Needs some in PUT @ GSMNP

“A friend and myself are heading down to GSMNP in late March. We did 5 days back in March of 2002. We had a blast! This year we have someone to drop us off and pick us up. We have 6 full days!

Our current plans are as follows: Drop in at New Found Gap. Head W on AT to Double Spring Gap, spend the night. Then SW on Welch Ridge Tr. to Hazel Creek Tr. spend the night at camp. Then on to \"Proctor\" for another night. Then for the final 2 day stretch E on Lake Shore Tr. to Lake Shore Drive where we will get picked up.

I\'m convienced it will be great all the way up to Proctor. I\'m a little suspicious of Lake Shore Tr. Is it worth the hike? Is the camp at \"Proctor\" a hot spot for crowds and/or bears? Currently the park has the site at Proctor closed due to bear activity. And finally, if you had 6 days in GSMNP what would your plan be?

If anyone would like to take the time to respond it would be greatly appreciated and considered.

Thanks for the time!”

“Sounds like a good plan to me. Lake Shore is pretty nice, goes thru areas that were previously settled.”

“Make sure you have a newer map the Lakeshore trail has been rerouted from Proctor along the lake to I think it's eagle creek. Check with the park about the camp sites around proctor. I was there in late October and they had bear problems and had been closing the lower camp sites around the lake. The fisherman that take the water shuttle over were leaving out their food, causing bear problems, so says the Ranger. It' seems to be a on going problem. The old lakeshore trail that bypasses proctor and follows I think Pinnacle and eagle creeks is passable, But I would not recommend it. there are 16 steam crossing with two a least chest deep at normal water levels.”