Gregory Bald

“Let me know what you think of the 3 options that I have put together. I would be happy to adjust things if you guys and gals want to do something differently.”

“I can't speak for the crowd, but given that I live in Townsend, I will probably drive up to the Trailhead and go up from the Cades Cove side and hike back down to my Jeep on Sunday.

About 5 or 6 miles to CS13 that way.”

“Hey chili, That seems a tad more doable for me. I need to drive home sunday.
Mocs, what do ya think? Will also cut down on the chiggers and snakes. LOL Yo bear”

“The trip plan dates appear too early. Join the crowd from mid-June to mid-July to more fully experience the beauty of the Flame Azaleas.
last edited: 2/10/08 9:07:24 AM”

“You never can tell what dates are best at this time of year.

A three foot snow above 4500 in early April can have an impact.

The problem Mocs is faced with is that trips take planning.”

“Also, keep in mind we all don't have to go up on the same trail. Just need to know where to meet.”

“So, you're counting on snow to cause early blooming? A three day weekend in early July might be better. I would try to allow additional time on different days for taking photographs between the rain storms.

I'm only trying to help. I do not plan to attend.

Chili (with one "l") - I seem to recall a four mile climb from the parking lot at the end of Forge Creek Road. My map says 4.1 mi. to the next trail junction, which is at the campsite. Once, hiking from CS#14 and eating lots of berries on a hot August Day, I did not make it to CS#13 and stopped about a mile downtrail, when it got dark. I had been delayed by bears on the trail. They were eating the berries, too. I declined to argue with them. I enjoyed two, great experiences. I was in a small grassy area along the trail and in my tent. A bear, walking downtrail, did not want to detour in the rough terrain off-trail. So it gave me a warning growl before running past my tent. Then, after a while, I heard two Great Horned Owls hunting. They finally caught a rabbit just outside my tent. Then they went off somewhere to enjoy their meal.

I suggest setting traps for the mice, if you park there. At that location I would set one in the trunk, one in the front seat and one under the hood. I have caught mice there.

There are over 2,000 feet in the altitude change between CS#13 and CS#95 and between the Gregory Bald Trail and CS#92. It has been rough for me hiking down, especially to CS#92.

It should be a great trip. Have fun.
last edited: 2/10/08 10:52:35 AM”

“I figured that that option 1 (Twentymile) or Option 3 (Cades Cove) would probably be the best. Coming up the AT from Fontana was a little too long considering how much of a climb is. I also hear lots of good things about Gregory Ridge Trail.

I have never been to Gregory Bald during the summer so if you think that is too early; I am not against changing the date. We could change it to June 21-22 or to July 4-6 (we could make it a longer loop for the three day weekend) if you guys would rather do it then. I don’t even have a problem with waiting till closer to the date to set a permanent weekend if you want to. I just figure some people will need to make arrangements in advance at work.”

“Mocs, the bloom didn't happen until July in 05, but in 06 it was earlier. It is a crap shoot.

A late snow will delay the bloom. If things stay as they are, mid June will be perfect.

I say we keep the date as is and hope for the best.”

“MDS and I did this as a daytrip a few years back. I think we went the last weekend in June and missed peak by about a week or so. There were plenty still on the trees but most were dying.”

“We can keep the date the same, at this point it is kind of like planning a trip to see fall color, the timing is a crapshoot. I was planning on doing another hike later in the month anyway, I was thinking of Roan Mountian, so maybe if I don't catch the bloom at one, I can catch it at the other.”

“You might look at swapping the trips datewise. If memory serves, the Roan rhodo bloom is early in June. You could hit both of them if you time it right. My wife and I hit the bloom perfectly a few years back. It was awesome.”

“If anyone else wants to sign up for this trip, please let me know. I will be calling the back country office tomorrow and reserving spots at campsite #13.”