2 night backpacking trip in Smoky Mountains around Clingmans dome.

Hello everyone, this is an another atrempt at my previous Clingmans Dome area trip to the Great Smoky Mountains. This will be a two night backpacking trip with one night at campsite 71, and the other at Silers Bald shelter. total mileage is around 23.5 miles, but there will be some serious elevation gain and loss over that mileage, so be prepared to challenge yourself.
I am driving the 4-hour 20-minute trip on Thursday, the 13th after work around 1pm and staying in Pigeon Forge the night before to get a good start on Friday.

Friday the 14th: Start at the Clingmans dome trailhead around 9am. backpack 10.0 miles downhill to campsite 71. Total elevation loss of 4,270 feet.

Saturday, the 15th--backpack 8 miles, with some good climbs to the Silers Bald shelter. 3,352 feet of elevation gain. Whew!

Sunday, the 16th--Silers Bald shelter to Clingmans Dome trailhead and stopping off at the Clingmans Dome observation tower seen in the photo. The trails we will be taking this day is entirely on the Appalachian Trail. Woooo!!!!!

This will be a rather demanding trip, but, with that said, I will be taking my time, especially on the uphills, as I am still a bit out of shape! well, a lot out of shape, so there is that! ha!

This is a multi day backpacking trip, so please bring along all items needed for multiple days in the backcountry. This includes food, water, a way to treat water, shelter, sleep system, and clothing for changing weather conditions. The permits for 4 people are $64, so roughly $16 a person. I am getting a hotel in Pigeon Forge on Thursday, the 13th. to get a jump on Friday. whatever option you choose, make sure to be at the Clingmans dome trailhead by 9am on Friday. Thanks! If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I am willing to carpool as well which will help on fuel cost for whoever decides to go that route. Thanks!