Smokies

Don’t Count The Winter Out

Don’t Count The Winter Out

It's always a bummer in the East after the leaves have fallen, but the winter hikes can bring some great rewards! Growing up in California, I had never heard of...

Dec 4, 2022 : Zach
AT Days 140-143:  Max Patch and the Great Smokies

AT Days 140-143: Max Patch and the Great Smokies

I’d visit a couple of the AT’s premier attractions during this four day stretch on the Tennessee/North Carolina border.  Here are the daily details: Day 140 Hot Springs, NC to...

Sep 20, 2022 : Scott Morrison
Day 28-34 The Smokies (Part 2) thru Hot Springs

Day 28-34 The Smokies (Part 2) thru Hot Springs

Welp. As so often happens in Gatlinburg time stood still and we were stuck for 3 days instead of 2. Partially due to the Newfound Gap road closing and partially...

Apr 29, 2022 : Pinky and The Brain
My Scariest Moment on the Appalachian Trail

My Scariest Moment on the Appalachian Trail

A harrowing tale of getting caught alone in a midnight thunderstorm while camping on the exposed summit of Cheoah Bald, just south of the Smokies.

Apr 25, 2017 : Janel Gazelle
Fontana Village Watching Game One of the Series

Fontana Village Watching Game One of the Series

Real Life Drama So back at the Boots Off Hostel, I found out one of the credit cards I'm using on this trip was compromised.  Evidently someone was buying electronics...

Oct 25, 2016 : George Turner (Old Growth)
Smokies Secrets: Revealed!

Smokies Secrets: Revealed!

Some life experiences contain in them so much superlative that it’s hard to convey to others what they were like. We resort to hyperbole, or we simply shake our heads...

May 15, 2016 : Notebook
The Quarter-Trail Update (Part 2: Let It Snow)

The Quarter-Trail Update (Part 2: Let It Snow)

I've been terrible about updating this blog, so here's one massive update (This is part 2) to let you know what I've been hiking the past 550 miles.

Apr 22, 2016 : Zoë Symon
Weeks 2-3 : Hiawassee to Gatlinburg

Weeks 2-3 : Hiawassee to Gatlinburg

Let's get real for a minute here; hiking is hard! I have an ongoing bargaining conversation with my feet that goes something like this: Me: Ok, come on guys, we're...

Mar 16, 2016 : Victoria Ketteringham
Trail Update: Holy Smokes!

Trail Update: Holy Smokes!

Day 16- entered the Smokies Russell Field Shelter Miles: 13.9/mm: 179.8 Mood: 2 smileys Day of Eric's trail name, Rico suave Day 17 Derick Knob Shelter Miles: 9.2/mm: 189 Mood:...

May 3, 2015 : Laurel and Eric
Coco and Magnus — Days 21 through 28 — The Smokies, Mountaintops, and Moonshine

Coco and Magnus — Days 21 through 28 — The Smokies, Mountaintops, and Moonshine

I wrote a superb, top notch post of Magnus's and my fourth week on the AT, but the internet ate it. I was very sad. I will attempt to write...

Apr 13, 2015 : Courtney