GSMNP Campsites

“I didn't find a segment on Back Country Sites on Thebackpacker.com.

I am thinking that we have enough collective knowledge here to give a good description of a majority of the sites. If I overlooked the information, someone point me to it. Otherwise, I will start the data by listing a few of the sites I have been in since the first of the year.


BC5-

A tight camp site allowing for two tents in wet weather. In wet conditions, the creek forms right at the edge of this camp site. In dry weather, one or two more tents might be able to be set up on this site, but beware, the campsite is almost in the bottom of a ravine.

Bear wires are located 30' to the West of this site between the tent sites and Rich MT trail.

BC 5 is 200' west of the junction of Rich MT trail and Indian Grave Gap trail. Overall, one of the least impressive campsites in the park, but given its relative lack of use, campfire wood is abundant and the liklihood of sharing the camp is slim. Horseback riders use this campsite on occassion.

In dry weather, water can be found a quarter mile west on Rich MT trail.



CS 6-

A pleasant campsite allowing room for a half dozen tents. Relative lack of use allows for ease in finding firewood. Bear wires are located adjacent to the grassy knoll and a reliable water source is about 50' down the ravine.

A nice site away from the pressures of high traffic areas. BC6 is about 100 yards East of Indian Gap Trail on Scott MT trail.

CS 17-

An enormous campsite on Abrams Creek frequented by summer time campers. This site will easily hold a dozen tents with three sets of bear wires scattered throughout the campsite. Frequent use leaves firewood scarce. Water is readily available from Abrams Creek which affords a great swimming opportunity in the summer.

At times this can be a party camp, but in my experience this site usually tends to be a pretty good meet and greet spot that is easy going.

Half way between Cades Cove and Abrams Ranger Station.”

“What size are those tents?”

“chili36 - Do you have the 2005 Park Trail Map, yet? It has been out for a few weeks now according to Ranger Minnigh.
http://www.thebackpacker.com/trailtalk/thread/39406,-1.php#1221667”

“No, but I will pick one up soon.”

“Nowslimmer, do you know what changes they made to the map? Guess I will pick one up in 2 weeks”

“i've stayed at or been by just about every site south of clingman's dome CS 62-75...they're all pretty nice and have water very close

all have bear rigs...i don't remember having any problems with crowds but i am usually there around april/may

i don't remember passing 64 or 74 with out seeing hourses there so if you have a problem with this you may want to pass them

ewker/nowslimmer, i picked up the new map...it seemed to us that the new route for the Noland Creek Trail was not on the new map”

“timecline - What new route for the Noland Creek Trail? Are you talking about the Benton McKaye Trail? They have added trail markers on some of the existing posts to identify the trail. This means some stretches have two trail names now, but there is no new trail of which I am aware.

Ewker - The only thing I know is this one will have a box in which they are listing the 10 most dangerous creek crossings, noting that there are other dangerous crossings,too.
NS:: New Trail Map for GSMNP, 2005”

“it appears they rerouted the noland creek trail...where it once fallowed the creek in one spot it now cuts back up a hill for a ways before rejoining the creek...it seems to be just a typical rerouting, not a new trail”

“did they close Polls Gap Trail permanently”

“timecline - Please pinpoint that location for me as close as possible. Thanks.

Ewker - the last time I saw anything, it said temporary. Now I can't find anything. My guess is that they need one of the hiking clubs to do some extensive work on it. Not heavily used, it probably is not worth the effort.”

“i'm not exactly sure...it was over 2 months ago and i can't even remember what i had for breakfast this morning:)...i think i was between CS 64 and 65...the map shows the trail staying with the creek but it cuts back NW up a hill and then rejoins the creek later...you can still see the original trail continuing along the creek...the trail is marked well but doesn't match the map”

“Thanks. I'll check it out soon. I've hiked that stretch many times. There are a number of interesting things along the way.”