Hello everyone,

I'm planning a two week 150-175 mile excursion for the beggining of December in Smoky Mountain National Park, and I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions on good trails or things to see. I will probably be starting at Fontana Dam and hiking up the AT towards Mt Le Conte, and then making some kind of loop coming back on the Lakeshore Trail (unless there are better places in the park to go). Does anyone have experience with the trails between the Lakeshore Trail and the AT? Also, does anyone know what kind of weather I should be prepared for in early-mid December? Thanks in advance!

-David

I'd be prepared for lots of cold rain, possibly mixed with snow/sleet/etc. I've tried to hit an early winter weather window in the Smokies a few times, and always failed.

we've been running warmer than normal this fall, the 30 day forecast is for near normal precip and temps but anything can happen up on the ridge.

If you go in from Fontana make sure you include a side trip out to Gregory Bald, maybe the best view in the Smokies. The best side trail from the AT to the Lakeshore trail is probably Welch ridge. Go all the way to High Rocks for the views. Forney ridge over Andrews Bald would be another choice. It and Gregory are the only two Balds they are still maintaining (keeping open). If you go all the way to Le Conte if is a shame not to make it across the Sawteeth to Pecks Corner. Lots of options.

If you don't have it already the "little brown book" Hiking Trails of the Smokies is the best book on the trails, written the way trail guides should be.

Edited by abhitt on 11/23/2009 05:48:56 MST.

Alight, if you want to see what the Smokies have to offer and have two weeks to do it in, I have the trip plan for you. This is a 13 day 180 mile trip, but it really does give you the best of the Smokies

Here is a simple PDF trail map:http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/maps.htm

I second the "little brown book"



Day 1

Starting at Fontana Dam, hike up the AT to the intersection with the Gregory Bald Trail. Follow the Gregory Bald Trail to Gregory Bald and CS#13. Total 10 miles

Highlights: Shuckstack Fire Tower, Gregory Bald

Day 2

From CS#13 return the AT via the Gregory Bald Trail and continue north until you reach the newly renovated Derrick Knob Shelter. Total 18.7 miles

Highlights: Spence Field, Rocky Top, Thunderhead Mtn

Day 3

Beginning at Derrick Knob Shelter continue north on the AT to Mt. Collins Shelter (0.5 miles off the AT. This shelter was one of the worst in the park, but was renovated in September. Total 13.5 miles

Highlights: Clingmans Dome

Day 4

Starting at Mt Collins Shelter return to the AT and go north (crossing US441 – Newfound Gap Road) to the intersection with the Boulevard Trail. Take the Boulevard Trail to Mt. LeConte Shelter. Be sure and check out “The Jumpoff” if the weather is nice. On. LeConte, Cliff Tops has the best sunset view, Myrtle Point has the sunrise view. Total 12.8 miles

Highlights: The Jumpoff, Myrtle Point, Cliff Tops

Day 5

From Mt. LeConte Shelter, return to the AT via the Boulevard Trail and continue north until you reach Pecks Corner Shelter (0.4 miles off the AT) Total 13.5 miles

Highlights: Charlies Bunion, the Sawteeth

Day 6

From Pecks Corner continue north on the AT to Cosby Knob Shelter. Total 13.7 miles

Highlights: Mt Guyot

Day 7

From Cosby Knob continue your trek north on the AT to the Mt. Cammerer Trail, take this 1.2 mile round trip to the lookout and then back to the AT until you reach the Chestnut Branch Trail. Follow trail down to Big Creek Ranger Station/Campground. Turn right on the gravel road until you reach a small parking area (maybe 2/10 a mile) then get on the Baxter Creek Trail (also BMT) and head uphill to CS#38 and the Mt. Sterling Fire Tower Total 15.2 miles

Highlights: Mt Cammerer Lookout (IMO the best view in the park), Mt Sterling Firetower

Day 8

Starting at CS#38 follow the BMT south to CS#47. CS#47 is small but is on a beautiful creek. Total 15.3 miles

Highlights: Mt Sterling Ridge, Enloe Creek

Day 9

From CS#47 continue south on the BMT (crossing US441 Newfound Gap Road) until you reach CS#52. Total 13.9 miles

Highlights: Chastain Creek, Newton Bald

Day 10

From CS#52 continue south on the BMT until you reach CS#64 Total 15.8 miles

Highlights: Noland Creek

Day 11

Beginning at CS#64 follow the BMT south going through the “road to nowhere” tunnel to CS#76. Total 16.7 miles

Highlights: Fontana Lake view

Day 12

From CS#76 continue south on the BMT (also the Lakeshore Trail) until you reach CS#86 and the historic town of Proctor. Total 12.3 miles

Highlights: Fontana Lake view, Historic Proctor

Day 13

Starting at Proctor continue south on the Lakeshore Trail (the Lakeshore Trail and the BMT will split halfway through the hike, be sure to follow the Lakeshore Trail to get back to Fontana. – It is well marked) back to Fontana Dam Total 9.6 miles

Highlights: Historic structures, Fontana Dam

Also be aware that I-40 at the TN/NC line is closed due to a rock slide. If you are coming from the west you can get to Big Creek Ranger Station (Exit 452? - Waterville School Road) and you could do the same loop with that starting point.