Smokies in winter

imported
#1

I am curious what kind of weather would be normal (and also the worst case expectation) for a hike through the Smokies starting circa 1 Feb. I occasionally winter hike along the AT in Shenandoah Park and north to Harpers Ferry so I am familiar with the local conditions to be expected up here. How much snow pack is the norm and what kind of accumulations can one expect in a severe storm. Low temeratures, wind, etc as well. Are there any of the normal summer resupply points along the trail that one would have to assume are unavailable this time of year.

I have a fair amount of winter experience, some in very harsh conditions, so I am not a beginner. My main concern is that I don’t over plan and carry many lbs of extra gear that I would not need.

Thanks for any input anyone has.

Wyoming

#2

I’ve hiked in the Smokies during the first week of Jan and the last week of Feb. It’s gonna be cold, there’s no doubt about it. You may or may not get snow depending on the elevation. The weather can vary from -5* to 30* for an overnight low. During the winter I bring my Precip jacket, Golite Reed rain pants, Synthetic filled jacket, Midweight top and bottom, hat, gloves, extra pair of socks. This will do it for me 99% of the time. One time in the Smokies I hit a bad snow storm with high wind, etc. Once I stopped hiking and layered up I just couldn’t seem to get warm. I then wrapped my 10* down sleeping bag around me and it worked perfect. It was like having a huge down parka without the extra weight. Personally, I wouldn’t take extra lbs of extra unecessary clothing. You seem to know what you’re doing, so you should be fine. As for the resupply points the only one I know of is Gatlinburg… and it’s always open. The stores are even open on Christmas day. The Hike Inn and Mtn. Mamma’s should both be open as well.

guru