I’m looking to hike the AT from Newfound Gap to Clingman’s Dome the middle of April. Can anyone tell me what type of trail will I encounter? I have hiked some of the trails in the smokies but never the AT. Is it rough, level, steep and what about the views. What might the weather be like during the middle of April? Thanks.
Jeff
Newfound gap to clingmans dome is only about 8 mles. None of the trails on the smokies are very difficult. This trail closely parallels the Clingmsns dome rd. This is one of the milder trails in the park. The weather can be anything from snow & ice to blazing hot sun!
HeartFire
I forgot. If it’s views you are looking for. Hike up to Gregory bald. The view from there is fantastic. Or, hike from Newfound gap north. There are some spectacular views about 4 miles north when you get to Charlies Bunion.
Heartfire
From the Gap going south to Clingman’s, you, of course, are hiking uphill most of the way. Not really much to see in that section. North of the Gap, you have many more wide open views. The section in question, however, is beautiful, in its own way, at least when you’re away from the road which parallels it. As to weather in April – you should be prepared for nearly anything. Check with the Park Service or local weather reports just before going. I’ve been up at Clingman’s in mid-Summer and it was freezing cold. It can be that way at times. Have a great hike!
Woody
charlie’s bunion IS spectacular! (rare and beautiful plants in that section, too!)…another section we love in the smokies just off the AT is the ‘maddron bald’ area (i think ‘backpacker magazine’ once voted it ‘best hike’)…anyway, it’s lovely, very scenic, and down below the bald is ‘albright cove’, a virgin forest (with a loop trail to guide you through the fantastic old trees!)…there’s a little book you might be interested in, i think it’s called ‘trails of the smokies’ (brown cover, about 5 x 6 inches and about an inch thick) and it has descriptions and cross sections of all the trails…it’s great!..paw and i have used it alot and have found it to be very accurate and informative…i would say the AT north of newfound gap would be ‘easier’ (is the AT ever ‘EASY’???)
maw-ee