Winding stair gap thru smokies

imported
#1

how long will it take a very out of shape hiker to do this section. I have about 10 - 13 days is that doable. I have done from springer to there and that was tough but I have lightened my load by 10lbs down to 30 lbs with water

huff & Puff

#2

Use all 13 days. Allow for 2 zero days. One at the Fontana Hilton, the other in Gatlinburg (Newfound Gap). Use the first 6 days to go from Winding Stair Gap to Fontana Dam. Many hikers use the Fontana Hilton for resting, there is no charge. There are also several inn/resorts near by, reasonably priced which can help you complete your hike. For the Smokies allow 7 days, including a zero day. Get a backcountry permit (see GSMNP regulations) 30 days in advance. On the permit you must list your nightly destinations, these must be shelters. If carrying a tent, decide whether you want to carry it and other non-used items past Newfound Gap. If you leave some items in Gatlinburg, your pack should be under 30 lbs. After Davenport Gap retrieve your unused items if need be.

Steamer

#3

Hi! I’m new as a poster here, but visit occaisionally. I’ve done some AT sections and love it, esp after my Smokies trip.
I sectioned that bit in March in the cold. Great fun, but strenuous hike. Starting 30 mi. S of Dick’s Creek Gap with 3 zeros, I made it to Standing Bear Farm in 22 days. There are mountains to climb! Do you really think you can average 13 to 15 mile days without pain and injury, stress and misery if you’re out of shape? Will you have fun? If your knees are in shape for big downhills, you can do bigger miles going into gap towns.
I found a way to resupply food every 3-4 days, which helped the pack wgt. I was only carrying about 25-28 lb w food & water. Doing the mtns S of the Smokies is great way to get in shape for the Smokies.
If you start more than 50 mi outside the Smokies you’re a thru hiker and can permit at Fontana before you enter the park. Hope you can find a way to make it work and have a great time out there.

Long Skirt

#4

OOPS! I miss calculated. You’d only have 8 to 10 mile days. That’s what I averaged. So,I think you can do it, but start exercising, Now! Just kidding. Have a great time.

Long Skirt

#5

Figure about 2 1/2 days to NOC hostile there so take a zero day. Take about 2 days to get to Fontana Hilton, there are showers in the visitor center about 1/4 mile away. You can also get your permit there where do you plan on staying at what shelters that has to go on permit (permit box behind building). Start your trip thru the Smokies unless you need to resupply I would not go into Gatlinburg. Since youu are not in good shape you might need to add a day on here and there like winding Stair to NOC and after zero day add another day to get to Fontana. I would count on 6-7 days thru Smokies once you get out of Newfound Gap (it is a long hard climb to the ridge but after you get to the ridge it is realatively easy hiking to Davenport Gap Shelter. Do not leave a car at Davenport Gap unless you drive a tank parking is not advisable.

Chicken Feathers