Thanksgiving Weekend in GSMNP

“Anyone interested?”

“Sorry, bro. I am going to Cumberland Gap.”

“I wish I could go. To many good trips in Nov and Dec that I am going to miss.”

“mocs, your welcome to come to the cumberland gap trip. Yo bear”

“jerbear, I would consider going on the Cumberland Gap trip, but if I were to be gone on Thanksgiving day, I would soon be divorced, so I am planning a Friday, Saturday, Sunday trip.”

“Stokley isn't going to CG until Friday. You wouldn't be the only one joining the trip in progress.”

“I am heading up to the Smoky Mountains this weekend to Hike the AT near Mt. Guyot. I will probably want to go back next weekend and will be able to drive up Thursday night after dinner with the family in Atlanta. (This is if work doesn't mind me not coming in Friday)

What route are you planning to do?

-John”

“I have thought about the Lakeshore trail but am open to suggestions. I haven’t been disappointed with anything I have done in the Smokies. Do you have anything in mind?”

“FYI, it's snowing up on the AT. Forecast is for 4" at NFG.”

“wohooooooooSNOW.We have snow in that thare HILLS..........I may attend this trip......”

“Will get some pics and give you all a trail report.

Looking forward to some winter camping. Lakeshore sounds fun.”

“I hiked in from Cosby, above 4,000 feet there was 3 to 4 inches of snow.

The weather wasnt to bad either. I am looking forward to going back next weekend. Will post more tomorrow, I have to go unpack...”

“Here is some more information on the trip. I was thinking of starting at Lakeview Drive and heading to Campsite 76 on Friday, going from 76 to Campsite 86 on Saturday, and on Sunday going from 86 to Fontana Dam. I am open to changing sites if we need to meet people’s schedules or to reverse the hike and go from Fontana to Lakeview Drive.

Day Description Mileage Net Elevation Gain Campsite Elevation
Day 1 Lakeview Drive to Campsite 76 11.9 -330 1770
Day 2 Campsite 76 to Campsite 86 12.3 -90 1680
Day 3 Campsite 86 to Fontana Dam 10.5 220 N/A

Total 34.7 -200

I am not sure if I will be coming up late on Thursday or early Friday morning. If you guys have a preference of a starting time, I will do my best to accommodate. Also, do we want to shuttle ourselves or do you want me to call a shuttle service?”

“It also looks like it will be cold again next weekend. Highs around 50 and lows in the mid twenties.”

“Thank you for the invitation, Mocs123. I won't be able to do an overnight.. this is just me and Mark doing a dayhike out and back.”

“Mocs, I will br driving up I think Thursday night. Lets run the shuttle ourselves and meet at Fontanna dam.

Do you have a winter tent? I just bought a MSR fusion 2 and am in the process of returning it, since one of the poles bent when I was putting it up. Let me know.”

“I am still not sure if I will be heading up on Thursday night or Friday morning. I will probably just get up Friday morning and head out early. What time do you want to meet at Fontana Dam?

I will probably bring my BA Seedhouse 1SL. It isn't a winter tent and has too much mesh for this time of year, but I used it last weekend in the upper twenties without a hich. If you need to borrow a tent, I also have a REI Quarter Dome that has always served me well.”

“Have a good long weekend Towndawg, hate it that you can't make it but I understand. If you start dreaming up some ideas for a spring trip let me know.”

“Updated Forecast

Fontana Dam

Friday
Hi-50
Low-21
Rain-10%

Saturday
Hi-51
Low-31
Rain-10%

Sunday
Hi-56
Low-39
Rain-10%

Bryson City

Friday
Hi-48
Low-21
Rain-10%

Saturday
Hi-48
Low-30
Rain-10%

Sunday
Hi-53
Low-37
Rain-10%”