What we’re about
Our group organizes and participates in hikes and outdoor activities covering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and East Tennessee Parks, National Forests, and other venues as suggested by members. This group is based out of the Maryville and Knoxville TN area, some members from as far away as Florida. We have hikes and adventures planned for almost every Saturday and Sunday every month and anyone interested in joining us is more than welcome to join. We are an open venue with suggestions for hikes from light to strenuous hikes from all members of the group. As the weather gets warmer, we do organize some evening moonlight walks or hikes as an alternative to the day hikes. We have two or three 'Hike and Camp' weekend events every year in one of the Park campgrounds. And if you enjoy back country camping, we do that also, but the spaces on those usually fill up fast due to back country permit availability. Hiking, rock climbing, skiing, biking, river rafting and a cookout thrown in every now and then! This is a great way to exercise, appreciate nature and meet some new people. We are lot of fun, so join up!!!
Please go to the 'About' menu option on the GSHAG home page to learn more before you join our group, or click the following link on a desktop or laptop.
https://www.meetup.com/Great-Smokies-Hiking-Adventure-Group/
----You must have a clear, current, close up, face forward, head and shoulders *only* photo of you, for your profile photo, and list it as your main photo to join---- Only one person in the photo please ...You! - so we can recognize you at events!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Backpacking the AT From Davenport gap to Max Patch/Hard 14.8 milesMax Patch Parking, Del Rio, TN
Let's enjoy the fall weather and hike from Davenport gap to Max Patch. This is a shuttle hike. We will meet at Max Patch parking lot and drive to Big creek ranger station parking lot. We will leave the cars there and hike up the road to Davenport gap to take the AT. Davenport gap is not safe to leave cars.
You will need a parking tag to leave you car at big creek. Parking tag link****Here is the trail description from AllTrails**** Be familiar with the route and have a map. I am neither an expert nor a guide, just a hiking dudette enjoying nature.
I am planning on taking my tent because those shelters are sometimes full. I will carry as well 2 litters of water. It looks like the shelter has bear cables, however feel free to bring a bear canister. In the fall, bears are entering hyperphagia and they can visit us at the shelter!
Saturday : 9.5 miles + 1 mile hiking on the road from Big Creek to Davenport Gap. There will be a 7.8 hike up, 2000 feet EG. We will camp at Groundhog creek shelter. The road to Max Patch is a dirt road, however cars can make it. A few potholes on the road, but otherwise in good condition.
Sunday : 5.3 miles to Max Patch, up again most of the way. We can have lunch at Max Patch and enjoy the view. We will get our cars and shuttle hikers back to Big creek.
By joining and/or participating in any Great Smoky Mountain Hiking and Adventure Group (GSMHAG) event or activity you agree to hold the organizers and participants harmless from any loss, damage or liability that may occur during this event or while in transit to and from the event, assume all personal risks and liability related to or resulting from any GSMHAG activities, functions and events and agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's organizers, or members liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. In addition, by participating in any Great Smoky Mountain Hiking and Adventure Group event you assert and agree that you have the appropriate skills, physical conditioning, equipment and supplies to properly participate in the events that you chose to attend and that your membership in this group is on an "at will" basis.
- Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower in October...(Strenuous/Difficult Level)Cosby Campground, Smoky Mountain National Park, TN
If you haven't hiked 10 miles in the Smokies with me, then you must contact me about your hiking in the Smokies before signing up for this hike.
Have you seen Mt. Cammerer and the fire tower in October? Why not?
The tower is unique to the Smokies and the eastern part of the United States.This is a long loop hike of 16 miles. We will go up Low Gap which is a long steady climb to the AT. This is a strenuous hike but we should be able to make it an enjoyable one even with the steep climb. We will return by Lower Mt. Cammerer trail. The temps should be fine down low and should be cooler up on top. Low Gap is not easy going up or going down. Bring your poles for going up Low Gap.
For the map, profile, and GPS of the hike visit here.
We will do lunch at the tower depending on the hike or we may pick some place before the tower.Hiking poles will be very beneficial on this hike.
Bring plenty of water and snacks. You will want extra water for this hike.
Getting there: Be careful of your GPS settings make sure they are taking you to Cosby and not the Newport Ranger station. From Knoxville: I-40 East to Exit #443. This will be the Foothills Parkway exit. It is the easiest way to get to Cosby Campground. At the end of the Parkway take Highway 32 and follow the signs to Cosby Campground.
For those coming from the Gatlinburg side, you will want to take Highway 321 to Cosby. Park in the designated hiker's parking lot on the left.
- Let's Hike, Camp, Relax, Reflect, and Feast, Fall Camp Out, Bring It!Bandy Creek Campground, Oneida, TN
GROUP CAMP IS FULL - I have received the 30 paid reservations
We scored an October Date! The FAll Campout, Big South Fork Group Campground, Fall colors should be at their peak. So much to see and do in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Thursday night, Friday night and Saturday night, plenty of opportunities to show off your camp cook skills. No you do not have to be there everynight.
Group meals, libations, lots of trails and a great campground.
You might say that autumn is the BSF’s wheelhouse. When the northern Cumberland Plateau is decked out in the orange and red hues of fall, there are few places in Tennessee that are as spectacular.
Bandy Creek Campground is located in the Tennessee portion of Big South Fork off of Highway 297, 15 miles west of Oneida and 24 miles east of Jamestown.
We Have Group Camping E2 Booked: This Group Campground is located across from the Bandy Creek Campground. This group camp has 16 sites (numbered 20 through 35). Amenities exclusive to this camp area include a covered pavilion with electric, campfire circle, and a private bath house with hot water showers. Additional amenities available are paved interior roads, swimming pool, amphitheater, mountain biking, horse back riding, and hiking trails. Although there is electric available at the picnic pavilion, there are no hook-ups on each site. The site limits a maximum number of cars at 32. Access to bathhouse with hot showers!!
To reserve a spot for 3 nights; be one the first 30 people to pay $20. Easiest way is to use Venmo @JD-Schlandt, or send a check to 110 Hillcrest Street Clinton TN 37716. Everyone attending must pay $20, and each site will be have to accomodate 2 tents. You can share your TENT with others, but we are restricted to 32 vehicles. $20 is a heck of a deal for 3 nights of camping.
Additionally, the camp-ground offers a total of 181 campsites: 96 trailer sites which offer water and electric hook-ups, 49 sites for tent camping. All campsites include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms and showers.
Campground reservations for sites within Big South Fork can now be made through National Recreation Reservation Service by calling 1-877-444-6777 or online at recreation.gov
For a map of Campground Click Here Bandy Creek Campground
Camp Store would be open by Friday, April 7 and initially will be stocking ice, firewood, sodas, snacks, wine, BEER, and maps with more products being added to the shelves in the following weeks
Hikes and other events will be posted separately.
Link to paid reservations in Group Camp:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TqH-vnSJ5RJFbTB1tnc8Blwsf7SRQuhVH7xxRseA-mI/edit?usp=sharing
