Water at Birch Springs (and the rest of GSMNP)

imported
#1

Four of us are backpacking the AT from Fontana Dam to Newfound Gap late this month. We’re experienced section hikers, but not in the Smokeys. A few questions:

(1) My offical AT guidebook doesn’t say anything about there being water (or no water) at Birch Springs Gap. Is there a reliable water source there?

(2) Is Birch Springs a nice place to camp? Any reason to prefer the shelter at Mollie’s Ridge over tenting at Birch Springs?

(3) Are the water souces between Birch Springs and Mt. Collins doing okay? I assume they are as there aren’t any “no water” notices on the ATC website, but having current info would be helpful.

Dan

#2

It has been several years since I camped there, and it was winter. At that time, the tent sites were muddy. Might be better now. Otherwise, a good campsite. Good water source. A shelter has more protection from weather than does a campsite. Mollie’s Ridge is about six miles farther, so how far do you want to hike? Never had any water problems in the Smokies. Good luck.

bluevist

#3

There should be water at Birch Spring, just called the backcountry office at the Smokies and they will tell you. Remember, you are suppose to have reservations at each shelter as well as a permit. When we hiked the Smokies (about 2 years ago) the campsite was closed due to bear activity. So stay in touch with the backcountry office. I know it is about 10 miles to Mollie’s Ridge Shelter, however it is a very nice shelter as all of the shelters are in the Smokies.

Enjoy your hike.(I wish it were me hiking now!)
The Smokies are so beautiful!!!

just hikin’

#4

It’s been a number of years since I hiked that section of the park. I remember there was a water source at each shelter we came to. There was also a random sign on the trail that pointed to a water source just off the trail. I wouldn’t worry about it too much.

I would take a little extra time hiking this half of the park. I remember it being strenuous especially over Rocky Top. I would also take a lightweight tent or tarp in case you have to make an emergency camp or if the shelters are full.

Guru

#5

Thanks for the input, folks.

Since Spence Field Shelter is closed due to bear activity, we had to revise our itinerary. It’s a little bit odd, but here it is:

Day One: Fontana Dam to Mollie’s Ridge (10 miles).
Day Two: Mollies Ridge to Derricks Knob (12 miles).
Day Three: Derricks Knob to Double Springs (7 miles).
Day Four: Double Springs to Newfound Gap (11 miles).

Ordinarily, our group of four would shoot for roughly 13 to 15 miles per day, but since this is a particularly special section of the trail, we decided to cut that down a bit so that we could really enjoy ourselves.

On that note, I had always heard words to the effect that the Nantahalas were much tougher than the Smokies. Except for the climb up Sweetwater Cliffs from Stecoah Gap, though, we didn’t find the Nantahalas that bad. So we really don’t know what to expect in the Smokies: Is it similar to the Nantahalas, harder, or easier?

P.S. My Trail journals name is Orphan.

Dan Roper

#6

I thought the Smokies were much tougher than Nantahalas. I also found the section from Fontana to Newfound Gap to be much more difficult than Newfound Gap to Davenport Gap.

I would take my time with it and just enjoy it. Physical condition and pack weight would play a role in it as well.

Enjoy the hike!

Guru

#7

Oof! That doesn’t sound like we’re in for a “stroll through vacation land” as some reports have claimed.

Thanks for the heads up, Guru. We’ll be looking forward to Newfound Gap to Davenport Gap this fall or next spring.

Dan Roper