Fall Campout at Smokemont

Join the GNHA Hiking Club for a fun weekend of camping and hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Simply join the waitlist and you'll be sent a link to pay a $10 fee to help cover fire wood, parking and other costs. Once you've paid, you'll move to the "Going" list.

We've reserved three group campsites at Smokemont Campground on the North Carolina side of the park
(https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/smokemont-campground.htm) that can accommodate 60 members. We will plan to have 3-4 different hikes on Saturday at different paces and difficulty. We will likely have a shorter group hike on Sunday. Those camping with the group will be given priority to join the weekend hikes.

We will also plan to gather as a group around the campfire to share stories and socialize.

Parking area is adjacent to site and can accommodate 15 total cars so we'll need to carpool to the location. Bathrooms are located at the group site.

Smokemont Campground is approximately 2.5 hours from Greenville. We will work to arrange carpools prior to the event.

Hikers are responsible for bringing their own camping gear (tent, sleeping bags, etc.), water, food and day hiking items.

Weekend Meal Planning
Friday evening: We are planning a happy hour and potluck that will begin at 5 p.m. Bring your favorite heavy "hor'dourves" (salad, pasta, charcuterie, etc.) to share and if your item is vegan or gluten free, be sure to label it for others. Please note there is no power source or grill on site, so be sure to plan your meal around that. You are also welcome to bring beverages to share.

Saturday evening: Campers will be responsible for planning their meal since there are no grills on site. Feel free to bring your own meal, or a group may decide to drive into Cherokee, N.C. for dinner. The drive to Cherokee is about 20 minutes each way. We will still gather around the campfire, like Friday evening, and socialize. S'mores will almost certainly make an appearance.

Check-In Details
Check-in: Friday at 1 p.m.
Check-out: Sunday at Noon

Campsite Details:
Smokemont Group Camp, Loop D, Sites G01, G02, and G03

Restroom facilities
For use only by these 3 sites (so, GNHA-only).

Amenities:
Each of the 3 sites has: 5 13’x13 tent pads, 2 picnic tables, and 1 fire ring. Restrictions: No RVs at group site, certified heat-treated wood only, etc.

Weekend Hikes:
(M/MS) Mingus Creek Trail & Mill
(S) Chimney Tops & Cove Hardwoods Nature Trail
(VS) Charlies Bunion & The Lookout
(VVS) Mt. LeConte via Alum Cave