I really want to try to thru-hike but the only time I could take off 5-6 months would be November-April due to owning a business that is seasonal. Would it be best to hike SOBO or NOBO? I’ll be continuing my section hike in a couple weeks from Winding Stair Gap to Hot Springs but would still like to plan a thru-hike in a couple years…
Nooga
A buddy and I are leaving from USFS 71 at Standing Indian and hiking to Fontana Dam on Oct 20 - 27 . Will you be along this section on your hike at that time? If so, feel welcome to join up with us.
Zydecajun
Thanks for the invite Zydecajun. I’m planning to start around the 18th or 19th at Winding Stair Gap (a couple days from Standing Indian) so I may stay ahead of you unless you plan on doing some high mileage. I plan to take it easy and set a 10-12 mile pace at the start. I’ll have 14 days to try to hike the approx. 160 miles to Hot Springs. Have a great hike! I can’t wait to get back on the trail. This Fall weather is great!
Nooga
Hello!I am starting on The 18th from Davenport gap and heading south to Wesser NOC for 2 weeks.Probably will see you on the trail somewhere!\It’s allready been 21 degrees for lows in the Smokies!!BRRRRR.
Snowbird
I was wondering about that. I didn’t know if I should take a 20deg bag or 0deg. See ya on the trail!
–Nooga
Nooga
I keep an eye on the temps thru this cool web site{http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/iwin/tn/climate.html}
Scroll down and find the Smoky Mtn.Temps,It list several.
Looks like the week of the 20th will turn even colder,Possibly in the teens!
FOLLOWING IS THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION
INFORMATION, VALID FOR A 24 HOUR PERIOD ENDING AT 7:30 AM.
STATION ELEV HIGH LOW PCPN
SUGARLAND CENTER 1600 76 46 0.03
NEWFOUND GAP 5000 63 46 0.20
CADES COVE 1900 72 46 0.00
OCONALUFTEE 2200 76 42 0.22
MOUNT LECONTE 6400 58 34 0.04
Snowbird
The only pinch is that the Big K isn’t open in those months. Usually opens late May after the thaw and Baxter Park camping closes October 15th. It would be a brutal fifteen from outside the park in harsh weather, not to mention the five back down the mountain. I think the rest of the trail is open most of the year, though parts (like the Whites) are still quite intimidating.
You would also have to consider that snow hiking is a lot harder and thus, slower, than fair weather hiking, so you might want to allow yourself more time (seven months? eight?) And there are fewer hikers out. It would be a whole different trail. (Which could be good, depending on what you are going for…)
I met a guy, Gizmo, southbound as I was starting out in Georgia in early March. He had started on June 1st, but told me that he had just taken his time.
Later up the trail, I read a register far enough back to find his Christmas day entry, alone in a shelter. And I know it sounds crazy, but I had a little envy for him. It seems that that kind of solo would take a special kind of strength, and that it would be an incredible kind of solitude. And there’s a fantastic quiet when there’s a blanket of snow on the ground.
Tang
Hey there,
Just thought Id chime in. I started January 2nd this year. I suggest that you read my journal along with The Flying Scotsmans and Bonos(at least the the portion through March). The addresses are www.trailjournals.com/rocket, www.trailjournals.com/bonniescotsman, www.trailjournals.com/bono.
We all had early starts. I made it to Harpers Ferry before the end of March. Many good suggestions have already been given to you. After reading up on other peoples experiences, feel free to write me an email with and questions. Alright take care I have got to go.
Peace,
Rocket
PS Grizzly Adam just started so I would definatly keep an eye on his journal.
Rocket 03
Finishing up at Fontana right before you get there…hopefully I’ll leave some goodies for you, I’ll leave a note if so. Good luck!
Rashberry
Thanks Rashberry! I’ll be getting there on Wed. the 22nd and will be staying at The Hike Inn. Can’t wait for this weekend…
Nooga
Well, I’m back after just 2 days on the trail with a sprained ankle. I slipped on the leaves a couple miles before reaching the NOC yesterday and twisted my ankle pretty bad. It’s swollen and I think I’ll go to the doctor tommorrow to make sure it isn’t broke. I guess it will be late March before I have another chance to do this section. The leaves were in full color and the views were unbelievable especially from the Wesser Bald tower.
–Nooga
Nooga