I would love to hear anyone’s recommendations on long and/or difficult trails in TN or its surrounding states. Thanks
arlo
Best Trails - Appalachian Trail
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#3
The GSMNP is great and the section north of there is great and beautiful as well. The GSMNP can be very crowded, most people (day hikers, weekend hikers, scouts, etc.) want to do the Park. But the hike between Davenport Gap and Hot Springs is just as beautiful and rewarding. A lot of different types of terrain, not as many people, wide vistas, Max Patch, streams, foot bridges, beautiful shelters, large granite boulders, rhodadendian tunnels, not real diffiult, and ends in the wonderful city of Hot Springs.
Bilko
system
#4
I second Bilko’s recommendation. The section beyond davenport gap is great. Camp in the area just north of Max Patch. There are berry bushes all over the place on max patch. If you want a short detour, go South from davenport gap a short ways to the side trail (to the right off the trail if heading south)to see the MT Cammemer Firetower – great views. Then return to the gap and head north.
Cutman11
system
#5
Big South Fork is fun and pretty to hike in. Rules aren’t as stricked as in the smokies. You can pretty much camp anywhere you want as long as you have a back country permit. For a fun dayhike in there go on the HoneyCreek Loop Trail. It’s between 5-6 miles long and its challenging. There is boulders to climb over and thru and you have to hike up a stream. Lots of fun.
Lizz
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#8
here’s the deal on bsf. the laurel fork creek trail is beautiful but it is very poorly marked and you can get lost easily. but if you want a hike outside the smokies that will challenge your map reading and compass skills go on that trail.
dugfir2k4
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#9
you can see journal notes from a research project I did at Big South Fork at http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=794, there are pictures and general route descriptions.
BFS is an amazing place. I suggest planning a hike in the gorge itself to cool you down. Lizz is right. The Honey Creek Trail is a challenging and incredibly unique path. Also look for Gentleman’s Swimming Hole in the south of the park (just a day hike).
There is also the John Muir Trail, that is a tribute to his 1,000 mile walk to the gulf in the 1800’s (before he ever saw the Sierras).
Be forewarned there is lots of horse and ATV use in the park, so make sure you hike a hiking trail.
Oh, and the Grand Gap Loop is spectacular!
Have fun!
Tha Wookie
system
#10
I just got back from the Mountain Bridge Wilderness in upstate SC…right on the border with Pisqah and Nantahala. The perimeter took me a Thursday evening until Sunday afternoon. Some very strenuous trails (like 2000+ climbs in .5mi), and very rewarding views (Raven Cliffs Falls, highest in the state, and I lost count of the other falls and cascades I saw). Can’t wait for the pics.
Anyway, it’s great for a loop or one-way hike. Grab the $2 map from Caesar’s Head SP (trails clearly marked on a topo) and talk to the Rangers about the best itinerary - they were very helpful. The Jones Gap office is only open on hour M-F 11a-12p…how goofy is that? The trails are marked pretty well and most of them are maintained very well.
Jeff
Jeff