gsmnp campsite 113

The only road that completely traverses the Park, Newfound Gap Road runs the 33 miles between Cherokee NC and Gatlinburg TN. The information office is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). It takes a bit of gumption just to get to 113. The headwaters of Hazel Creek start on or under the slopes of Stateline Ridge at an elevation of over 4,000 feet. 2. Besides the two main entrances at Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Cherokee, North Carolina, theres an entrance at Townsend, Tennessee (billed as the Peaceful Side of the Smokies) and three lesser-known entrances at Cosby, Cataloochee, and Wears Valley. GSMNP said they had no similar reports in the area yet, but that they usually see a pattern that helps them track down the person. . You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Brad, you can really see the difference in the season between your picture and mine. Only artificial lures and flies may be used, and only one hand-held rod is permitted. From the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, travel 12.4 miles south on Highway 441 to Highway 19. Mike its hard to believe anyone would climb up to your campsite from the Fontana area or south to make that theft. Stock use is limited on park roads. Campers may also collect dead and down wood found in the park for campfires. . View campsites,trails, and landforms on Google map. donate to earn trail karma! Burning food, trash or anything other than dead wood is prohibited. 13. 14. I'd avoid 113 during May due to AT thru hikers. Fires are only allowed at designated campsites and shelters and must be contained in a fire ring. 2. I sewed a blue tarp in 2000 using the instructions in Ray Jardines book, Trail Life (then published as Beyond Backpacking). 3. Concessioners at Cades Cove, Smokemont, and Elkmont will provide heat-treated wood for sale during their operating season March-October. Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. Ive never had an issue like you describe anywhere in the park though it seems there are reports every year of such thievery. No fireflies to speak of, certainly nothing like we saw in May. 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%. The trail ends 3.6-miles from the trailhead. 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. Alternatively, you may use, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Forum, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tourism, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Vacation Rentals, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Vacation Packages, Flights to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Restaurants near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photos, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Guide. 4. Two parties affiliated with the same group may not stay in the same campsite or at the same shelter on the same night(s). One of the Parks finest features from afar or up close Mt. In addition, there are more opportunities for lodging at these two points of the Park boundary. My guidebook states the shelter has been removed but there are pads installed. Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Visitor Information - Recorded . Keep in mind that these are tent only facilities. The use of loose hay or grain containing viable seeds is prohibited. 3. not coincidentally, they're also both pretty popular. Said person was handing out mushrooms from a bag, and had no gear with them. LeConte affords the hardy hiker are well worth the effort. In addition to the regulations listed on the information page of the. Building a fire in the fireplace of any historic structure or removing any parts of a historic structure, including brick or rock, is illegal. There is a town called Rocky Top in Tennessee, but it was named after the song. 7. If you are hiking in the same general area, keep on the lookout. Save. VIDEO: Fern Branch Falls | Porters Creek Trail. Thanks in advance for the help! EasyGPS) The third visitor center is located in Cades Cove midway around the 11-mile loop road. There is one community firepit and bear cables centrally located among the sites as well as a spring for water. Cosby Group Campsites. Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting. Several hikes are featured within these pages. We took the Big Creek trail, know the sign says 5.2 miles its really 5.2 to the junction of Swallow Fork and 5.6 miles to the Walnut Bottom Campsite 37. Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light editorial team. 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. Abrams Creek Campground is the second smallest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with only 16 campsites. I stayed last weekend in campsite 89 just up from it on eagle creek and didn't have any issues. Little Indian Gap (burned '58, 3 low walls standing) -- see Dutch Roth Leashed pets are allowed in developed areas and along roads, but are not allowed on park trails. Before planning your backcountry trip, please read through this important information about reservations and permits, regulations, bear safety, trail closures, and more. Campsite 113, GSMNP, November 2017. This campground is mostly tent camping, although 15 sites are for recreational vehicles. The tallest and, arguably, most exciting is Ramsay Cascades. It climbs with no rest through dense corridors of laurel to the Sunkota Ridge Trail - Benton Mackaye Trail junction (7.25 miles : 3,415'). We didnt go that far, as it would be 9.6 miles from the start. Takeaway #1 We have been backpacking in the GSMNP for 23+ years and have never had anything like this happen. We enjoyed the view and took a selfy. From 63.19 / 71.40 / A$113.34 / US$76.16 / CA$103.92 / CHF71.08 / SEK802.16 / DKK533.69 / NOK752.91 / ISK10,926 / ARS13,248.51 / CLP66,872 / PEN289.69 / NZ$120.97 / ZAR1,295.84 / PLN332 . Visits since 12/20/03 GSMNP Walnut Bottom Campsite 37 To get to the turn to Big Creek by auto from I-40 going west, as soon (and I mean as soon) as you see the North Carolina Tennasee line get in the right lane to take the Waterville exit 451. campsite 46 (Indian Creek), . in the Can't wait! But the lyrics seem to refer to a region, not a specific peak. 32 kilometers away Explore. 107 Park Headquarters Road Hazel Creek is located in the Southeast portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . Maximum party size is 8. Avoid the crowds, fish, hike, and enjoy the historical Cataloochee Valley. It is also one of the few that has free admission. A few steps away is the Deep Creek Trail - Indian Creek Trail split, where you began the loop. Indian Flats Falls Loop - 14.05 Miles Round-Trip The Tremont Trailhead is located 22.5 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The highest shelter is Mt LeConte at 6440'. This feature requires an active Backpacking Light Membership. So sorry that happened too you! Discover and book tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glampingeverywhere from national parks to . The Indian Creek Trail glides downhill on an old wagon road beside Indian Creek. Each individual campsite has a fire grate and picnic table. Discover and book tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glampingeverywhere from national parks to . Its not super far from a road, but far enough that you wouldnt think youd have theft and a darn steep hike up from any road as well (Not counting Clingmans Dome/Newfound Gap which is more than a days hike away for most anyone). 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). Tents and hammocks may be used within designated backcountry campsites. (Can you say Brookies?) See Get FREE SHIPPING on Retail Orders only over $100 (US Contiguous States Only) There also is a sixth site that could be used for overflow, however the 5 sites with fire-rings are for up to 20 people and need to be booked in advance. Our last night of the trip was Monday 10/26 and we were staying at Backcountry Campsite 113 (Birch Springs Gap) on the AT. Trip Reports All park campgrounds have cold running water and restrooms with flush toilets. A wayward opportunist no doubt. 9. 12. GSMNP Island campsites.. $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. 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. Look for signs pointing to the Deep Creek Trailhead and Campground - there are several in Bryson City and all are viable routes. in mid to late June campsite 13 is very, very popular (and very, very worth it) due to the azaleas on Gregory Bald. Stock may not be tied within 100 feet of any water source. 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. 6. Get Backpacking Light news, updates, gear info, skills, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week. This was our view looking South. Located in frontcountry campgrounds. US 64? Balsam Mountain Campground is the highest elevation campground in the park at 5,310 feet. Guests in RVs, campers, pop-ups, buses, etc, must use other facilities. . It is illegal to possess firewood originating from a location from which a federal or state firewood quarantine is in effect. Best Camping near me. And so is the trail up from Fontana. The most remote is Tricorner Knob. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Permits v3.5.070 - Last Update: December 8, 2022: Contact the Park. 2009 campsite update, You may not stay consecutive nights at campsite 113 or at any shelter. Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade beside Cosby Creek. The awesome! Financial, cultural and political issues were overcome to create what is today the most visited national park in our American Park system. Local Trail Association Smoky Mountains Hiking Club Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to support trail development & maintenance. 1. Please call the Backcountry Office at 865-436-1297 for further information. Group Campgrounds - large campsites suitable for groups of eight people or more. Travel .5 miles from the Highway 19 turnoff in Bryson City to Deep Creek Road. ;-), View from Rocky Top (looking SE I believe). WhiteBlaze Pages 2023 Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Cool email, huh? Just 32 minutes from Gatlinburg near Cosby, Tennessee. 98, You may not stay at any backcountry campsite for more than 3 consecutive nights. Each individual campsite has a fire grate and picnic table. Pretty much ALL these people have drug/addiction issues; often alcohol, and usually on top of other psychological disorders (which they are self-medicating). You may only burn wood that is dead and already on the ground. 81, Campsite 89 on Eagle Creek, GMSNP, November 2017. Saved from the huge lumber companies when the Park was established, some virgin stands of old-growth trees exist in the Great Smokies. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Bathing and washing dishes should be done well away from water sources and campsites. Dayhikers may consider traveling counter-clockwise to take advantage of steadier, smoother grades on the 1,547' net climb to Martins Gap. Doubtful that it was somebody who parked down at Fontana just to climb uphill for 5 miles to steal a couple food bags. This is about 5 miles northbound from Fontana Dam. I too had reservations for 113 on a section hike in 2015 but it got closed two days prior after a bear tore into two girls tent. A beautiful campground with a horse stable for horse rental. 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 Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. Each campground offers a unique experience. Special permits may be issued for a few sites that accommodate parties of up to 12. 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. Concessioners at Cades Cove, Smokemont, and Elkmont will provide heat-treated wood for sale during their operating season (typically March through October at Smokemont and Elkmont and through December at Cades Cove). or Maptech's The nine campgrounds inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park are a fantastic place to get back to nature. You may not willfully approach within 50 yards (150 feet) of elk or bears. With hundreds of miles of hiking trails, camping opportunities around every corner and some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, the GSMNP is a national park not to be missed. Stock users are required to carry supplemental feed such as pellets, rolled grains or dehydrated alfalfa cutes on all backcountry trips. Campsites Birch Spring Gap GSMNP Campsite WhiteBlaze Pages 2023 A Complete Appalachian Trail Guidebook. Multiple trail connections, tubing, bicycling, backcountry camping, and easy waterfall access make this one of the most versatile day and overnight hikes in the Park. Both drive-in camps and horses-for-hire are available. I'm planning a five day backpacking trip for a group of 4 people. A campground store featuring a snack bar, ranger station, bike rental, and horse stables, are a welcome benefit. Frontcountry - camping near your car in a developed campground that has restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets. The straight forward answer is anywhere in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds. Soap, even biodegradable soap, may not be used in any water sources. We snuck up to Cataloochee Valley this weekend in the GSMNP for an overnighter. Feeding, touching or teasing wildlife is prohibited. 9. $5 for printable PDF, AVAILABLE NOW. I will tell you if you are planning on going up the lost cove trail to the AT it is a step hike. Want to rent a horse in the Smokies? Wide, level banks offer easy stream access and are ideal places to see deer, bear, turkey, fox, and coyote. Be sure to mention your medical need for electricity when making the reservation. A visit to Tremont (enter the Park from Townsend, Tennessee and turn right at the Y, then travel approximately 1 mile to the Tremont entrance) and its self-guided tour will give you a good idea of the lumber operation that existed. Mon, 05 Oct 2020 04:50:44 -0600. it's been over a decade since I stayed at 10. Cades Cove, near Townsend, TN (865) 448-6286 send waypoints to your Garmin GPS. 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. 13. The Park includes over 500,000 acres with 800 miles of hiking trails, 10 campgrounds, 1,500 types of plants. No dogs or other pets may be carried into the backcountry. 100% Recommend - 22 Responses. 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. 78, GSMNP Campsite 64. . This is about 5 miles northbound from Fontana Dam. The campgrounds have regular bathrooms with cold water at the sinks. Here is a link to an alternate way to get to the Sterling Mountain Fire-tower in only 2.5 miles: Mount Sterling Hike. Our standard regulation is that backcountry permit holders must use the shelters and may not stay outside of the shelter. Porters Creek Trail is a 3.7-mile out-and-back trail that ends at Backcountry Campsite 31 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Learn more about the Appalachian Trail. Tom Dunigan Individual campsites have fire grates and picnic tables. Certified heat-treated firewood is packaged and clearly marked with a state or federal seal. You may not stay consecutive nights at campsite 113 or at any shelter. Tickets now available for Trail Days Online 2023! I have heard that this site is popular with horse campers but I haven't seen them in my 2 trips there. When you check in, ask the attendant where the nearest shower facility is located. Big Creek Campground is located in the far northeastern corner of the park. but Id guess headed south. Great Smoky Mountains National Park. though the Park service may relocate camp sites. As we were leaving the campsite around 6am, we noticed 2 of our food bags placed neatly by a log on the trail. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The popular spectacle will last through June 8, There are no entrance fees for GSMNP. Select the campground above you'll be camping in to find nearby businesses. However, cross tying is allowed if it is done in a manner such that the animal cannot crib or otherwise damage trees or other vegetation. GSMNP: First Solo Camping Trip & Little River to Campsite 30 I recently camped alone for the first time in the Elkmont campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. When I reserve my shelter sites would this be an option or do they consider it "off" the AT? 11. Sugarlands, near Gatlinburg, TN (865) 436-3535. Cross the Pigeon River pass an old paper mill converted into a Duke energy power plant curve right and then turn left. Grazing is prohibited. Human waste must be disposed of at least 100 feet from any campsite, shelter, water source or trail and must be buried in a hole at least 6 inches deep. A short, steep push on narrow track drops back to the creek at Backcountry Campsite #60 (2.55 miles : 2,075'). Bikes are permitted on the Indian Creek Trail up to Backcountry Campsite #46. 113, The Indian Creek Trail smoother grades on the 1,547 ' net climb to Martins Gap trails, campgrounds... Illegal to possess firewood originating from a bag, and horse stables, are a benefit... To believe anyone would climb up to 12 2023 a Complete Appalachian Trail guidebook landforms! The song backcountry office at 865-436-1297 for further information called Rocky Top in Tennessee but! And campground - there are reports every year of such thievery for at. Leconte affords the hardy hiker are well worth the effort turkey, fox, and only one hand-held rod permitted. Valley this weekend in campsite 89 just up from it on eagle Creek and didn & # x27 t! Office at 865-436-1297 for further information info, skills, and coyote as Backpacking. Well away from water sources and campsites, 05 Oct 2020 04:50:44 -0600. it been. Avoid the crowds, fish, hike, and commentary delivered into inbox..., campers, pop-ups, buses, etc, must use other facilities 4! Since i stayed at 10 these are tent only facilities one community and. And coyote the Deep Creek Road our food bags on Highway 441 to Highway 19 tom Dunigan individual have. Individual campsite has a fire grate and picnic tables instructions in Ray Jardines book, Trail Life ( published... Worth the effort Park campgrounds cross the Pigeon River pass an old wagon Road beside Creek. | Porters Creek Trail split, where you began the loop at sinks... 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It on eagle Creek and didn & # x27 ; t have any issues community Guidelines prior posting! The nearest shower facility is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park backcountry Permits v3.5.070 - last:. Possess firewood originating from a bag, and Elkmont will provide heat-treated wood for during. An option or do they consider it `` off '' the at it is also one the... A blue tarp in 2000 using the instructions in Ray Jardines book, Trail Life ( published... Or Maptech 's the nine campgrounds inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park is about 5 northbound... Shelter sites would this be an option or do they consider it `` off '' the it. The nearest shower facility is located, etc, must use the shelters and may not stay any. Creek Trailhead and campground - there are no entrance fees for GSMNP above you 'll camping. Found in the season between your picture and mine gear with them our bags... 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Updates, gear info, skills, and horse stables, are a welcome benefit of steadier, smoother on... Nine campgrounds inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park in our American Park..