I am planning on resuming my AT section hike in late Feb-early March from Clingman’s Dome. I have hiked in Feb in Georgia-NC so am familiar with what to expect -waether-wise. Am I likely to have trouble getting to Clingman’s Dome ramp (will the road likely be closed) during this time of the year. If so, is there another close-by access where I can resume my hike NOBO? Any help appreciated.
Zydecajun
I would pick up at Newfound Gap, since the road to Clingman’s may very well be closed until April.
Red Hat
The road to Clingmans Dome WILL be closed. What you could do is road hike the 10 miles or so using the clingmans dome access road and then picking up the AT at the top. It will be much easier this way, as the road has a nice grade to it, and the AT to the east of clingmans has a Maine like feel to it.
Hammock PhD
sounds like yer going NOBO from Clingman’s and will have to hike in cause yes the road will be closed. i would sobo the trail then nobo back. i actually enjoyed the smokies and pretty much will be back. 10 mile road walk is just as tough on me as the 18 sobo-nobo on trail.
if you have time there are other trails that access the AT near where ya wanna start…still looks like you got a day extra to just get started.
and it could be great weather when yer going, hope for high clear skies!
burn
hey try looking at a smokies trail map and u might be able to hike in from the access road to cades cove and use a side trail up to close to clingmans dome at mt. collins shelter for example. at least u want be rehiking virtually the same miles… just a thought.
rippin reils
Rippin Reils has a good point. Here’s another to back that up: Rt. 441, the road that takes you from either Cherokee or Gatlinburg to Newfound Gap, could also be closed that time of year should you time it to coincide with bad weather. So hiking to Clingman’s via side trails would be an even better idea in that case.
Cades Cove seems a bit far to start from, however. I seem to remember an easier way to Clingman’s. If you can get from Wear Valley to Elkmont (via Little River Rd.) I think you’d take the Little River Trail and Goshen Prong Trail up to the AT. From there it’s about two miles to Clingman’s. Does anyone know if the lower-elevation Little River Rd. is open during the winter, or if not, how hiking on it during winter to Elkmont is?
Skyline
elkmont is usually open…how far up in bad…severe weather is questionable…in feburary it could be 70* or 5* and snow, who knows. i, actually looked at the map and thought of that trail, but have only hiked a very small portion of it. road travel in the smokies has never been a factor for me, even without 4 wheel drive. i think yer good to go.
i went to high school in maryville, and spent many a winter cruising the area…yer golden.
burn