill converted into a Duke energy power plant curve right and then turn left. and there's one almost at the end down by the water. There is tent camping and RV camping available. Forty-seven sites are RV Only. In 2012, campsite 11 was closed (storm damage). My guidebook states the shelter has been removed but there are pads installed. Beyond campsite 33B the trail begins to descend to Redwine creek. $5 for interactive PDF (smartphone version) Read more here WhiteBlaze Pages Store If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. EasyGPS) Cades Cove Campground is located near the entrance/exit of Cades Cove. So embarrassed by those wrinkles/ripples in this tarp patch but so fortunate to be using my newest, teal/purple homemade quilt on its first backpacking trip. Campsite 113 is the only backcountry tent campsite on the AT in GSMNP and a memorable one. either Accessible only by trail and available only by reservation, Mt. The Deep Creek, Martins Gap and Indian Creek trails form a 12.6 mile loop through oak and hardwood forests deep in the Smoky Mountains backcountry. Thanks for sharing. An update. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is the most visited in National Park system. 9. I'd avoid 113 during May due to AT thru hikers. Frontcountry - camping near your car in a developed campground that has restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets. 12. Gatlinburg Horseback riding at an hourly rate is available from March until late November at 4 stables located within the National Park. Campers may also collect dead and down wood found in the park for campfires. Baby steps. Running Wild: a solo/bear-filming/creek-fording/Smokies Adventure!! See backcountry camping Canoe campsites on Fontana are 87 , 72 , 73 , 78 , 66 , and those near the lake are 90 , 81 , 98 , 74 , and not so near 76 . Special permits may be issued for a few sites that accommodate parties of up to 12. Im sorry that you experianced theft I certainly hate a theif, but am surprised you had problems in that area (that wasnt a bear CS#113 is famous for them). route between 90 and 86 (see current trail map or The Indian Creek Trail glides downhill on an old wagon road beside Indian Creek. The Little River Lumber Company also built two other such towns at Townsend and Elkmont. Discover and book tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glampingeverywhere from national parks to . Read a brief history of how the Great Smoky Mountains National Park came about and who the dedicated and visionary individuals were that stuck with the effort for 17 years until the Parks dedication in 1940. The Deep Creek Trail veers left to connections for Juney Whank Falls (.85 miles : 1,960') and the Deep Creek Loop Trail (1.75 miles : 2,002'). I have my route mapped out, and it looks like these are the most sensible backcountry campsites to stop at each night. Steepest half-mile sections: Eagle Cr mile 7.3 to 7.8 24%, AT mile 20.4 to 20.9 22%, Lost Cove mile 1.8 to 2.2 22%, Chimneys mile 1.2 to 1.7 22%. Two parties affiliated with the same group may not stay in the same campsite or at the same shelter on the same night(s). Hope you get your stuff back. The quick list of things to know about camping in the Smoky Mountains 1. This report reviews the need for visitor impact monitoring programs, describes monitoring procedures developed and applied at GSMNP, presents results from the first monitoring cycle, evaluates current park camping management policies, and provides recommendation Many parallel trout streams and lead to waterfalls. in mid to late June campsite 13 is very, very popular (and very, very worth it) due to the azaleas on Gregory Bald. 3. I wasn't able to find much information. Building a fire in the fireplace of any historic structure or removing any parts of a historic structure, including brick or rock, is illegal. A beautiful campground, just minutes from Gatlinburg or Townsend. Travel now undulates over Deep Creek with limited access and only partial views. let me know if you have any more questions. 4. Oi, Lost Cove is dang steep. Maximum party size is 8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a permit and advance reservations for all backcountry camping in the park. Bradley Fork is wide, but shallow (at least in summer). our Google map.) 17. Two sites with electric. The nine campgrounds inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park are a fantastic place to get back to nature. Stealing from the bear lines at a very remote campsite quietly in the middle of the night at one of the few backcountry campsites where the lines arent right next to the tenting areas. Individual campsites have fire grates and picnic tables. Both sites have posts marking their location and the park service has erected wires and pulley to hang food and gear high above the reach of animals. He thought it was the signal. BTW I guess I should clarify that an AT troll is one thing; sort of a version of a con artist/parasite/scavenger and a type I dont have a lot of sympathy for; but someone who is actually hanging out in that area would seem to me to be pretty desperate on some level. Great location with historic buildings, fishing, hiking, and a river to dip your feet in. Just use your normal common sense and good practices. Bear sightings are common, but you're just as likely to find salamanders, frogs, and snakes along the way. It is illegal to possess firewood originating from a location from which a federal or state firewood quarantine is in effect. Read information about this quarantine and the states affected. See Instead of relying to a degree on the kindness of strangers they are lifting what they need as they go? Visitors will enjoy miles of rushing streams and abundant wildlife throughout. 81, Posted on November 10, 2021 (November 10, 2021) by profdodd. Our last night of the trip was Monday 10/26 and we were staying at Backcountry Campsite 113 (Birch Springs Gap) on the AT. Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a permit and advance reservations for all backcountry camping in the park. As of 2013, ALL backcountry campsites must be reserved and a fee is required. 1. If we cant convince you to get out of your vehicle and enjoy the very best the Park has to offer (150 maintained hiking trails totaling 800 miles, mountain vistas, old growth forests, nature trails, trout streams) then try some of these fantastic auto tours! There were 2 other people staying in the campsite, and their packs were undisturbed. Im guessing a scavenger working the AT; A reverse Granny Gatewood. 2,835 reviews. At 1.5 miles we walked past Midnight hole, a favorite spot for campers and locals on a hot day. The highest backcountry campsite is Mt Sterling We always use a carabiner to clip our food to the cables instead of using the hooks because some bears have learned to shake the cables until the treats drop. Please direct questions concerning backpacking trip planning to the Backcountry Information Office at (865) 436-1297. Mt. They do have cold running water and restrooms with flush toilets. and not so near when are you planning for? Truly blessed to see such a clear magnificent display of stars and sunrise on Tuesday morning at Shuckstack. The following description begins at the Deep Creek Trailhead near Bryson City and travels clockwise: The Deep Creek trail begins on wide, packed gravel to Tom Branch Falls, which spill from a small tributary on the far side of Deep Creek (.25 miles : 1,888'). At most campsites you cannot stay for more that 3 consecutive nights. Either state license is valid throughout the park and no trout stamp is required. Great Smoky Mountains Backcountry Permits Great Smoky Mountains Backcountry Permits CURRENT/UPCOMING BACKOUNTRY CLOSURE ADVISORIES FOR FULL LIST OF CLOSURES/ADVISORIES visit: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm Contact the Park Mailing Address: 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Phone: (865) 436-1200 Contact Us Will Blozan, a North Carolina arborist has discovered 30 champion-sized trees throughout the southern Appalachians. A Membership is required to post in the forums. Some streams are closed to fishing to protect and study the threatened brook trout. This feature requires an active Backpacking Light Membership. Grazing is prohibited. it's been over a decade since I stayed at 10. Campsite 113 on the Appalachian Trail, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, November 2017. GSMNP Backcountry Campsite #51 - YouTube Short video of Backcountry Campsite #51 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This campground is mostly tent camping, although 15 sites are for recreational vehicles. Asters, wildflower, great smoky mountains, tn, north carolinaThe 49th annual Wildflower Pilgrimage will be held 22-24 April this year. Best Camping near me. Manure must be scattered at least 100 feet away from any campsite or shelter prior to leaving the area. At 2 miles or so we saw a pull off to the left, after walking up and looking across the creek we saw a beautiful double waterfall called mouse creek falls. GSMNP doesnt tell the public of their presence. It leaves site #60 for another steep climb deeper into the forest before easing back to the creek at 4.1 miles (2,285'). This fertile mountaingreat smoky mountains, fall color, tn, nc valley is surrounded on all sides by mountains. No hunting is allowed anywhere in the park LeConte affords the hardy hiker are well worth the effort. I reported this to the GSMNP backcountry office this morning. Best Camping near me. If you pass the campsite, Big Creek Trail runs into Low Gap Trail which will take you to the Appalachian Trail. Mild travel continues to Indian Creek Falls, a short but voluminous cascade with a large pool ideal for wading (11.8 miles : 1,950'). And so is the trail up from Fontana. Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Visitor Information - Recorded Message 865.436.1200 Backcountry Office - Camping and Reservations The Backcountry Reservation Office is open from 8 am - 6 pm daily (EST) 865.436.1231 Backcountry Information Office - Trip Planning Questions The information office is open daily 9 am - 12n (EST) 865.436.1297 Oconaluftee Visitor Center (North Carolina side - south entrance) 828.497.1904 Sugarlands Visitor Center (Tennessee side - north entrance) 865.436.1291. I remember it being a very small campsite, with some sites right on a small creek. Campground facilities and the procedures for obtaining a site in each type are different. Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. A ranger with a dog could cover this in a couple of days. A wayward opportunist no doubt. Here are some photos that Ill update as I take more trips! Pretty much ALL these people have drug/addiction issues; often alcohol, and usually on top of other psychological disorders (which they are self-medicating). A forestry worker told me, while discussing a PCT attempt, to watch gear in these smaller towns like theyve got to watch tools. Sixty nine of the 2,015 miles that make up the Appalachian Trail cross the crest of the Great Smoky Mountains, serving as a border between Tennessee and North Carolina. Its like teasing your little brother who has somehow or other gotten close to being your BIG brother. It continues through a crowded understory to Backcountry Campsite #58 (5.25 miles : 2,445'), also on a wide bank with slow moving water. These camping areas are popular and fill up quickly during the high season. Before planning your backcountry trip, please read through this important information about reservations and permits, regulations, bear safety, trail closures, and more. (reserve/pay via recreation.gov). Big Creek Campground Name: Big Creek Campground Nearest Gateway City: Gatlinburg, TN (32 miles) or Maggie Valley, NC (34 miles) Camp Sites: 12 Fee: $17.50 per night Dates Open: April 15 - October 30, 2022 Group Campsites: 1 (max 25 people) Fee: $50 per night Elevation: 1,700' Drying socks and spandex. Cataloochee Campground is a small, remote campground with 27 individual sites. 18. 100% Recommend - 22 Responses. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Leashed pets are allowed in developed areas and along roads, but are not allowed on park trails. Cataloochee Campground Name: Cataloochee Campground Nearest Gateway City: Maggie Valley, NC Elevation: 2,600' Individual Camp Sites: 27 Fee: $25 per night Dates Open: April 15 - October 30, 2022 Group Campsites: 3 Fee: $40 Dates Open: April 15 - October 30, 2022 Directions to Cataloochee Campground (also offers hayrides and carriage rides) , Campgrounds do not have showers, electric, or water hookups. You may not stay in any other backcountry campsite for more than 3 consecutive nights. 14. backcountry camping The trail rises steadily in a lush forest to Backcountry Campsite #57 at the Deep Creek Trail - Martins Gap Trail junction (5.85 miles : 2,520'). A 16-year-old female from middle Tennessee was attacked and injured by a bear while sleeping near her family in a hammock at the backcountry campsite. Frontcountry - camping near your car in a developed campground that has restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets. Crow's Landing RV Site #113 Crow's Landing RV Site. New Tickets now available for Trail Days Online 2023! Great Smoky Mountains National Park Near Cosby, Tennessee. You may not stay consecutive nights at campsite 113 or at any shelter. Maximum party size is 8. GSMNP, November 2017. Group campgrounds are located near the individual camps. Trip Reports and those near the lake are in the woods Posts 61 a trail runs along the entire ridge. Im guessing more just seeing and taking advantage of an opportunity; though they might have recognised it and lain in wait and along came your group. You may only burn wood that is dead and already on the ground. Campsite List. To get to Clingmans Dome, you want to be on Newfound Gap Road (the only road which completely traverses the Park). It happens for food (bags, even bear canisters) but also a heads up that small towns along major highways may have thieving meth-heads. Apparently they have had further reports of problems in the area. Campsite 14, 13, 113, and 10 Reviews 7 years ago Save I'm planning a five day backpacking trip for a group of 4 people. Tubing is permitted from the trailhead area north to the Indian Creek Trail junction. Local Trail Association Smoky Mountains Hiking Club Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to support trail development & maintenance. Enjoy waterfalls from a safe distance, and be mindful of slippery surfaces. Only 12 "tents-only" campsites, a group campground, and a horse camp. The easiest to get to is Laurel Falls (its paved for the handicapped) is just off Little River Road between the Sugarlands Visitors Center (which is near near Gatlinburg) and the Y to Townsend. Location & Directions Body of Water: Fontana Lake Coordinates: 35.455557598914, -83.784071803093 Get Driving Directions Amenities Launch Point Paid Parking Free Parking Year-Round Bathrooms Seasonal Bathrooms Permit Required Drinking Water Food Available Boat Ramp Campsites Picnic Shelter Picnic Tables Wheelchair Accessible Hazard Free Lunch Heat-treated wood is available from a growing list of private businesses in communities around the park. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The road follows the old railroad bed and parallels Little River as it passes through the area that was a company-owned town. I sewed a blue tarp in 2000 using the instructions in Ray Jardines book, Trail Life (then published as Beyond Backpacking). It is a big campsite with a double area for fire pits and camping. We are planning for mid-June. 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