Introduction to the Smokies: Overnight Backpack at Cabin Flats - Dec 13-14, 2025
Details
Please read the entire description before you RSVP
First, the admin stuff:
1. RSVP to get ON the waitlist.
2. Text me at 931-267-9378. Venmo me $10 to cover the permit fees. This will move you to the going list.
3. Pack your stuff (very important step)
4. Show up.
5. Hike.
(NOTE: Capacity for this trip is 8 people, MAX. No exceptions.)
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Now for the good part!
Let's have a less intense adventure in the Smokies, a hike that is suitable for all skill levels. Here are the details:
Friday, December 12 (optional): I will likely be traveling late Friday night to camp somewhere closer to the Smokies, possibly at Smokemont Campground. Details TBA.
Saturday, December 13: We will meet at the Smokemont Campground, the Bradley Fork Trailhead, no later than 11:00 AM Central Time (12:00 PM Eastern). From there, we will hike the Bradley Fork Trail (approx. 4.2 miles, 885 ft elevation gain) to the Cabin Flats Trail (approx. 0.7 miiles, 165 ft elevation gain), then take that trail to the Cabin Flats campsite (#49). It's one of the most beautiful campsites in the Smokies, right next to a small river/creek (Bradley Fork).
Totals for the day:
Miles: 4.9
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1051/250
**Sunday, December 14:**We will hike out the same way we hiked in, back to Smokemont Campround, then drive home.
Miles: 4.9
Elevation G/L: 250/1051 (basically all downhill)
Totals for the trip: 9.8 miles, 1051 ft elevation gain/loss.
Difficulty: This is an easy to moderate hike. It's a very gradual climb for the entire 4.9 miles. The hike is suitable for any skill level. The difficulty is less than the Red Trail at Percy Warner Park, or anything at Radnor. Please know your fitness level, have a map, and be able to navigate before signing up for this trip. A slow and steady hiker is fine, as long as you can find your way to camp. This is a go at your own pace hike.
Weather: We will go rain or shine, unless there are severe storms in the forecast. It will likely be quite chilly, so plan accordingly. I'll post weather updates closer to the trip.
Water: There are some water sources along the route, and one at camp. Please have a map and familiarize yourself with where those are and plan accordingly.
Food Storage: There are bears in the Smokies, but there are cables to hang your food (they recommend hanging your entire pack), so you do not need to bring a canister or Ursack.
Cost: The cost is $10 to cover the cost of the permits. If you're carpooling, please be prepared to help the driver out with gas money.
Carpooling: If we can coordinate it, carpooling is highly recommended. Parking is limited at the trailhead.
If you have any questions about this hike, please let me know. My phone number is 931-267-9378. Please RSVP with integrity....canceling at the last minute keeps someone else from attending.
Gaia Route