Gatlinburg to Hot Springs: Zero Day City

Gatlinburg Zero Day

We arrived at Newfound Gap and got one of the church shuttles to take us to the NOC which is an outdoor retailer located in Gatlinburg, TN.  Upon arriving in Gatlinburg we noticed the CiCi’s pizza buffet and proceeded to eat pizza like it was our job in the words of Kyle Rohrig.   The next day we got a ride from my mom and brother who decided to come to Gatlinburg for my brothers spring break from school.  We got to go to lunch and then go to the Walmart.  This was awesome because if we had not gotten this ride it would have been about a 20 minute hitch hike to Pigeon Forge to get cheap resupply.  This was some great prearranged trail magic.  You dont know how valuable your vehicle is until you are setting at a town bus stop or trying your luck getting a ride somewhere.  We ate lunch and then resupplied at Walmart.  Before dinner I had to go back to Wal Mart because I forgot some stuff, thanks mom.  After that we ate dinner at the American goat and after food and showers all was well in the hiker universe.

 

Newfound Gap to Tri Corner Knob Shelter

The first day out of town is always exciting because you feel fresh from the shower and inordinate amount of food but also soul crushing because you have your full 4-5 day food resupply.  This day was no exception we ate free breakfast at the Super 8 and then got another ride on the church shuttle back to Newfound Gap.  We got back on the trail at around 11 am hiked our 11 miles and rolled in the campsite about 630pm.  Since it was late and we were in the Smokies where you have to fill up the shelters myself and my hiking partner, Ounce, gladly took some shelter spots to go to sleep earlier and not have as much to break down in the morning.

Tri Corner Knob to Painter Creek Campsite

This was a pretty normal day the best part about this day was the Mt.Crammer lookout.  I made a youtube video to capture the awesome view.  I will paste it below for your viewing pleasure.

Painter Creek Camp Site to Max Patch

This day again I had to make a video of Max Patch.  There is a reason it is one of the most photographed areas of the trail.  Instead of telling you how awesome it is I am just gonna post my video below and let you be jealous you weren’t there to experience it in all its glory.  The hike to get up there is a long steady grind but worth every minute.

Roaring Fork to Hot Spring

My initial plan was to hike 15 and then camp 3 miles out side of Hot Springs, NC and go in the morning.  This plan changed when I arrived at the shelter at 1:40 pm and decided that I need to go into town and get some of that delicious town food.  With that it brings me full circle to my current situation of being on a zero day in Hot Springs, NC.  Highly recommend giving Hot Springs, NC a zero day if your hike plan allows it.

Chris G.-Two Speed