I called the other day to try to reserve a couple spots in the shelters for my trip in May. The gentleman told me I would have to call one month in advance. What are the chances of me reserving 2 or 3 spots at that time? I will be calling April 15…My trip will begin May 15. I will begin at Newfound Gap and head toward Hot Springs…Thanks…Hootie
Hootie
Call Exactly 30 days before you begin your trip. Start calling at 8 AM EST in the Morning !! The hardest shelter to get will be Ice Water Springs, however if you start at Newfoundland Gap, your first shelter will most likely be Pecks Corner, which shouldnt be too hard to get.
Remember as a section Hiker, you can only stay in he shelters you reserve, so make your picks carefully.
I would do them in this order:
Pecks Corner 10.9 miles
Tricorner 5.9 miles ( short day but good trip, you go over 2 mountains )
Cosby Knob 8.0 miles
Davenport Gap 9 miles ( includes the .6 mile side trip to Mt Cammerer Lookout, dont miss this one, its great )
The next morning get an early start,walk out of the park, turn right onto the GRavel road and hike 1.3 miles to Mountain Mommas. One Half pound cheesesburgers , you will kill for 
Try to get a ride back to the trail head as early as possible ( Momma may be taking people there about 9:00 AM, so get to Mt Mommas early if possible ). Continue on Trail across Interstate and up Snow Mt. Stop at first Shelter after top of the Mountain.
PS: Momma only takes Cash !!!
This is a Great Hike, in Fact its one of my Favorites.
It takes 8 days at an easy pace or 6 to 7 hiking Fast. I think Sweeper did it in 6 because I missed him by one day, he was hiking so fast
You may go to Cosby Knob on your 2nd Day instead of Pecks Corner, but this will be almost 14 miles and pulling lots of hills and mountains. If it rains, go shorter mileages.
You can go from Davenport Gap to Hot Springs in 3 and a half Days easy.
Have fun and I hope to see you on the Trail.
Jim Deane, Rebel with a Cause !!
Jim Deane
This is a great hike. I wish you the best of weather and spend some time at Watauga Lake (if the weather is warm enough), they have a great rope swing there.
Jason
Ganj
Yep, the burgers killed us. You best asked for a fresh one and ask her to burn it. 10 hours later I would have slept with raindog for a trip to the hospital. An isolated i’m sure.
Bushwhack and Bramble
I ate two of the burgers, loved them. Of course I didn’t filter my water either. (Unfortunately my friend had a similar experience after hiking away with the burger in his tummy, that fought to be released!!)
hamockhngr
Here you go:
865-436-1231
They will take reservations up to 30 Days in advance.
Their backcountry Camping webpage appears to be down. If you have any questions on the Smokies, feel free to ask.
PS: I have ALL of the Parks Maps on file since I saved them.
Jim Deane, Rebel with a Cause !!
Jim Deane