Name: Winter Old Settlers Backpacking Trip (17 Miles / 3,500+ Elevation Gain
Start: 2025-11-15T08:30:00-05:00
End: 2025-11-16T15:00:00-05:00
Location: Old Settlers Trail Head

**\*\*\* PLEASE READ THE WHOLE POST BEFORE SIGNING UP \*\*\***

**TRIP OVERVIEW**
This is a **point-to-point winter overnight backpacking trip totaling approximately 17 miles over 2 days with over 3,500 feet in elevation gain**. We will be camping overnight at GSNP back country campsite #33. It is a small campsite with limited tent space. There is a water source & bear cables. There is no shelter and no privy.

Old Settlers Trail has some of the best historical structures of any in the park. It is rich in history featuring many ruins of chimneys, cemeteries, and other stone structures built by families of the area's original settlers.
*Sound like fun? Then read on!*

**TAKE A LOOK AT THE HIKE MAP AND PROFILE:**
[MAP](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/hqrsvq6amiqszzbas34y5/MD-OldSettlers_BP_Map_GAII.pdf?rlkey=ptxs5uglj3tulgdjoj20v80um&st=zi7ft6ws&dl=0)
[PROFILE](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/1bcrertho7psxogo0g4hg/MB-OldSettlers_BP_Profile_Caltopo.pdf?rlkey=8hdsmqazfzljehg1zrfg4lzc2&st=1ckg93p5&dl=0)
[Profile w/Daily Notes](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/o8svj8ljm4pgery9y33zw/MD-OldSettlers_BP_TrailProfile-w-Notes.pdf?rlkey=fclpd3k77qcb0ajipfuacss4k&st=cmgrr5wm&dl=0)
[GPX Export](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/73smxg28sfe87grgm9mz8/MD-OldSettlers_BP_Export_GAII.gpx?rlkey=rvp84dbg2j6q0rr1t11btf407&st=kv7zhgfa&dl=0)

*Like what you see? Then read on!*

**ASK YOURSELF:**
\-\- Do I have the right cold weather gear? Overnight temps in November can range from the mid\-40s to low\-30's\.
\-\- Can I handle the daily mileage and elevation change while carrying a backpack likely weighing 28lb \-35lb while maintaining a 2mph pace?

*Think you can? Then read on!*

**$8 BACK COUNTRY CAMPING PERMIT REQUIRED AND IS NON-REFUNDABLE.**
GSNP requires a back country permit for each person per night. Those wishing to participate are responsible for booking their own permit for BC#33. Here is the link to book a permit once you have been moved off the wait list. [Permit](https://smokiespermits.nps.gov/)

Please do not book your permit until you have been moved off the waitlist!

**MOTHER NATURE CAN BE BEAUTIFUL… AND UNPREDICTABLE!**
For safety reasons, should weather turn out to be below freezing and/or raining we will either cancel, postpone, or convert the trip into a day hike. Cancellation for any reason is at the sole discretion of the event host. Your $8 back country permit is non-refundable.

*Are you a hope for the best and plan for the worst kinda backpacker? Then Join the Wait List!*

**JOIN THE WAIT LIST ANSWER THE RSVP QUESTIONS:**
The wait list is on a first come, first serve basis. Please answer all of the RSVP questions at signup if you want to be moved off of the Wait List. If you don't answer all the questions or fail to pay the permit fee, you will not be moved off the Wait List, and you may lose your place in line.

1. **What is your winter backpacking experience level?**
2. **What is the lowest temp you have backcountry camped overnight?**
3. **Are you willing to help shuttle hikers to the starting trailhead?**

**If you don't provide this information when you RSVP you will remain on the Wait List indefinitely, and will lose your spot in line.**

**LATE COMERS AND 'NO SHOWS'**
Because this type of event has a lot of moving parts it's important that everyone is on time (or early). You wouldn't want to get left behind because you're running late. If you plans change and you can't come on the hike please remember to change your RSVP before the event close date.

**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](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/iwspby1jbdish6mm0n0n2/Meetup-Disclaimer-2025.pdf?rlkey=e5cu3c3z9lffd1i62wdufwzzs&st=i5i1hcrx&dl=0)**

**EVENT LEADER(s):**
Gigi D. / 900 Miler

Gigi D.

Great Smokies Hiking & Adventure Group

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Winter Old Settlers Backpacking Trip (17 Miles / 3,500+ Elevation Gain

Old Settlers Trail Head

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Great Smokies Hiking & Adventure Group

Winter Old Settlers Backpacking Trip (17 Miles / 3,500+ Elevation Gain

Great Smokies Hiking & Adventure Group

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