Looking for that perfect Smokies hike.

“Anyone have some suggestions for a awesome hike in the Smokies? I'm looking for about a 2 or 3 day loop in September. For the past several years I've been doing a loop up in the Big Creek area, up to Mt. Sterling and around. I loved that hike because it encompasses all types of terrain. Waterfalls, ridgeline views, cool forests. But I need to branch out to other sections. So I'm asking for suggestions for other hikes that would have an all around ingrediants. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks ahead of time.”

“I got lots of suggestions.. do you have any of the smokies books?.. I can give you my favorites.. and if you don't like any of them.. I can put you onto some folks who go even more than I do to GSMNP.”

“I am going to be hiking the Smokies in Sept. I already have reservations to go from Clingman Dome to the Fontana Dam. I am still looking for a 2day 1night loop hike after I finish that one. The suttle service I am using recommend leaving at Twentymile and doing a loop over Gregory Bald. Has all the features creeks, ridge, etc.
I called the back country voluteer number (865-436-1297)they have been helpful when I have called. The Alum cave trail to Mount Leconte looked good, but maintenance is going on, so call before you plan that one. The volunteer said the Alum Cave trail is closed during the week for a while.
Charlies Bunion on the AT is neat. You could make a loop out of that hike.
I am still making up my mind, so if you find so good info pass it on.”

“From another website.. here is someone else who is going..

Backpacking trip planned for September 13-16 in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We'll be staying at shelters the whole time. The trip consists of climbing Mt LeConte from the Greenbrier area, then hiking northeast along the Appalachian Trail to the edge of the park. So far the group consists of 5 people, but please e-mail me if you'd like to go: istariwizard@hotmail.com
Reservations must be made when staying in the shelters (865) 436-1231. Also, a map of the park can be obtained by calling (865) 436-1297.
Here's a brief rundown of the trip.

Thursday 13th: Ascend Mt LeConte and camp at Mt LeConte Shelter (9.1 miles).

Friday 14th: Mt Leconte Shelter to Pecks Corner Shelter (13 miles).

Saturday 15th: Pecks Corner Shelter to Cosby Knob Shelter (13 miles).

Sunday 16th: Cosby Knob Shelter to Davenport Gap (8 miles).”

“Ape, Muproom and myself did Greogry Bald, about a month ago, very impressive. I then did the ice house loop. Got cold 36degrees brrrr! Busted out and skipped the next shelter.
Cumberland Gap is a good hike also.”

“Well I have done Double Springs down to Mollies Ridge by way of Goshen Prong (approach) and Russell Field (exit)..

I have done Newfound Gap thru IceWater, thru Charlies Bunion.. Peck's and Tricorner.. all the way down to Cosby.

I have wandered over quite a bit of GSMNP..

I have”

“hard to beat that Big Creek to Walnut Bottoms up to Low Gap on AT into Cosby or loop back to BC... or Mt. Sterling trails you already know about...they are my fav's. I used to live near Cosby, so I hung out there a lot. Spectacular in fall.

I remember Deep Creek being a pretty awesome trail and area too.”

“TownDawg, I do have a couple of books on me, going through them now to read up on some of the suggestions here so far. More than likely I'll be doing a 3 day,2 night hike due to time constraints. Has anyone done hikes in the Fontana Lake area? How are they for the views and such? I'm also looking into the Deep Creek area and the Cosby/Maddron Bald area.”

“Fasttimes
I have been from the Fontana Dam up to Shuckstack Mtn. That is a nice hike. The first couple of miles gain elevation pretty quick, but the trail is good. The views were ok, not a lot of open places to look out. You can look back toward the damn and see the lake in a few spots. Once you get to Shuckstack take the side trail to the fire tower. Awesome views from the fire tower. This could be a day hike or you can turn it into a loop pretty easy. The dam is a good place to leave your car, more secure than most trailheads.”

“I'm concidering doing a loop involving Gabes Mt/Maddron Bald/Snake Den Ridge the last weekend in Sept. if you're interested.”

“Flatlander I've come down the hill past the firetower to Fontanna while on a trek from Cades Cove to Fontanna, that hill is a real shin pounder going down, Haven't tried up. The firetower view is awesome. I have pics from there in January, you can see forever. We loop back to the dam some as its got the good parking and heated bathrooms on the return. There's a nice lowlands walk from the dam to cs-90 (lots of old car bodies along the trail 1930's remannts. Could go up to Birch Spring from there and back to dam to get some elevation. CS-90 is on the lake or river depending on if the lake is back up to elevation.”