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!