Great Smoky Mtn Camping + Day Hiking:
Where: Elkmont Campground in Smokies Natl. Park
What: Smokies area base camping and day hiking
GPS: Google Maps: search for Elkmont Campground
(approx. 282 miles from Cincinnati, allow 5 hours)
Group Size: 8 (2 campsites: B30 and B32 for Sun, Mon, Tue and Wed nights)
Cost: approx $25 per person to cover campsite, firewood and shuttles if needed (will collect around the campfire - final cost (> $25) depends on number attending, firewood amount and whether we need a shuttle or not). Also, each driver will need to purchase a 1 week Smokies parking pass ($15) available online (see web link later) or at kiosks at the visitor centers.
Car Pooling: On your own, use Meetup to ask for a ride or offer a ride. A good place to meet is out past the garden center at Meijer on Houston Road in KY.
Communication: Once I know who is attending, I’ll ask for your cell phone number so I can set up a group chat the day before the trip.
The campsites are near the bath house. Flush toilets but no showers. I am still trying to determine if there are public fee based showers in Gatlingburg (10 miles - 30 minutes).
We will be doing 3 long day hikes (10 to 14 miles) plus a shorter one (or none) on the last day to allow for time to drive home. Detailed hike info to be posted later.
Everyone is on their own for food, cooler, and ice. Campsites have a picnic table and fire ring/grill. I will be bringing a gas grill and a small charcoal grill which I will be willing to share. I will have a large cooler for anyone who wants ice or cold storage. There is a camp store with firewood and a limited number of food items, camping gear and souvenirs.
Participants on this trip should have all of their own camping gear and food. Some of the hikes may have water crossings so carry water shoes with your day pack.
If you have any questions about what you need to bring, you can email me using Meetup, or call/text me at 513-608-2921.
TRIP RULES:
- The national park does NOT allow dogs – leave pup(s) at home.
- Please only RSVP “yes” if you actually plan to attend as space is limited on this trip.
- Cost: The cost of gas and parking pass to be shared with your driver.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Distance: Day hikes will 10 to 12 miles with several significant elevation changes.
- Pace: Moderate (we usually break up into hares and turtles).
- Travel time: About 6 hours driving time from Cincinnati
- The trip limit and RSVP deadline can change without notice.
- PLEASE READ: The trip leader is guided by the doctrine of assumed risk by all participants: you are responsible for knowing the risks of camping/hiking and agree to assume those risks. Full disclosure: I am not a professional hiking, backpacking or mountaineering guide - participate in this activity at your own risk!
If you have any questions....contact Terry. (cell 513-608-2921)
