Drove to the Smokies last week. From Lakes Region of NH to Gatlinburg, Tenn. it was 1,100 miles and about 17 hours.
Gatlinburg served as 'base camp,' close to park entrance (Sugarlands). No fee to enter park. Peak wildflower time--we identified 62. It's full blown spring there (like NH in late May), practically summer in the valley areas.
Mountains had bare ground to the top, but they received 4-5 inches of snow over April 23-24. The temperature was 31 degrees the afternoon we rolled in. The mountains are all very steep, with V-shaped ravines. The trails are great though, lots of switchbacks, and mostly smooth, packed tread way.
For a trail guide we used Hiking Trails of the Smokies, published by Great Smoky Mountains Association. The trail descriptions, written by a variety of contributors, were very detailed and included history and other tidbits. On the down side, the index is by trail only (you can't look up a mountain by name), and the map that accompanies the guide doesn't show contour lines or elevations. We bought a second map, Earthwork Press Hiking Map & Guide Great Smoky Mountains National Park. That provided the details.
Hiked Mt. Cammerer (4,928 feet) on April 25. Took Lower Gap trail to AT, to Mt. Cammerer trail. Got into the fresh snow above 3,500 feet which was slushy. Not a problem for well greased leather boots, but the AT hikers wearing trail runners had very wet feet. Rocky summit topped with an historic fire lookout. Great views.
Hiked Mt. Le Conte ( 6,593) on April 27. Very different day. Trailhead at 3,800 feet. It was 41 degrees. Spent most of the day in the clouds, snow pellets showering us on and off. Took Alum Cave trail to summit. Very neat trail, including a rock arch, the bluffs, and the 'cave,' a huge stone cliff overhang carved during the mining activities long ago. Upper trails, carved out of stone, hug the edge of the slope. Cable 'rails' are drilled into the upper wall of the trail. We did encounter icy trails high up (a common occurrence apparently, and the reason for the cables). Just below the true summit there's a large lodge and cabin complex ($94 a night--includes dinner and breakfast, and booked far in advance we were told). There's also a very nice shelter up there.
Did numerous other hikes as we explored all parts of the park. The historic sites are worth the stop. Cades Cove is a great drive through pasture lands and historic buildings--a glimpse into the lives that once called the park home.
This time of year just may be one of the best for visiting the park. The hardwoods up high are not leafed in, so every ridge and summit offered views. The campgrounds were open, but empty. The wildflowers are amazing, and the water falls full. We could drive slow, stop and poke around on roads that will be crammed with RVs and cars this summer. And, despite the snow (which we had hoped to escape!) the temps were perfect for hiking.
Avatar photo--Smoky Mtn. peak upon our arrival in the park.
Photographs Link: http://community.webshots.com/user/jjhike
Gatlinburg served as 'base camp,' close to park entrance (Sugarlands). No fee to enter park. Peak wildflower time--we identified 62. It's full blown spring there (like NH in late May), practically summer in the valley areas.
Mountains had bare ground to the top, but they received 4-5 inches of snow over April 23-24. The temperature was 31 degrees the afternoon we rolled in. The mountains are all very steep, with V-shaped ravines. The trails are great though, lots of switchbacks, and mostly smooth, packed tread way.
For a trail guide we used Hiking Trails of the Smokies, published by Great Smoky Mountains Association. The trail descriptions, written by a variety of contributors, were very detailed and included history and other tidbits. On the down side, the index is by trail only (you can't look up a mountain by name), and the map that accompanies the guide doesn't show contour lines or elevations. We bought a second map, Earthwork Press Hiking Map & Guide Great Smoky Mountains National Park. That provided the details.
Hiked Mt. Cammerer (4,928 feet) on April 25. Took Lower Gap trail to AT, to Mt. Cammerer trail. Got into the fresh snow above 3,500 feet which was slushy. Not a problem for well greased leather boots, but the AT hikers wearing trail runners had very wet feet. Rocky summit topped with an historic fire lookout. Great views.
Hiked Mt. Le Conte ( 6,593) on April 27. Very different day. Trailhead at 3,800 feet. It was 41 degrees. Spent most of the day in the clouds, snow pellets showering us on and off. Took Alum Cave trail to summit. Very neat trail, including a rock arch, the bluffs, and the 'cave,' a huge stone cliff overhang carved during the mining activities long ago. Upper trails, carved out of stone, hug the edge of the slope. Cable 'rails' are drilled into the upper wall of the trail. We did encounter icy trails high up (a common occurrence apparently, and the reason for the cables). Just below the true summit there's a large lodge and cabin complex ($94 a night--includes dinner and breakfast, and booked far in advance we were told). There's also a very nice shelter up there.
Did numerous other hikes as we explored all parts of the park. The historic sites are worth the stop. Cades Cove is a great drive through pasture lands and historic buildings--a glimpse into the lives that once called the park home.
This time of year just may be one of the best for visiting the park. The hardwoods up high are not leafed in, so every ridge and summit offered views. The campgrounds were open, but empty. The wildflowers are amazing, and the water falls full. We could drive slow, stop and poke around on roads that will be crammed with RVs and cars this summer. And, despite the snow (which we had hoped to escape!) the temps were perfect for hiking.
Avatar photo--Smoky Mtn. peak upon our arrival in the park.
Photographs Link: http://community.webshots.com/user/jjhike
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