Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Goshen Prong to the AT and Miry Ridge

Dudes and Dudettes! Another great excursion in the GSMNP began along the Little River Trail, went right onto the Goshen Prong Trail, west on the AT, and descended from Miry Ridge Trail, back to the Elkmont area where we had started from 2 days before.


This route would be considered difficult for many, in both the distance we covered the second day and the initial 4+ miles up from campsite #23, to the AT. This part of the trail was a consistent incline, becoming steep and narrow at times.
Some of this route was new for both myself and the "mysterious one", who accompanied me on this two night walk in the park.  Actually she chose the route with a little help from our friend Pam in the Backcountry Office at the SVC.

The overall ascent on this route began in a subtle way after we took our first steps on the Little River Trail, and becomes much more dramatic after leaving #23, and beginning the final ascent to the AT.
Once we reached the AT, we "slow walked" it for the most part stopping at Double Springs and Siler's Bald shelters, each for a brief time to rest, lay in the grass and enjoy the moment!, before beginning our final approach to campsite #26, and our second nights stay.

It should be noted that there was little water flow at the "water source" near #26.  A reminder to keep those bottles full as it was literally just dripping. However we were able to secure enough water to have some coffee with our pop-tarts etc... in the morning!

Saturday, September 9, 2017

Great Smoky Mountains NP and Hurricane Irma

(Stay tuned to your local weather for more storm information)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials continue preparations for Hurricane Irma and will be enacting road and facility closures beginning Saturday September 9. Predictions from the National Weather Service indicate Irma will be a tropical depression rated-storm when she reaches the Smokies beginning as early as Monday morning.  Officials anticipate sustained winds of 30-50 mph with higher gusts throughout Monday and into Tuesday, with the most severe weather predicted for Tuesday.  Rainfall amounts of 2-5 inches Monday afternoon through Wednesday morning are likely.

Closing Saturday, September 9, 2017
Picnic Areas
  •      Big Creek, Collins Creek, Deep Creek, and Heintooga
Front Country Campgrounds
  •     Balsam Mountain, Big Creek, and Deep Creek
Horse Campgrounds
  •     Big Creek and Round Bottom
Roads

                Tennessee
  •      Ramsey Cascade Road including Ramsey Cascade Trail
  •      Tremont Road (Upper) from Tremont Institute to Middle Prong Trailhead
               North Carolina
  •     Balsam Mountain Road
  •     Clingmans Dome Road
  •     Deep Creek Access Road and Tom’s Branch
  •     Heintooga Ridge Road/Round Bottom Road/ Straight Fork Road
  •     NC Hwy 284
  •     Twentymile
Facilities/Concession Operations
  •     Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center at Purchase Knob
  •     Clingmans Dome Information Center
  •     Leconte Lodge

Closing Sunday, September 10, 2017

 Picnic Areas
  •   Cades Cove, Chimneys, Cosby, Greenbrier, Metcalf, and Twin Creeks
Campgrounds
  •   Abrams Creek, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Elkmont, and Smokemont
Horse Campgrounds
  •   Anthony Creek, Cataloochee, and Tow-String
Roads

                Tennessee
  •   Abrams Creek Road
  •   Cades Cove Loop Road at 6 p.m.
  •   Cherokee Orchard Road
  •   Cosby Access Road
  •   Elkmont Road
  •   Forge Creek Road
  •   Greenbrier Road
  •   Laurel Creek Road
  •   Little River Road
  •   Rich Mountain Road
  •   Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
  •   Tremont Road
  •   Wear Cove Gap Road
            North Carolina
  •  Cataloochee Road
  •  Lakeview Drive
Facilities
  • Appalachian Clubhouse and Spence Cabin
  • Cable Mill Visitor Center
  • Cades Cove Stables
  • Smoky Mountain Stables
  • Smokemont Riding Stables
  • Sugarlands Riding Stables
  • Tremont Institute
Scheduled closures will make most park trailheads inaccessible.  Overnight backcountry use is not recommended beginning Sunday through Thursday due to the potential threat of downed trees and flooded stream crossings causing rivers and trails to become impassable.  All backcountry reservation holders are encouraged to alter their trip plans.  Refunds will be available to those who are unable to reschedule their trip for an alternative date.
Roads, campgrounds and facilities will be reopened as quickly as possible once staff evaluate the conditions and determine they are safe for opening.