Twentymile/Gregory Bald Overnight - June 13-14, 2026
Details
Please read the entire description before you RSVP
If this trip caught your attention do this:
1. RSVP.
2. Text me at 931-267-9378. Venmo me $10 to help cover the permit fees. (My Venmo is @BackpackerWill). Please do this within 24 hours of RSVP'ing.
3. Pack your stuff (very important step).
4. Show up.
5. Hike.
(NOTE: Capacity for this trip is 8 people, including the host, due to availability of permit)
Let's beat the heat with some elevation in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Twentymile Loop, culminating at Gregory Bald, is one of the most beautiful areas of the Smokies. The hike is full of rhododendra, azaleas, and a good bit of elevation.
Saturday, June 13: We will meet at Twentymile Trailhead at 11:00 AM Eastern Time (10:00 AM Central Time). It's an early-ish start. I recommend staying somewhere nearby the night before. More on that below. From there we will hike the Twentymile Trail counterclockwise up to Gregory Bald and camp at Sheep Pen Gap, approximately .25 miles past Gregory Bald. With any luck, we'll get up there in time for a gorgeous sunset.
Totals for the day:
Miles: 9
Approximate Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,750/400
Sunday, June 14: We will hike the remainder of the Twentymile Loop back to the trailhead.
Miles: 7
Elevation G/L: 400/3,750
Totals for the trip: Approx. 16 miles, 3,750 ft elevation gain/loss.
Difficulty: This is a strenuous hike, but suitable for any skill level. 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 is a water source about 0.2 miles past the campsite. There may be some water along the route, but fill up whenevver you can or plan to carry enough to get yourself to camp.
Food Storage: There are bears in the Smokies. However, there are cables to hang your packs from so there is no need for an Ursack or canister.
Cost: The cost is $10 to cover the cost of the permits. My Venmo is @BackpackerWill
Carpooling: If we can coordinate it, carpooling is highly recommended. Parking is limited at the trailhead. If you're carpooling, please be prepared to help the driver out with gas money.
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Friday Night, June 12 Lodging Options:
Fontana Dam Shelter:
There is a backpacker's shelter and campsite on the AT near Fontana Dam. Permits are not required. It is free to stay there. Its a really nice shelter, accordingly nicknamed the Fontana Hilton. I plan to drive down Friday afternoon and stay there.
Fontant Village and Resort:
There is a nice resort just a few minutes from the trailhead. It's a bit pricey, but might be worth it to you. They do, however have several eating establishments which may be good options for dinner Friday night or breakfast Saturday morning.
Important Information aboout Parking Passes:
Your vehicle must have a parking pass if parked in the park for more than 15 minutes. You can buy daily or weekly passes HERE or an annual pass HERE.
This trip is for experienced backpackers familiar with the distance and elevation gain involved. This will be a "go at your own pace" hike, so come prepared with a map and an understanding of the route.
If I haven't hiked with you previously, please send me a Meetup message with your phone number when you rsvp for this trip. If I don't receive your contact info within 24 hours of when you sign up, your spot will go to the next person on the waitlist.
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.