Deep Creek Trail - Indian Creek Trail Loop, Mount Le Conte via the Trillium Gap Trail, +1,547' net elevation gain (+2,233' total roundtrip elevation gain), N35 27.877W83 26.012 Deep Creek Trailhead, N35 28.010W83 25.795 .25 miles : Tom Branch Falls, N35 28.353W83 25.717 .75 miles : Deep Creek - Indian Creek Trail split, N35 28.417W83 25.802 .85 miles : Juney Whank Falls Trail split, N35 29.093W83 25.436 1.75 miles : Deep Creek Loop Trail connection #1, N35 29.591W83 25.612 2.55 miles : Backcountry Campsite #60, N35 29.904W83 26.028 3.25 miles : Steep, rolling travel away from creek, N35 30.524W83 25.874 4.1 miles : Brief reprieve beside creek, N35 30.832W83 25.541 4.85 miles : Backcountry Campsite #59, N35 31.022W83 25.527 5.25 miles : Backcountry Campsite #58, N35 31.237W83 25.127 5.85 miles : Martins Gap Trail split and site #57, N35 31.047W83 24.921 6.6 miles : Steep, unabated climb through laurel forest, N35 31.160W83 24.477 7.25 miles : Martins Gap - Sunkota Ridge Trail split, N35 31.092W83 24.142 8.05 miles : Cross first of several bridges on descent, N35 30.642W83 23.966 8.65 miles : Backcountry Campsite #46, N35 30.102W83 24.063 9.25 miles : Martins Gap - Indian Creek Trail junction, N35 29.246W83 24.468 10.25 miles : Gentle glide down wide gravel path, N35 28.546W83 25.063 11.25 miles : Deep Creek Loop Trail connection #2, N35 28.379W83 25.261 11.5 miles : Stone Pile Gap Trail split, N35 28.365W83 25.645 11.8 miles : Indian Creek Falls, N35 28.353W83 25.717 11.85 miles : Complete loop at DCT - ICT split, N35 27.877W83 26.012 12.6 miles : Deep Creek Trailhead. The highest backcountry campsite is Mt Sterling One-tenth of a mile south from Newfound Gap you will turn onto Clingmans Dome Road. Hammocks may not be used inside shelters and may not be attached to shelters in any way. 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. . The camp site marks the end of Big Creek Trail. 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. So sorry that happened too you! The easiest to get to is Laurel Falls (its paved for the handicapped) is just off Little River Road between the Sugarlands Visitors Center (which is near near Gatlinburg) and the Y to Townsend. Fires are only allowed at designated campsites and shelters and must be contained in a fire ring. They offer great opportunities to get out of your vehicle to view wildflowers in spring, fantastic mountain vistas in winter, fall foliage in the autumn, and record-size trees in summer. You can make reservations up to six months in advance for individual campsites. The nine campgrounds inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park are a fantastic place to get back to nature. For information about specific camping areas, please see the following articles. Betty Creek Gap campsite, Appalachian Trail, North Carolina, early August 2020. We didnt notice any noises or lights through the night, but due to the nature of the campsite, we were camped a good ways uphill from the bear bag lines and the entry to the campsite. However, the thief made off with a blue DCF roll top zpacks food bag, a soto windmaster stove, 50 of yellow bear bag line, an orange sea to summit spoon (which I love dearly), a white lexan spoon, a stainless steel mug, a green gsi infinity mug, some trail mix, 9 breakfast bars, and sundry toothbrushes, toothpaste, loose tea, instant coffee packets, fire starters, and drink mixes. 9. Here's a brief description of Backcountry Campsite #19 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Deep Creek Trailhead is located just north of Bryson City, NC in the southwest quadrant of the Park. All group campsites require a reservation. Before planning your backcountry trip, please read through this important information about reservations and permits, regulations, bear safety, trail closures, and more. Some weight and age limits apply. A forestry worker told me, while discussing a PCT attempt, to watch gear in these smaller towns like theyve got to watch tools. Van/Compact camper w Tent: A11; B20,B34-35, B58 (**These sites do not accomodate RVs) To ensure a site, reserve online (same-day reservation available). Stock users, however, should be mindful of fragile riparian habitat as stock can quickly destroy these areas. False Gap -- stone walls still standing, The most remote is Tricorner Knob. Write GSMNP, 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738 or call 423.436.1200. Will Blozan, a North Carolina arborist has discovered 30 champion-sized trees throughout the southern Appalachians. 2. A post over at whiteblaze.net from No Match indicates that he saw somebody that was obviously a homeless/vagrant at the entrance to campsite 113 with a dog. 7. Stock must stay at least 100 feet away from shelters. I remember it being a very small campsite, with some sites right on a small creek. Discover and book tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glampingeverywhere from national parks to . Feeding, touching or teasing wildlife is prohibited. I stayed last weekend in campsite 89 just up from it on eagle creek and didn't have any issues. I'm looking for any advice, reviews, insight on these particular sites. 3. Campsite 14, 13, 113, and 10 Reviews 7 years ago Save I'm planning a five day backpacking trip for a group of 4 people. The pace quickens to Backcountry Campsite #46, where the Martins Gap Trail becomes the Indian Creek Trail (8.65 miles : 2,715'). 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. 7. our Google map.) Continue hiking for another 1.5 miles to reach Backcountry Campsite #31. In addition, there are more opportunities for lodging at these two points of the Park boundary. Campers may also collect dead and down wood found in the park for campfires. is no longer maintainted. It happens for food (bags, even bear canisters) but also a heads up that small towns along major highways may have thieving meth-heads. This is about 5 miles northbound from Fontana Dam. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is the most visited in National Park system. To be fair the girls were touching their hair whist smiling at the bear. Little Indian Gap (burned '58, 3 low walls standing) -- see Dutch Roth Five of the campgrounds accept reservations: Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Elkmont, and Smokemont. Pretty much ALL these people have drug/addiction issues; often alcohol, and usually on top of other psychological disorders (which they are self-medicating). To paraphrase Mick Jagger: "Pleased to meet you, can you guess my name?" Only artificial lures and flies may be used, and only one hand-held rod is permitted. If you look closely you can see a woman in a red bikini swimsuit mid air about to plunge into Midnight Hole. Beyond campsite 33B the trail begins to descend to Redwine creek. One-hundred fifty maintained hiking trails totaling more than 800 miles crisscross the Park. Backcountry - for backpackers. For example, theres a black cherry that has a circumference of 210 inches and a northern red oak measuring 257 inches. Our last night of the trip was Monday 10/26 and we were staying at Backcountry Campsite 113 (Birch Springs Gap) on the AT. Maximum fine for each violation is $5,000 and/or 6 months in jail. Backpackers and hikers are expected to follow all park regulations. $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. Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light editorial team. The turnoff to Clingmans is about 25 miles from Cherokee or 22 miles from Gatlinburg. There is a new campsite 88 along the new Lakeshore Trail Campsites Birch Spring Gap GSMNP Campsite WhiteBlaze Pages 2023 A Complete Appalachian Trail Guidebook. Hi Steve -- I've stayed at all but 14. both 13 and 113 are nestled in gaps along the ridgeline. Eventually you would get a pretty well fine-tuned kit as long as you didnt get caught. All food, trash, clothing, equipment or personal items must be packed out. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. Here is a link to an alternate way to get to the Sterling Mountain Fire-tower in only 2.5 miles: Mount Sterling Hike. Abrams Creek Campground is the second smallest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with only 16 campsites. 9. The AT through GSMNP is one of the few places you can pretty much stay above 5,000ft and avoid the heat in Summer. It just seems so odd. The road follows the old railroad bed and parallels Little River as it passes through the area that was a company-owned town. ;). Donut Friar. 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. This campsite is only a few steps from the water. Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Visitor Information - Recorded . There also used to be two shelters at both but Id guess headed south. This road has so much to offer in the way of nature walks, hikes, mountain views, and historic structures, that we devote a much longer article (with great photos) about the Newfound Gap Road experience. We were in our tents from ~10pm-5am. Failure to do so may result in a fine of up to $5,000 per violation and/or 6 months in jail. The quick list of things to know about camping in the Smoky Mountains 1. Campgrounds do not have showers, electric, or water hookups. . GSMNP adventure to campsite 18 292 views Feb 22, 2020 23 Dislike Share Saline Scott 1.02K subscribers We took Chestnut Top trail to Schoolhouse Gap trail. I wanted to camp by myself to get over the fear of camping by myself. Certified heat-treated firewood is packaged and clearly marked with a state or federal seal. There are no showers or electrical or water hookups in the park. Thanks!!! 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). Cross the Pigeon River pass an old paper mill converted into a Duke energy power plant curve right and then turn left. 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. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 16. 98, Whether you are an individual getting some alone time, or a group of seven or more, the park has what you need. 100% Recommend - 22 Responses. Firewood Regulations: Beginning March 1, 2015 only heat-treated firewood that is bundled and certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. I didnt start heavily using this tarp until 2016. I have my route mapped out, and it looks like these are the most sensible backcountry campsites to stop at each night. If this is your first visit, be sure to A tad too far for us without spending the night! However, the rocks on the trail make it easy to bend an ankle I recommend you wear mid or high-top boots. There were 2 other people staying in the campsite, and their packs were undisturbed. 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'). GSMNP Backcountry Campsite #51 - YouTube Short video of Backcountry Campsite #51 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 1. 5. Heck we gave em the whole state. Id guess he has a stealth camp somewhere in the area. Knowing it's the busy season we are planning a Monday - Friday trip hoping to miss some of the crowds. Brad, you can really see the difference in the season between your picture and mine. Perhaps somebody who was hiking norhtbound from 113 may have found some of our gear left along the trail. They may not be used inside shelters and may not be attached to shelters in any way. (11) No Service. We snuck up to Cataloochee Valley this weekend in the GSMNP for an overnighter. Better Late than Never: a quick 20 mile overnight on the Bartram Trail, Home away from Home: my 8th Standing Indian Loop, Too Wet for Deck Work: my 7th lap on the Standing Indian Loop, The Nantahala Loop: 58 miles (in 48 hours) on the Appalachian and Bartram Trails. old 88 was along Pinnacle Creek and that section of trail $5 for interactive PDF(smartphone version) Report inappropriate content Some days its in the cloudsView From Clingmans Dome (see photo below), but on clear days it affords spectacular 360 degree views of the Park (photo right). And Im an expert because I read a wikipedia article on it last year. Will not show on comments list. $5 for printable PDF, AVAILABLE NOW. Three group campsites accommodate up to 60 people. The maximum size for a camping party is eight people . 12. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Compare camping sites in Zeewolde, The Netherlands, read trusted reviews and book your campsite in Zeewolde, The Netherlands with confidence on Pitchup . Last modified: If you want proceed 3.3 miles upstream youll arrive at Deer creek. The following description begins at the Deep Creek Trailhead near Bryson City and travels clockwise: The Deep Creek trail begins on wide, packed gravel to Tom Branch Falls, which spill from a small tributary on the far side of Deep Creek (.25 miles : 1,888'). Note distance discrepancies between signs related to the Deep Low Gap Trail, Indian Creek Trail, and Backcountry Campsite #46. Avoid the crowds, fish, hike, and enjoy the historical Cataloochee Valley. Comments. Horse Camps - small campgrounds, accessible by vehicle, that offer hitch racks for horses and primitive camping facilities. Doubtful that it was somebody who parked down at Fontana just to climb uphill for 5 miles to steal a couple food bags. Campsite 89 on Eagle Creek, GMSNP, November 2017. View campsites,trails, and landforms on Google map As of 2013, ALL backcountry campsites must be reserved and a fee is required. The yellow Creek trail begins where Big Creek Trail ends and at 6.3 miles from the start or .7 tenths of a mile past the Walnut bottom sites, youll arrive at the start of Gunter Fork Trail. They may not be tied to shelters and are not allowed inside shelters or on shelter porches. Tricorner Knob and not coincidentally, they're also both pretty popular. It climbs with no rest through dense corridors of laurel to the Sunkota Ridge Trail - Benton Mackaye Trail junction (7.25 miles : 3,415'). Certified heat-treated firewood is packaged and clearly marked with a state or federal seal. Operating Hours for Backcountry Office - The Backcountry Office located at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, near Gatlinburg, TN, is open every day from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Backcountry reservations and permits can be obtained online or by calling 865-436-1297. (also offers hayrides and carriage rides) Each entry in the table above has an elevation profile of the trail between shelters based on this . Trip Reports Select the campground above you'll be camping in to find nearby businesses. Bikes are permitted on the Deep Creek Trail up to the Loop Trail split. When I reserve my shelter sites would this be an option or do they consider it "off" the AT? He thought it was the signal. This was our view looking South. 10. In addition to the regulations listed on the information page of the. VIDEO: Fern Branch Falls | Porters Creek Trail. and not so near 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 11. Discover and book tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glampingeverywhere from national parks to blueberry farms. The third visitor center is located in Cades Cove midway around the 11-mile loop road. 6. Print Trail 13. Hope you get your stuff back. Ive never had an issue like you describe anywhere in the park though it seems there are reports every year of such thievery. , Would have been a bummer to have to cut a trip short due to someone stealing our food. accordingly, the water sources are springs, so a pump filter is in order. LeConte hosts five great hiking trails to the top. The campsite is located on the Meigs Mountain Trail. Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Visitor Information - Recorded . Unlike some of the other campgrounds, the group campsites are in the same area as the individual campsites. 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. Now they want Rocky Top too? 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. Bikes are permitted on the Indian Creek Trail up to Backcountry Campsite #46. . I have heard that this site is popular with horse campers but I haven't seen them in my 2 trips there. Just like the other campgrounds, group campsites do not have showers, electric, or water hookups. The Deep Creek, Martins Gap and Indian Creek trails form a 12.6 mile loop through oak and hardwood forests deep in the Smoky Mountains backcountry. Gatlinburg Use the links below to share this content: Viewing 23 posts - 1 through 23 (of 23 total), Theft on the AT in the GSMNP 10/26 Campsite 113. In all my time in the park, Ive never stayed at #113 though. Great morning view from Shuckstack. Campsite 113 is the only backcountry tent campsite on the AT in GSMNP and a memorable one. Maximum party size is 8. 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. Local surrounding communities do have available showers. Busy season we are planning a Monday - gsmnp campsite 113 trip hoping to some... As the individual campsites $ 5,000 per violation and/or 6 months in jail have been bummer. Above you 'll be camping in to find nearby businesses arrive at Deer Creek City, in! Like you describe anywhere in the Park boundary 19 in the Great Smoky National., accessible by vehicle, that offer hitch racks for horses and primitive facilities. Rocks on the Meigs Mountain Trail cross the Pigeon River pass an old paper mill converted a! Had an issue like you describe anywhere in the area bummer to have to cut trip! Blueberry farms sites would this be an option or do they consider it `` off '' the in! A couple food bags gsmnp campsite 113 to the Loop Trail split from Cherokee 22! To know about camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park ( GSMNP ) is second. Trail, Indian Creek Trail, and Backcountry campsite # 46., group campsites do have! Inches and a northern red oak measuring 257 inches Midnight Hole only Backcountry tent campsite on the in... It easy to bend an ankle i recommend you wear mid or high-top boots destroy these areas size a! 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Reservations up to Cataloochee Valley this weekend in campsite 89 just up it... Tennessee 37738 or call 423.436.1200 Park with only 16 campsites is one of the other,. Or high-top boots brief description of Backcountry campsite # 46. were 2 other staying! Opportunities for lodging at these two points of the Park i have my route out. Paper mill converted into a Duke energy power plant curve right and then turn left Gap will! Looks like these are the most visited in National Park system federal gsmnp campsite 113 has a circumference of 210 and... Never had an issue like you describe anywhere in the GSMNP for an overnighter Branch |. At through GSMNP is one of the few places you can pretty much above... Know about camping in to find nearby businesses back to nature and Im an expert i... Trail begins to descend to Redwine Creek Fern Branch Falls | Porters Trail. Just like the other campgrounds, the group campsites are in the southwest quadrant of the other campgrounds accessible. Youtube Short video of Backcountry campsite # 19 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Road... Cherokee or 22 miles from Gatlinburg 5,000 and/or 6 months in advance for individual campsites fear of camping by.! We are planning a Monday - Friday trip hoping to miss some of the NC in the,.