Smokies Part 2: Newfound Gap to Standing Bear Hostel. 34-35 Miles. Difficult

Please join me, weather pending, for a fall trip in the Smokies from Newfound Gap to Pigeon River Bridge. The trip is 33-35 miles depending on whether we go up to Mt. Cammerer which is optional.

Shuttle: I will make some calls for a one way shuttle shuttle and the amount per person will be TBD.

Reservations: You must go on to https://smokiespermits.nps.gov/ and reserve / pay for your spot at each shelter. Saturday night we will be at Peck's Corner Shelter, Sunday night we will be at Cosby Knob Shelter. Make sure you reserve accordingly. You must also print your permit and carry it on you per National Park requirements.

Where: We will meet at Standing Bear Hostel and leave our cars there. I believe there is a fee for parking there. I am not sure what the fee is, but I will let everyone know.

Difficulty: This trip be cold!. If the weather doesn't look good, I will cancel the trip. You must be an experienced winter backpacker capable of hiking 12+ miles a day with 3000+ feet of elevation per day. You must also carry your own navigational tools in case we get separated and know how to use them.

Day 1: Newfound Gap to Peck's Corner Shelter: 10.5 Miles. Approx: 2,900 Ft. elevation gain.

Day 2: Peck's Corner Shelter to Cosby Knob Shelter: 12.9 Miles. Approx: 2,700 Ft. elevation gain.

Day 3: Cosby Knob Shelter to Pigeon River Bridge: 9.5 Miles, and a little further to Standing Bear. If we are feeling like it and the weather is good, we have the option of going up to Mt. Cammerer which is a 0.6 mile trail off the AT. This will add an additional 1.2 miles to the trip for a total of 10.7 miles. Approx: 1,100 ft. elevation gain and more if we go up to Cammerer. Descent to the car will be over 4k ft.

Waitlist: If you are interested in coming and are on the wait list, I am open to adding more people; however, you will have to arrange your own shuttle.