Clingman's access

imported
#1

Anyone know how the recent weather has effected access roads to the Smokies. I am trying to get as close as can to Clingman’s Dome to resume section hike north. I am leaving in a week on 20’th

Zydecajun

#2

Zydecajun, the road from Newfound Gap will be closed until about April 1. Yesterday morning there was 32" of snow locally on Mt. LeConte and still snowing.

ed

#3

There is a trail out of I believe it’s Smokemont or Elkmont Camp Ground on the west side of the Smokies between Gatlingburg and Cades Cove. I’ve hiked that trail up to Double Springs Shelter a couple of times out on day hikes. Unless they are doing road work on the US 441 going over Newfound Gap you could get there and back track up to Clingsmons. It is usually open over the mountain by the middle of March. We’ve done trail magic there for years near the end of March. We have only be snow out one time. When we thru hike in '02 we had an ice storm but we able to hitch off the mountain at Newfound Gap in March. Ed was right in the road from Newfound to Clingmons is closed until April 1. Also you could hike up from Cades Cove on the Anthony Creek trail to Bote Mt trail to Spence Field it is only about 7+ miles and a pretty easy hike. That would cause you to hike over Rockytop but I think that is the best view in the Smokies.

Contact the guys at the Happy Hiker in Gatlinburg they maybe able to help you.

Good luck Zydecajun.

Papa Smurf

#4

This morning Mt. LeConte had 41" of snow and it was 4 degrees. There was No report for Newfound Gap probably because no one could get up there. Mt. LeConte is about 10 miles from Clingmans Dome via the crow flying route.

Ed

#5

I’m not too sure, but I believe that Clingmans Dome Rd. doesn’t usually open till at least late March anyway…

zach attack