Cataloochee campsite beta

“I'm am looking to go overnight in park next month. Anybody got beta on sites #40 and #41?
Alot of horse traffic?”

“Nowslimmer's very familiar with that area. He might know. Just bump this thread to the top once in a while and he'll check itout.”

“What's beta?

I've wanted to check out Cataloochee for a while now and just haven't been able to put a trip together over there yet.”

“As I understand beta is analogous to information/status.”

“CS#40 is real easy to reach. A few years ago all the bogs were removed by changing the trail into a road for the first mile. There are three log bridges in that stretch and between the second and third there is one rocky area as the trail. Then you reach an interesting old home and spring house. Plan on a little time to check it out. After another half mile, along which there are some large trees, you reach CS#40. The character of this site changed 6-7 years ago when a number of large trees came down. It is a nice, comfortable site, but I now feel hemmed-in there. Look a little past the tent sites and you will see some of the downed trees. Years ago many deer used to pass through there slowly during the morning and evening.

From 40 it is a steep uphill for 1.5 mile and then 1.5 mile downhill to CS#41. A couple of blocks above 41 is Big Poplar. You want to stop and check out three giant, old trees there. It's a good picnic area. CS#41 is spacious and you may hear a lot of wildlife at night in the area.

It is a beautiful hike from there, especially with the fall colors and downed leaves, passing over a mountain back to near the starting point. If you continue straight down the trail to near the developed campground, the last part has been improved with planks after the Boogerman loop junctions. It's just a walk in the park with at least 10 of the bogs or mud holes covered last year with what I call sidewalks.

Search on Google and you'll find lots of great pictures of the area.”

“Beta is a climbers term for route information.”

“You mean I have to rewrite my entire post?”

“I think this area will be my destination this weekend since i'm in Charlotte. Anyone know if there are trees sufficient for hammocks at the main vehicle site and campsite #40. I'm guessing there will be. #40 has a creek at it, is it #42 that is dry?

I'm thinking of going around Boogerman-Caldwell Fork to #40 the first day.

Then Rough Fork Trail to Big Fork RidgeTrail to Caldwell and the Parking area.”

“I keep trying to put a trip together in that area and new can swing it. They need more campsite so practicall loops are possible.

Have fun.”

“I think you'll love it there, OPIE. Have a great time.

You'll have no problem finding trees for hanging hammocks. I'm a little confused about "hammocks at the main vehicle site." I assume you are thinking of the developed campground, where most of the sites will have plenty of trees. Otherwise, camping is permitted only at the backcountry campsites.

It sounds like you are going to stay at CS#41. There are streams at 39, 40 and 41. Parking is available at all the trailheads except the Boogerman Trail, which is a side "U" trail with both ends joining the Caldwell Fork Trail.

CS#42 is at Spruce Mtn. After a long dry spell water could be difficult to locate there, but I've never experienced any trouble. Polls Gap Trail is closed, so CS#42 can only be reached from the Balsam Mountain Road or by considerable bushwacking.

Have fun. Wish I was there.

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/gsmsite/roadinfo.html
last edited: 7/19/05 7:56:52 AM”

“A lot of the sites in Cataloochee are often closed due to problem bears. Check the GSMNP website for campsite closings.”

“Cataloochee is one of the best 'unknown' parts of the Park!”

“

“Cataloochee is one of the best 'unknown' parts of the Park!”
StoveStomper

Ar you kidding? You're just trying to get a rise out of me!
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last edited: 7/20/05 5:11:38 PM”

“I drove through from NC to Cosby last week. Saw a couple elk on the way through. The Little Cataloochee was at about 2' at the bridge.

In the fall, I look forward to hiking through the old home sites.”

“I went thru Little Cataloochee Valley one year the same weekend they had the homecomeing. I was on day three of a three day trip and the people there to see the old homesteads and graveyards were just as suprised to see me as I was to see them.

Its a really cool area of the park.”

“I'm a little out of it having just woke up.

I first read this as "Chocolate campsite beta".

What a disappointment!”