We are section hiking the A.T. through the Great Smoky Mountains from Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap and wondered if all the streams have foot bridges to cross or do we need creek shoes?
3JsnK
Streams - Appalachian Trail
system
#4
I don’t know the footbridge status in that section but I do know that you can’t stay dry on a footbridge during a downpour. Bad weather is always a good situation to plan for and to pack for. Just wear light sneakers/trail runners all of the time (except when sleeping). Walk right through anything, including low to medium current water. If you need something to help with balance, bring a hiking stick or ski poles along with you. Or there might be a branch that you can borrow alongside of the stream. If you are super concerned about your wet feet lasting for the whole section, then remove your socks, foot beds and laces before you cross, that will make light shoes dry quickly. Also, it doesn’t hurt to rub some Hydropel on your feet at night. Don’t wear all leather heavier weight hiking boots. Don’t bring extra footwear. Don’t go barefoot. Happy Hiking!
space monkey
system
#5
I don’t remember crossing a single stream on the AT anywhere between Fontana and Davenport Gap. In fact, the absence of running, trickling water is noticed and such a joy to find again only as you descend past Davenport Gap Shelter towards I-40 and you re-encounter a running stream.
Woody
system
#6
All steams in the southern part of the AT have easy crossing. Bad weather will soak your feet, so its nice to have water shoes- to air the feet out.
mytht
system
#8
I don’t remember any stream crossings in the Smokies that required getting my feet wet. It could have been that it rained/snowed every day I went through and my feet were wet always as was everything else. I found having a pair of light weight camp shoes was a blessing at nights so I could dry out my feet and let the shoes air at night. I used Corcs on my AT hike but have since switched to a cheapo pair of water shoes I found at Supershoe.
Big B
system
#11
There are no streams in this 72 miles stretch of the AT in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to cross. Nor is there any footbridges. You’ll leave water behind when you cross Fontana Dam and ascend to the top of the crest line. You’ll hit a stream again pass Davenport Gap but outside of the park. About the only water running across the trail will be the outflow of the spring just north of IceWater Shelter. Even after a heavy downpour, which you will no doubt get in the Smokies, this outflow with be only a few inches deep.
LeConte
system
#12
Hi bro there is no stream crossings in the Great Smoky MT National Park,its mostly 4,000-6,0000 FT in elevation and right now its also very dry but you should be able to find water at the shelters, this stretch of trail is very strenuous alot of hard climbs, go have lots of fun and enjoy. RED-DOG ( Flip-Flop 96 & GA-ME 06 & GA-ME 2012 )
RED-DOG
system
#13
Lies all lies. There are streams everywhere in this section, and you are liable to float away if you don’t bring 100 feet of throw rope and a good PFD. Play it safe! Turn around, don’t drown.
lies
system
#14
I will repeat myself their is no streams on the AT across the GSNP, the only water is the sources at the shelters. RED-DOG:cheers
RED-DOG