Anyone know if the Pecks Corner or Icewater Springs (or other near areas) are open this time of year?

If so, what kind of conditions can I expect? Are gaiters necessary for a day hike?

It's extremely rare to see a shelter closed this time of the year. For the most part, shelter closures occur in the summer/fall due to bear issues. Getting to Newfound Gap is the only thing that can slow you down. They close 411 for pretty much any kind of snow.

I highly recommend waterproof gaiters if there is more than a few inches of snow, but that is just me.

Looks like lots of snow is up there now, but it usually melts very fast.

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/productview.php?pil=RTPMRX

I was up there 2 years ago and it was -3 at Pecks. I awoke to 6 inches of snow. Be prepared. Pecks is an ambitious day hike with the short days, lots of snow, and a late start.

Just going to the Sawteeth might be a better idea. If you think you can make it to Pecks though, go for it! Best privy ever.

Let me know if you want other route suggestions. GSMNP is great in the winter time, especially if you time it with snow.

The AT doesn't close and the shelters only close for bear activity and wouldn't matter anyways if you are dayhiking. Your only concern is if Newfound Gap Road is open, which I think it is at the present time.

More info can be found here: GSNMP Road and Facilities Closures

There's bound to be snow; or packed snow/ice. Better have something like kahtoola microspikes. I hit plenty of snow at Panthertown and Standing Indian earlier this week & no reason for it to be melted now. There was solid snow the entire area in Pisgah near Brevard (wednesday). It is slick! I could see the snow on Clingmans from the tower on Albert.

Brad I took some photos of the AT north of Carters Gap between Standing Indian and Albert and will add them to your thread soon! Slipped on ice going around N side of Big Butt before Albert, fell on my GG pole but had the impact absorbed by also landing on a rhodo or would have broken the pole!

I spent three days and two nights over New Years Eve and New Years Day in Pisgah near Big East Fork and there was a good 6 inches of snow. The wind chill was -7 with temps down to 9.

I wouldn't plan on any big miles as the snow was slick and caused for slow going.

Every area in the park is open year round. The only thing you need to worry about is road closures. As of right now Newfound Gap road is open but we are supposed to get hit again at the end of the week with at least a foot of snow, so it will probably be closed this weekend.

The road and weather info phone number for GSMNP is (865)436-1200. ext# 631 for road closures and 630 for the weather forecast.

If your not walking through snow you will be walking through mud. So, yes you will need gaiters.

Joseph