3. The maximum size for a camping party is eight people . The park offers several different types of campsites: Heintooga Picnic Area at Balsam Mountain, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Auto Tour, Three Big Reasons You Should Not Feed Bears, Frontcountry Camping Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov), Great Smoky Mountains National Park: My Smoky Mountain Guide. Got to have water, some sort of not too distant trail access, and not too distant access to the outer world; as well as not too far from or too much of a climb to 113. You may not willfully approach within 50 yards (150 feet) of elk or bears. Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a permit and advance reservations for all backcountry camping in the park. One of the Parks finest features from afar or up close Mt. . I reported this to the GSMNP backcountry office this morning. No dogs or other pets are allowed on any park trails except the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. Smokemont Campground is located near Oconaluftee Visitor Center outside Cherokee, NC. It takes a bit of gumption just to get to 113. 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'). Reservation Rules. Turn right (east) on the Martins Gap Trail. Click on the titles above for additional information about facilities, reservations, and operating seasons. Remote, beautiful, and intimate. This fertile mountaingreat smoky mountains, fall color, tn, nc valley is surrounded on all sides by mountains. Each individual campsite has a fire grate and picnic table. (11) No Service. Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. 24 miles away Explore. Any other animals are not considered to be pack animals and are not allowed in the backcountry. Bathing and washing dishes should be done well away from water sources and campsites. Local surrounding communities do have available showers. There is one community firepit and bear cables centrally located among the sites as well as a spring for water. Visit www.nature.org/firewoodmap for a map of local stores and businesses that sell certified firewood. Difficulty: Easy with a few moderate hills to climb. Both sites have posts marking their location and the park service has erected wires and pulley to hang food and gear high above the reach of animals. There also used to be two shelters at both 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. The road follows the old railroad bed and parallels Little River as it passes through the area that was a company-owned town. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Is this still true and has anyone camped there recently? (reserve/pay via recreation.gov). Well off the beaten path, Cataloochee offers historic structures, opportunities for hiking, campgrounds, and spectacular vistas. WhiteBlaze Pages 2023 9. Tom Dunigan Obviously they do not also have the supporting family structure. Will not show on comments list. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 6. Eventually you would get a pretty well fine-tuned kit as long as you didnt get caught. In addition to answering your backpacking questions, the experienced backpackers in the Backcountry Information Office can provide you with tips to make your trip safe and enjoyable. It was a great first solo camping experience because I was alone without being alone. . But it would be good to get it back. GSMNP Campsite 64. . A short, steep push on narrow track drops back to the creek at Backcountry Campsite #60 (2.55 miles : 2,075'). Carving into or defacing trees, signs, shelters or other backcountry features is illegal. We were finishing up a 5 day loop in the GSMNP. Failure to do so may result in a fine of up to $5,000 per violation and/or 6 months in jail. , Cosby Campground is a remote camp with 157 sites. Hazel Creek is more than 15 miles long, before it empties into Fontana Lake. Look out Stecoah and Cheoah or depending on when this occurred they might be further along nearer Wayah? The AT serves as a backbone to which several major Smokies hiking trails connect. Fishing is permitted year-round, from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset. We enjoyed the view and took a selfy. Great views and not crowded. The tallest and, arguably, most exciting is Ramsay Cascades. The information office is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). In all my time in the park, Ive never stayed at #113 though. Local Trail Association Smoky Mountains Hiking Club Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to support trail development & maintenance. Somewhere in here Id guess and near water. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. campsite 46 (Indian Creek), A tad too far for us without spending the night! 2. Requires hiking several miles to a site located in the park's backcountry. The trail ends 3.6-miles from the trailhead. the bald is a great place to catch the sunrise/sunset, of course. Mt. All group campsites require a reservation. 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. (Can you say Brookies?) Several hikes are featured within these pages. 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. Heat-treated wood is available from a growing list of private businesses in communities around the park. 100% Recommend - 22 Responses. There used to be institutions for these people but now they are pretty much on their own. Thanks in advance for the help! camp.mxf, or Just use your normal common sense and good practices. Compare camping sites in Zeewolde, The Netherlands, read trusted reviews and book your campsite in Zeewolde, The Netherlands with confidence on Pitchup . Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Visitor Information - Recorded . Wide, level banks offer easy stream access and are ideal places to see deer, bear, turkey, fox, and coyote. 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 Really nice up there. Campsite List. The campsite is located on the Meigs Mountain Trail. Jenkins Ridge, As of 2013, ALL backcountry campsites must be reserved and a fee is required. Visitor centers maintain naturalist exhibits, provide Park literature such as trail maps, self guided tours, and books, and Park Rangers are on-hand to answer all Park-related questions. Beyond campsite 33B the trail begins to descend to Redwine creek. 9. No motorized vehicles are allowed in the backcountry. It leaves site #60 for another steep climb deeper into the forest before easing back to the creek at 4.1 miles (2,285'). Save. This is Martins Gap, the high point of the loop and ideal place to break and explore. In 2012, campsite 11 was closed (storm damage). Asters, wildflower, great smoky mountains, tn, north carolinaThe 49th annual Wildflower Pilgrimage will be held 22-24 April this year. Some weight and age limits apply. Interestingly, Cataloochee had a greater population (approximately 1,200) at its peak than Cades Cove. Each entry in the table above has an elevation profile of the trail between shelters based on this . Mon, 05 Oct 2020 04:50:44 -0600. I have my route mapped out, and it looks like these are the most sensible backcountry campsites to stop at each night. Heck we gave em the whole state. This campsite is only a few steps from the water. The only road that completely traverses the Park, Newfound Gap Road runs the 33 miles between Cherokee NC and Gatlinburg TN. If you pass the campsite, Big Creek Trail runs into Low Gap Trail which will take you to the Appalachian Trail. TN It's campsite number 119 and is maybe 200 feet off the AT. Smokemont, near Cherokee, NC (828) 497-2373 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. Short video of Backcountry Campsite #51 in the Great Smoky. And so is the trail up from Fontana. There are five designated backcountry campsites on the Deep Creek Trail - Indian Creek Trail Loop described above. " Delicious 12 Hours Later " 08/01/2023. Maximum party size is 8. We were in our tents from ~10pm-5am. some closed, some new ones open. A bud of mine got the crap scared out by a ranger while he was camping via a rare backcountry permit. I'm looking for any advice, reviews, insight on these particular sites. You may reserve group campsites at Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777, up to one year in advance. Located in frontcountry campgrounds. . There are 88 backcountry campsites in the national park that you need a permit to use. Same day reservations for Cataloochee are acceptable, but they must be made online or at the above phone number before arrival. Weathering wind and rain on Wine Spring Bald, Nantahala National Forest NC, Appalachian Trail, September 2017. Tying stock directly to trees is prohibited. Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. 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). 13, I think, is one of my favorites and not just because it's a short stroll from the bald. Building a fire in the fireplace of any historic structure or removing any parts of a historic structure, including brick or rock, is illegal. when are you planning for? We found close to 50 people jumping, swimming and cooling off in the brisk water and deep pool of this gorgeous hole. 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. Stock users, however, should be mindful of fragile riparian habitat as stock can quickly destroy these areas. Big Creek Campground is located in the far northeastern corner of the park. Crow's Landing RV Site #113 Crow's Landing RV Site. View campsites,trails, and landforms on Google map. One of the most popular hikes to Mt. You may not willfully approach within 50 yards (150 feet) of elk or bears. All park campgrounds have cold running water and restrooms with flush toilets. 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. We are planning for mid-June. CPAP machines, etc). The park entrance is about 2 miles away youll see this sign: Take the gravel road upstream .2 miles to the Big Creek Ranger Station. (also offers hayrides and carriage rides) 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. Fishing licenses and permits are not available in the park, but may be purchased in nearby towns or online. Bathing and washing dishes should be done well away from water sources and campsites. Do not attempt to climb the falls. This once heavily logged corridor on the Middle Prong of Little River is now a gateway to some of the Park's most remote backcountry trails, waterfalls and campsites. An update. Two parties affiliated with the same group may not stay in the same campsite or at the same shelter on the same night(s). 12. Theft on the AT - 10/26 at Campsite 113 just north of Fontana in the GSMNP WhiteBlaze Pages 2022 A Complete Appalachian Trail Guidebook. Enjoy waterfalls from a safe distance, and be mindful of slippery surfaces. A maximum of 60 people in total may utilize the group campsites. World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient . Im told fishing is very good up from the midnight whole to the Walnut Bottom campsite. If you are in/around the Smokies, please keep your eyes peeled and a close watch on your stuff. I can tell you this for certain, its a very well maintained and excellent location for your fishing base camp. more information on current conditions Additional information about this regulation. 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. Gatlinburg and Cherokee are at the northern and southern terminus of Newfound Gap Road the only road that completely traverses the Park. Campers may also collect dead and down wood found in the park for campfires. There is no entrance fee to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. More important that others be on the lookout. Guests in RVs, campers, pop-ups, buses, etc, must use other facilities. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Permits v3.5.070 - Last Update: December 8, 2022: Contact the Park. Saved from the huge lumber companies when the Park was established, some virgin stands of old-growth trees exist in the Great Smokies. 2009 campsite update, Campers may also collect dead and down wood found in the park for campfires. Failure to abide by park regulations may subject you to a fine under Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations. Maximum party size is 8. All food, trash, clothing, equipment or personal items must be packed out. Avoid the crowds, fish, hike, and enjoy the historical Cataloochee Valley. 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). I would not want to arrive at a campground and not have a space because I did not call. Maximum party size is 8. Get our free Handbook and Receive our weekly newsletter to see what's new at Backpacking Light! Here are some photos that Ill update as I take more trips! Hammocks may not be used inside shelters and may not be attached to shelters in any way. Sugarlands, near Gatlinburg, TN (865) 436-3535. This research effort designed and implemented a backcountry campsite monitoring program for Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). though the Park service may relocate camp sites. Two parties affiliated with the same group may not stay in the same campsite or at the same shelter on the same night(s). If you are hiking in the same general area, keep on the lookout. 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. Will Blozan, a North Carolina arborist has discovered 30 champion-sized trees throughout the southern Appalachians. I wasn't able to find much information. My guidebook states the shelter has been removed but there are pads installed. Maximum party size is 8. Balsam Mountain Campground is the highest elevation campground in the park at 5,310 feet. Brad, you can really see the difference in the season between your picture and mine. 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). 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. The popular spectacle will last through June 8, There are no entrance fees for GSMNP. 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. Veer right on Deep Creek Road and travel 1.5 miles to Tooth Creek Road. To get to Clingmans Dome, you want to be on Newfound Gap Road (the only road which completely traverses the Park). 5. Camping is permitted only at designated backcountry campsites and shelters. . 14. Veer right on Highway 19 and take this into Bryson City. And Im an expert because I read a wikipedia article on it last year. You won't get electricity at your campsite. No hunting is allowed anywhere in the park. Only used to identify you to ProTrails. We didnt go that far, as it would be 9.6 miles from the start. A beautiful campground with a horse stable for horse rental. Stock users are required to carry supplemental feed such as pellets, rolled grains or dehydrated alfalfa cutes on all backcountry trips. The seven with sites available for groupsinclude Big Creek, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, Elkmont, and Smokemont. Stock may not be tied within 100 feet of any water source. 78, Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting. Most likely this person was just after food, and they got very little from us since all we had left was a small bag of target sweet cajun trail mix and 9 breakfast bars, because the two bags he left behind had some really nice titanium pots and mugs in them. Complete Appalachian Trail brad, you can really see the difference in the park 5,310. Except the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail experience because i read a article... 157 sites stock can quickly destroy these areas they are pretty much on their.... Closed to new posts due to inactivity in total may utilize the group campsites common and! Nc and Gatlinburg tn horse stable for horse rental within 100 feet of any water source that far as... Base camp rain on Wine spring bald, Nantahala National Forest NC, Trail! 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Through the area that was a company-owned town hiking trails connect Cataloochee are acceptable, but may purchased... In/Around the Smokies, please be mindful of fragile riparian habitat as stock can quickly these. 2013, all backcountry camping in the brisk water and Deep pool of this gorgeous hole Mountains, tn NC... Guidebook states the shelter has been removed but there are 88 backcountry campsites on the Deep Creek and! For all backcountry camping in the National park 107 park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, tn, north carolinaThe annual... At campsite 113 just north of Fontana in the park see deer,,! And Cherokee are at the above phone number before arrival parallels Little River as passes... A rare backcountry permit cables centrally located among the sites as well as a backbone to which major! Mountain Trail to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking can quickly destroy these areas required carry! 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Your experience with this Trail happened down wood found in the far northeastern corner the. Communities around the park for campfires 113 just north of Fontana in the park established... Packed out view campsites, trails, and spectacular vistas was established, virgin!