Overnight at Spence Field Shelter
Details
Break out your winter gear! Let's spend the night at Spence Field Shelter. This is a shuttle hike, so be ready to help with shuttling hikers and gear.
Those wishing to participate are responsible to book their own permit for the shelter. The cost for the permit is $8, and below is the link to book a permit for the shelter: https://smokiespermits.nps.gov/
Also, the Smokies does requires a daily parking pass. The parking pass options are a daily pass for $5, a weekly pass $15, or an annual pass $40. Below GSMNP's link to purchase parking passes. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm#basics
This hike starts with a shuttle from Cades Cove to Tremont. We will meet at 9am in Cades Cove at the Cades Cove Information Kiosk parking lot. From there, we will shuttle to West Prong trailhead in Tremont. Then the hiking begins at West Prong trailhead (2.7) in Tremont, and then up Bote Mountain (5.4) for a total of 8.1 miles to the shelter.
On Sunday, we will go down Bote Mountain (1.7), Anthony Creek (3.5) for a total of 5.2 miles. Then back to the cars, and finish the hike by shuttling back to Tremont.
I expect the temps to be cool at night. I recommend bringing a warm sleeping bag, a sleep pad, a beanie, gloves, a neck gaiter, a puffy, warm sleep clothes, and ear plugs.
One benefit of backpacking in the smokies are the bear cables. All food and smelly items will be hung up in the bear cables at night, so no need to bring a bear canister. This includes food, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, bug spray, sunscreen, and other smelly items.
The fire making talent skipped over me, so anyone willing to help build a fire?
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. I will be happy to answer any questions about the trip or backpacking gear.
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