Great Smokies Hiking & Adventure Group

WHAT TO BRING
We always suggest carrying the 10 essentials when going into the woods. You can download a pdf file from REI here: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/day-hiking-checklist.html
Because it’s the Appalachian Mountains, be mindful of the weather and bring the necessary waterproof outer layers, insulation, water, and snacks to be safe.

DISCLAIMER:
By joining and/or participating in any Great Smoky Hiking and Adventure Group (GSHAG) 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 GSHAG 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 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.

This is the link to the website: https://navitatknoxville.com/

This is a family friendly event! Kids and adults are both welcome to join the fun in the trees.

The cost is $55- $60 depending on the group size. In addition, Ijams charges $5 for parking. There are two different options to book this event depending on the interest. If 15 people or less are interested, then we will book individual tickets.

If 16-30 people are interested, then I will book the group rate. The group rate does require a $300 deposit to secure the timeslot. The ticket price for a group is around 10% less than an individual ticket.

If I book the group rate, then I will require a $10- $20 (depending on the group size) deposit from each person attending before booking. If there is enough interest, then I will send out more information in September on securing the group rate.

This is one my favorite activities in Knoxville, and I am excited to take a group there. Please reach out if you have any additional questions about the event.

We’ll spend the weekend at the Elkmont Campground off of Little River Rd. near Gatlinburg, TN, from Friday through Sunday, October 10-12. We'll take advantage of the crisp Fall mornings in the high 40s, and warm afternoons in the high 60s to hike, feast and socialize as the leaves begin to change!

This is a fantastic opportunity to visit the waterfalls, trails, and streams on the TN side of the GSMNP, along the Little River and Middle Prong rivers

We’ll offer multiple events over the weekend, from Beginner to Difficult level hikes, and mini-clinics on how to “Stay Safe and Found” and how to get the most out of your Garmin emergency satellite device; with more hikes and adventures on Friday and Sunday.

DINING
We’ll share a group potluck style cookout on Saturday night, with volunteers cooking burgers, hotdogs, and grilled cheese sandwiches. We’ll meet at a designated campsite for dinner. Everyone is encouraged to bring a side, salad, or dessert to be shared among the group.

HIKING
On Saturday we’ll set up a series of hikes originating and/or ending near the campground. We’ll also offer a family friendly waterfall hike to the often forgotten Spruce Flats Falls near the Tremont Institute. More info and sign-ups to come.

CAMPING
Hikers can choose to camp overnight on Friday, Saturday, or both nights. We’ll be camping in the area on the northeast side of the campground. There are spaces for tents, as well as RVs, and camper trucks, and the generator loop is the next road over. We have already started grabbing campsites in Loops A and B.

Campsite reservations can be made online at the link below. Most sites can accommodate 2-3 tents in the designated platforms. Consider sharing your site, and split the $30 per site/per night cost. A NPS Annual Pass for Seniors provides 50% off camping fees in the Park.

As soon as families start planning their Fall Leaf Season trips these spots will be Gone! If you want to camp, you’ll need to make your reservations now!

PARKING TAGS
Frontcountry campers parked at their designated campsite will not be required to have a parking tag for the 2 vehicles permitted. If you are parked elsewhere in the park or campground as a visitor a parking tag is required. You can buy a daily or weekly pass at the Townsend Wye, Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion, or the Sugarlands Visitor Center.

“FEED THE BEAR”
This event will also provide members a chance to “Feed the Bear” which helps us raise funds to pay the annual Meetup fee of $300 for the GSHAG group. We use any excess funds collected to cover the costs of providing the main entrées at our seasonal Campouts/Cookouts. This allows the Organizers to run the GSHAG group without charging any member or event fees. More information to follow.

If you enjoy our events, please consider "Feeding the Bear".

RSVP
Please RSVP now if you plan to attend so we can get a general idea of how many hikes and leaders we’ll need, and how much food we’ll need to buy for the cookout.

Please choose only one of the following when you RSVP.
1. Planned events only
2. Cookout only
3. Both

NAVIGATION AIDS
Elkmont Campground Ranger Station
Elkmont Campground Map
Campsite reservations

DISCLAIMER
By signing up for this event you affirm that you understand this disclaimer and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the Organizers of this Meetup group.

Full Disclaimer

EVENT HOSTS
GSHAG Leadership Team