Fall Campout at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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 two group campsites at Cosby Campground on the Tennessee side of the park
(https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cosby-campground-information.htm) that can accommodate 40 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.

Cosby Campground is approximately 2.5 hours from Greenville. Bathrooms are located at the group site.

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. Feel free to bring your own meal, or a group may decide to drive into town for dinner. 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:
Cosby Group Camp, Loop D, Sites G01 and G02

Restroom facilities

Amenities:
Each of the sites has: 2 30ft.x14ft. tent pads, 2 picnic tables, 2 stand-up grills, and 1 fire ring. Restrictions: No RVs at group site, certified heat-treated wood only, etc.

Parking
Parking is limited to 6 vehicles at the group campground. These will be reserved first for hike leaders leading a hike Saturday that requires a shuttle to their trailhead. All other vehicles will be able to park overnight at Cosby Picnic Area A. To park here, you will need to purchase a parking tag for the Smokies; be sure to cover for the three days you'll be parked here: https://www.recreation.gov/activitypass/AP2510

You will be able to drop off and pick up your sleeping gear with your vehicle.

Weekend Hikes:
Friday Hike
(VVSS) Mt. Sterling Fire Tower

Saturday Hikes
(MS/S) Hen Wallow Falls
(VS) Ramsey Cascades
(VVS) Mt. Cammerer
(VVSS) Mt. Sterling Fire Tower

Sunday Hikes
TBD