A beautiful campground, just minutes from Gatlinburg or Townsend. There are no showers or electrical or water hookups in the park. Three group campsites accommodate up to 60 people. Great Smoky Mountains National Park. GSMNP Backcountry Campsite #51 - YouTube Short video of Backcountry Campsite #51 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park info included on this site includes: general park info, book Smoky Mountain cabin rentals and hotels, maps, trout fishing, hiking, auto touring, history of the Parks development, and popular Cades Cove. See old 88 was along Pinnacle Creek and that section of trail Saved from the huge lumber companies when the Park was established, some virgin stands of old-growth trees exist in the Great Smokies. A few steps away is the Deep Creek Trail - Indian Creek Trail split, where you began the loop. and those near the lake are Group Campgrounds - large campsites suitable for groups of eight people or more. Campsite 113 on the Appalachian Trail, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, November 2017. Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 17. From there, youll travel 7 miles, passing several pullouts for views, and end up in a parking area from which you walk a short distance to the top of the mountain. Balsam Mountain Campground is the highest elevation campground in the park at 5,310 feet. Pursuant to both North Carolina and Tennessee state law, all horses in the park must be accompanied by either the original or a copy of an official negative test (aka Coggins) for equine infectious anemia administered within the previous 12 months. This is about 5 miles northbound from Fontana Dam. This campground is mostly tent camping, although 15 sites are for recreational vehicles. 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. The highest drive-in campground is Well off the beaten path, Cataloochee offers historic structures, opportunities for hiking, campgrounds, and spectacular vistas. Hammocks may not be used inside shelters and may not be attached to shelters in any way. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Backpackers and hikers are expected to follow all, . WhiteBlaze Pages 2023 To make reservations by phone call 877-444-6777 and for all other campground related questions you may call 423-487-2683. Click on the location to select map views and nearby waypoints. Sugarlands, near Gatlinburg, TN (865) 436-3535. Notice the pool between the upper and lower falls just amazing! We parked and started back the way we just drove in and entered the Big Creak trail at the sign making the entrance. Difficulty: Easy with a few moderate hills to climb. Stock must be under physical control at all times. Good weather, mid 80's with a breeze cooling into the 60's at night. Interestingly, Cataloochee had a greater population (approximately 1,200) at its peak than Cades Cove. Just 32 minutes from Gatlinburg near Cosby, Tennessee. Seven Islands State Birding Park. You can have a custom email like. Seven Islands State Birding Park. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook account. A valid fishing license from Tennessee or North Carolina is required to fish in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 113, See Do all of the backcountry campsites have a water source within a relatively "short" proximity (within 1/4 to 1/2 mile from campsite). Tom Branch Falls in the SmokiesThe Smoky Mountains contain many wonderful streams and waterfalls many of which are rewards for trekking the well-maintained hiking trails. Special permits may be issued for a few sites that accommodate parties of up to 12. Wide, level banks offer easy stream access and are ideal places to see deer, bear, turkey, fox, and coyote. I reported this to the GSMNP backcountry office this morning. At 1.5 miles we walked past Midnight hole, a favorite spot for campers and locals on a hot day. it seems to indicate somebody who is familiar with the GSMNP as opposed to someone who was meandering along the trail and stumbled into some food. Here is a link to an alternate way to get to the Sterling Mountain Fire-tower in only 2.5 miles: Mount Sterling Hike. Carving into or defacing trees, signs, shelters or other backcountry features is illegal. Tents and hammocks may be used within designated backcountry campsites. accordingly, the water sources are springs, so a pump filter is in order. 16. Campground facilities and the procedures for obtaining a site in each type are different. I'm looking for any advice, reviews, insight on these particular sites. 10. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. 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. I wasn't able to find much information. Get Backpacking Light news, updates, gear info, skills, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week. Thanks!!! Maximum party size is 8. But even hiking in from Twentymile or Parsons Branch are long and circuitous. Could also set some game cameras. The Martins Gap Trail steepens considerably in a hardwood and oak forest with emerging views of surrounding peaks. Our last night of the trip was Monday 10/26 and we were staying at Backcountry Campsite 113 (Birch Springs Gap) on the AT. Learn more about the Appalachian Trail. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its . ALL reservations for Cataloochee Campground must be made at Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. Horses, mules, burros and llamas are considered to be pack animals under park regulations. Print Trail No RVs allowed. 81, For three decades, the Little River Lumber Company cut and hauled away great portions of one of the countrys greatest deciduous forests. when are you planning for? As of October, 2007, Visit www.nature.org/firewoodmap for a map of local stores and businesses that sell certified firewood. 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. Veer right on Highway 19 and take this into Bryson City. 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. 634 Parkway Ste 15 The Village. 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 Campers may also collect dead and down wood found in the park for campfires. 9. Backcountry - for backpackers. Proof of such test must be provided upon request. Cades Cove, near Townsend, TN (865) 448-6286 However, the location is fantastic for driving along the Foothills Parkway and exploring south of the park. The trail finds the creek once again at Backcountry Campsite #59 on a level bank with good fishing access (4.85 miles : 2,415'). Canoe campsites on Fontana are the Gregory Bald azaleas are a memorable experience. It is also one of the few that has free admission. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Campers may also collect dead and down wood found in the park for campfires. We didnt go that far, as it would be 9.6 miles from the start. Great morning view from Shuckstack. There is one community firepit and bear cables centrally located among the sites as well as a spring for water. 100% Recommend - 22 Responses. North Carolinas answer to Cades Cove without the crowding. My guidebook states the shelter has been removed but there are pads installed. 12. It continues to a 3 way fork, where the main trail branches right on the first of several steep climbs up and down the east valley wall (2.15 miles : 2,035'). 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' Bathing and washing dishes should be done well away from water sources and campsites. . Two parties affiliated with the same group may not stay in the same campsite or at the same shelter on the same night(s). The highest shelter is Mt LeConte at 6440'. The AT serves as a backbone to which several major Smokies hiking trails connect. When we broke camp at 5am (to get to Shuckstack for sunrise, which was flipping awesome) we noticed all 4 of our food bags were gone from the bear cables. US 64? Just like the other campgrounds, group campsites do not have showers, electric, or water hookups. You may reserve group campsites at Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777, up to one year in advance. Attendant on duty. Then we walked across the bridge on. 1. NOTE: Officially, ten campgrounds exist inside the park. 0.1 km from Izzy Bees Stuffed Friends. No hunting is allowed anywhere in the park Seen it happen while a couple hikers were recharging from a public bathroom or heard about it, to the point where a nogoodnik slit a tent open to steal a camera while the hikers were enjoying a public swimming hole w/vehicle access (Deep Creek in CA fwiw). Visits since 12/20/03 2. Wander along wildlife-rich woodland trails while staying in campsites booked on Pitchup.com. Read more here WhiteBlaze Pages Store. 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. 7. , the list below contains other park regulations particularly relevant to backpackers and hikers. LeConte is the Alum Cave Bluff Trail. 4. LeConte affords the hardy hiker are well worth the effort. You may not stay consecutive nights at any shelter or at campsite 113. 107 Park Headquarters Road All park campgrounds have cold running water and restrooms with flush toilets. 3. some closed, some new ones open. Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. 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 . Icewater Spring. Before planning your backcountry trip, please read through this important information about reservations and permits, regulations, bear safety, trail closures, and more. Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light editorial team. 4. It's all great but make reservations well in advance. You may not stay consecutive nights at campsite 113 or at any shelter. 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 camp.mxf, or You dont have to be a biology major to appreciate this event its designed for the average Park visitor. Campgrounds do not have showers, electric, or water hookups. We found close to 50 people jumping, swimming and cooling off in the brisk water and deep pool of this gorgeous hole. backcountry camping You can access the information here: Frontcountry Camping Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov), Park Campgrounds Map | Copyright: Ann Bowman. more information on current conditions Additional information about this regulation. campsite 51 (Deep Low Gap). As we started off we noticed how well groomed the trail was, and how wide, making it an easy, slight uphill, walk. either I hope you guys have good timing in that regard. Two parties affiliated with the same group may not stay in the same campsite or at the same shelter on the same night(s). Special permits may be issued for a few sites that accommodate parties of up to 12. An 11-mile one-way loop road winds around the valley, with stops at preserved pioneer structures. . 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Nps app before your next visit, Backpackers and hikers are expected to follow all, may. At serves as a spring for water and are ideal places to deer... There is one community firepit and bear cables centrally located among the sites as well as backbone. Positive discussions about lightweight Backpacking Elkmont, and Smokemont for recreational vehicles Cove without crowding... Trail at the sign making the entrance large campsites suitable for groups of people. ( 865 ) 436-3535 cooling off in the park at 5,310 feet window.adsbygoogle || ]. Began the loop the Backpacking Light editorial team a backbone to which several major Smokies trails... Mt LeConte at 6440 & # x27 ; 32 minutes from Gatlinburg near Cosby, Creek. But even hiking in from Twentymile or Parsons Branch are long and circuitous llamas are considered to be animals... Each type are different booked on Pitchup.com subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts email. Highest shelter is Mt LeConte at 6440 & # x27 ; s at night forest straddles border!
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