stream crossings a b · 2020-02-14 · 0 0 1 10 miles 10 kilometers 1 north 40 40 40 143 143 416 28...
TRANSCRIPT
0
0 1
10 Miles
10 Kilometers
1
North
40
40
40
143
143
416
28
28
28
32
32
73
73
73
19
74
74
19
2374
23
19
129
129
441
441
441
441
276
321
321
411
441
441
321
441
321
321
411
321
321
129
411
129
Mountains-To-Sea
Trail
Benton
MacKayeTr
ail
Benton Mac
Kaye
Trail
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
33
32
31
21
30
53
68
69
70
64
65
67
74
75
987677
81
8688
85
84
9091
93
95 92
12
14
15
117
16
2
3
5
6
89
96
97
8263
62
60
59
58
56
5452
28
26
2718
1920
35
39
40
34
44
48
49
41
00
42
Appalachian
Trail
Appalachian
Trail
Appalachian Trail
Appalachian Trail
00
87
78 73
72
66
36
38
29
50
24
23
10
9
13
113
61 55
57
71
83
47
37
DavenportGap
Laurel Gap
CosbyKnob
Tricorner Knob
Pecks Corner
Mount Le ConteCampfires Prohibited
IcewaterSpring
Kephart
Mount Collins
Double SpringGap
Silers Bald
DerrickKnob
RockyTopSpence Field
Russell Field
Mollies Ridge
00
Forn
eyCr
eek
Pigeon
River
WATERVILLELAKE
Big
Cree
k
Cat
alo
och
ee
Creek
Jon
ath
anC
reek
Tuckasegee River
Soco Creek
IndianCreek
Falls
RamseyCascades
GrottoFalls
Laurel Falls
AbramsFalls
The Sinks
RainbowFalls
Hen Wallow Falls
Rave
n
Fork
Oconaluftee
River
Rav
enFo
rk
Brad
leyFo
rk
Co
sby
Creek
Little PigeonRiver
Middle Prong
Little
Pigeon River
West
ProngLittle
PigeonRiver
WProng
LittlePigeon
River
Nolan
dCre
ek
TuckasegeeR ver
Little
Tenn
essee
River
Dee
pC
reek
Co
ve
Cre
ek
Little River
Mid
dleProng
Little River
Hazel
Cr
eek
FONTANA
LAKE
Nan
taha
la
Rive
r
SANTEETLAH
LAKE
Cheoah
River
LAKE CHEOAH
Eagl
e
Creek
CALDERWOODLAKE
CHILHOWEELAKE
TENNESSEE
RIV
ER
Little
River
Little
River
Abrams Creek
Abrams Creek
i
TENNESSEE
NORTH CAROLINA
TENNESSEE
NORTH CAROLINA
TENNES
SEE
NORT
H CA
ROLI
NA
Newton
Ba
ld Trail
Deeplow
Gap Trai
l
Brad
ley
ForkTrail
Enloe CreekTrail
Hu
gh
esRidge
Trail
Kanati
Fork
Tr
Thomas
Div
ide
Trai
l
Smo
kemont Loop
Tr
Big
Cove
Road
Stra
ight
Fork
Road
Newfound Gap Road
Kep
hart
Pron
gTr
Min
gu
s
Creek Tr
4.7
2.9
2.8
2.82.9
2.0
3.9 2.2
2.2
4.4
2.3
3.3
BeechG
apTr
ail
Dry
Sluice
Gap
Trail
Balsam Mtn Tr
Hyatt
RidgeTr
CabinFlatsTrail
GrassyBranchTrail
1.7
2.9
2.5
1.3
0.6
2.2
2.5
6.0
Lon
gBunk
Trail
Baxter
Creek
Trail
MountSte
rling
Ridge
Trail
Litt
le
Cata
looc
hee
Trai
l
PrettyH
ollo
wG
apTrail
LowGap
Trail
Camel Gap Trail
Balsam Mtn Trail Gunter ForkTr
Swallow
ForkTrail
Mt Sterling Tr
Big
Creek Trail
0.9
4.9
4.1
4.1
2.42.3
1.0
2.1
Low
erM
ount Cammerer Trail
Snak
e
Den Ridge TrGabes Mountain Tra
il
Madd
ron
Bald
Tr
MountCammerer
Trail
Albright GroveLoop Trail
7.4
2.5
1.2
6.6
4.3
1.8
0.7
4.6
0.7
3.7
Inadu Knob
Albright Grove
Mount Chapman
Ramsey Cascades Trail
Old Settlers Trail
5.3
4.0
15.8
Greenbrier
Grapeyard
Ridge
Trail
Brushy Mountain
Trai
l Porters
Creek
Trail
RoaringFork Moto
rN
atureTrail
TrilliumGap
TrailRainbowFalls Trail
Bull
Head
Trail
TheBoulevard Trail
Alu
mC
ave
Trai
l
ChimneyTops Trail
Twin
Creeks Tr
BaskinsCreek
Trail
3.50.4
0.4
1.9
1.70.6
2.7
7.6
1.0
4.5
2.7
3.6
2.9
6.0
5.9 0.5
0.9 5.0
5.4
Old
Sugarlands Trail
Hu
skey
Gap
Trail
Newfo
un
d
Gap
Road
SugarlandMountain
Trail
Little
RiverTr
Cove Mountain Trail
Cucumber Gap Tr
GatlinburgTrail
2.0
3.1
4.1
2.1
2.8
1.0
0.8
2.4
2.9
2.4
0.8 1.0
1.7 3.7
HistoricNatureTrail
Roug
h Creek Tr
Middle Prong
Trail
GreenbrierRidge Trail
Go
shen
ProngTrail
Miry
Ridg
eTrail
Lum
ber Ridge Trail
Meigs MountainTrail
Jake
sCreek Tra
il
Panther Creek Tr
Lynn Camp Prong Tr
Wes
tPr
ong
Tr
BlanketMountain
Cold SpringKnob
Buckeye Gap
JakesGap
Sweat Heifer Cr Trail
Ro
ad
Prong TrailNewfound Gap
SUGARLAND
MO
UN
TAIN
8.1 2.5
4.8
5.1
3.3
2.4 0.9
3.1
1.94.1
3.3
1.4
4.2
1.8
2.32.3
2.5
2.5
2.4
2.4
1.7
3.5
4.4
Little GreenbrierSchool
Roundtop Trail
LaurelFalls Trail
Little River Road
Chestnut
Top Trail
Meigs
CreekTr
CurryM
tnTrail
Scott
Mtn
Tr
LittleGreenbrierTrail
LittleBrier
Gap Tr
MetcalfBottoms Tr
Turk
eype
nR
idg
eTr
Schoolhouse Gap Trail
Rich M
tnTr
Indian Grave Gap Tr
CrookedArm
Ridge Tr
Finley CaneTr
3.4
1.0
1.1
1.2
2.7
7.5
8.4
3.5
4.1
4.3
1.9
3.6
2.22.9
1.8
TownsendVisitor Center
ThunderheadMountain
AceGap
RabbitCreek Trail
Little Bottoms
Tr
Russel
lFi
eld
Tr Bo
teM
tnTr
ail
Ace
Gap
Trail
Cooper RoadTrail
Bear
dCa
neTr
AbramsFalls
Tr Anthony
CreekTr
Cane
Cree
kTr
ail
Hatcher
Mtn
Tr
WetBottom
TrCrib
Gap Tr
LeadCove Tr
6.2
2.5
2.9
1.7
1.9 1.2
1.8
2.81.6
1.6
3.5
1.0
5.1
0.81.1
2.3
5.6
4.2
5.5
2.1
0.8
1.7 1.8
1.9
4.2
2.62.3
HAT
CHER
MO
UN
TAIN
La
urel Cree
k
Rd
one-way
on
e-w
ay (closed
in winter)
Ric
h
MountainR
d
Cades Cove Loop Road
Rich MtnLoop Tr
RICH
MTN
CADES COVE
Forg
eCreek
Ro
ad
BOTE
MTN
Gregory
Bald Trail
Long
Hu
ngry RidgeTrail
Grego
ryRi
dge
Trai
l
Han
nah
MountainT rail
Pars
on
Branch
Road
one-way
6.47.6
4.1 5.0
1.2
4.6
2.0
3.1
2.7
0.4
0.9
Deals Gap
GregoryBald
ParsonBald
Doe Knob
Shuckstack
one-way
H
azel
Cre
ek
Tr
Lakeshore Trail
Wolf
Ridge
Trail
Twen
ty
mileTrailTwent ymile Loop Tr
Lost Cove Trail
5.21.1 2.9
2.6
0.5
1.92.7
3.7
5.2
8.7
4.4 4.5
Twentymile
Jen
kin
sR
idge
Trai
l
Cold
Spring Gap Trail
Bear CreekTrail
Hazel
Creek
Trail
Wel
ch
Ridge
Trai
l
Lakeshore Trail
Bone ValleyTrail
Eagl
eCr
eek
Trai
l
JEN
KIN
STR
AIL
RID
GE
1.8
1.3
0.8
8.9
3.5
12.3 8.7
5.9
0.9
0.3
1.3
1.2
Forn
ey
Ridge
Trai
l
Noland Creek
Tr
ail
Jonas Creek
Trail
Fo
rney Cr
eek
Trail
Springhouse Branch
Trail
WhiteoakBranch Tr
GoldmineLoopTrail
TunnelBypass
Trail
High Rocks
Cold SpringGap
WELCHRI
DG
E
4.57.4
8.1 0.7
1.7
1.9
4.1
3.9
3.3
0.61.31.0
1.8
0.41.
2
2.0
4.2
1.0
0.4
1.1
Fork
Ridge
Trail
Dee
pCr
eek
Trai
l
No
land
Divide
Trail
Pole Road
Cr Tr
Sun
kota
Ridg
eTr
ail
Clingmans DomeBypass Trail
In
dian
Cree
kTr
ail
ClingmansDome
3.9
1.9
3.6
3.7
0.5
2.2
4.9
3.3
FORN
EY
RIDGE
NO
LAN
DD
IVID
E
LoopTrail
MartinsGap Trail
Clin
gm
ans
Dom
eRoad (clo
sedin
win
ter)
1.8
3.7
Observation tower
Auto-access horse camp
Hiker only campsite
Shelter (Hiker only) Shelter (Horse and hiker)
Horse and hiker campsite
Boat-in only campsite
Ranger station
Developed campground
Hiking only (top)Horse and hiking
Unpaved road
Hiking trail
Horse and hiking trail
Trail distances are shown in miles be-tween intersections
Mountains-To-SeaTrail
Benton MacKayeTrail
Roads in park are closedto commercial vehicles.
SYLVA
©2019 GSMA
Dellwood
Maggie Valley
WAYNESVILLE
Soco Gap
To Asheville
To Asheville
Plott Balsam
Waterrock Knob
Blue
Ridge
Parkwa
y
OLD
BALD
RIDGE
PLO
TT
BALSAMS
Polls Gap
Black Camp Gap
CATALOOCHEE
DIV
IDE
(clo
sed
inw
inte
r)
NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST
To Atlanta
Wesser
Stecoah Gap
Cheoah Bald
NANTAHALAMOUNTAINS
ROBBINSVILLE
SNOWBIRDMOUNTAINS
FONTANAVILLAGE
YELLOW
CREEKMOUNTAINS
JOYCE KILMER - SLICKROCK
WILDERNESS AREA
TheCherohala Scenic Skyway
CHEROKEE
NATIONAL
FOREST
FontanaMarina
FontanaDam
BRYSON CITY
LakeView
Drive Deep Creek
Juney WhankFalls Trail
Deep Creek Horse Trail
Stone PileGap Trail
IndianCreekMotorTrail2.
1
2.0
0.7
1.0
0.9
1.1
7.8
4.1
5.12.8
3.8
1.5
4.3
1.5
0.7
Whittier
Ela
CHEROKEE INDIAN RESERVATION(Qualla Boundary)
CHEROKEE
Oconaluftee
Clingmans Dome Visitor Center
Visitor Center Oconaluftee River Trail 1.5
2.4
1.8
Appalachian HighlandsScience Learning Center
Balsam Mountain
BlueRid
ge
Parkway
HemphillBa
ldTr
RoughFo
rk
Trai
l
Cat
aloo
chee
Div
ide
Trail
Boogerman
Trai
l
Caldw
ell
Fork
Trai
l
Hei
nto
og
aRi
dge
Ro
ad
FlatC
reekTr
BigFk
Ridge Tr
McKee
Br Tr
Spruce MountainTrail
Spruce Mountain
Double Gap
Purchase Gap
(closedin
winter)
5.5
3.01.7
3.5
2.9
1.22.6
1.42.3
0.5
3.9
1.9
3.2
1.8
Exit 20
1.83.6
1.7
0.9
2.8
Pin OakGap
BALSA
MM
OU
NTA
IN
NewtonBald
HU
GH
ES
RID
GE
RIC
HLA
ND
MO
UN
TAIN
THO
MA
SRI
DG
E
PalmerCreek Tra
il
Chas
te
enCreek Tr
Smokemont
Tow String
Round Bottom
AndrewsBald
CharliesBunion
ChimneyTops
3.1
2.41.51.8
Cades CoveVisitor Center
Chilhowee
Foot
hills
Park
way
Happy
Valle
yRo
ad
CHILHOW
EE
M
OUNTAIN
Abrams Creek
Gold MineTrailLook Rock
To ChattanoogaFooth
illsParkway
Townsend
Walland
TUCKALEECHEE COVE
ElkmontHuskey Gap
FightingCreekGap
Great Smoky MountainsInstitute at Tremont
WEAR
COVE
SugarlandsVisitor Center
Swain CountyVisitor Center
Park Headquarters
GATLINBURG
BalsamPoint
(closed
in
win
ter)
CherokeeOrchard Rd
one-way
Laurel Top
Alum CaveBluffs
BrushyMountain
PortersFlat
GREENBRIER PINNACLE
GreenbrierCove
2.0
Mount Sequoyah
Mount Guyot
BalsamHigh Top
LufteeKnob
2.5
2.3
0.8
0.83.
3
4.0
4.1
1.0
3.9
3.6
PISGAHNATIONAL
FORESTCataloochee
Mount Sterling Gap
Pretty Hollow Gap
MountSterling
Cove Creek Gap
Low Gap
Wal
nu
tBo
ttom
PalmerHouse
Cove Creek Road
2.55.1
0.8
2.3
1.4
4.0
4.6
MARYVILLE
To Knoxville
McGhee-TysonAirport
To Knoxville
CHILHOWEE
MOUNTA
IN
SEVIERVILLE
PIGEON FORGE
Gatlinburg Welcome CenterNational Park Information Center
COVE
MOUNTAIN
Gatlinburg Bypass Road
PittmanCenter
WEBB MOUNTAIN
To Newport
Exit443
Cosby
Cosby
To Newport
Camel Gap
Foothill
s
Parkw
ay
MtCammerer
CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST
Exit 451
WatervilleBig Creek
SNOWBIRD
MOUNTAIN
Chestnu t Br Tr
6.1
2.11.0
0.6
2.3
1.9
1.3
Tow
String
Tr
Foothills Parkway
Wear Valley
Nearly all park trails cross small streams—making very wet crossings during flooding. The following trails that cross streams with no bridges can be difficult and dangerous at flood stage. (Asterisks ** indicate the most difficult and potentially dangerous.) This list is not all-inclusive.
Beard Cane Trail near campsite #3Beech Gap Trail on Straight Fork RoadCold Spring Gap Trail at Hazel Creek Eagle Creek Trail** 15 crossingsFork Ridge Trail crossing of Deep Creek at junction with Deep Creek TrailForney Creek Trail** seven crossingsGunter Fork Trail** five crossingsHannah Mountain Trail** just before Abrams Falls TrailJonas Creek Trail near Forney CreekLittle River Trail near campsite #30 Long Hungry Ridge Trail both sides of campsite #92 Lost Cove Trail near Lakeshore Trail junctionMeigs Creek Trail 18 crossingsNoland Creek Trail** both sides of campsite #62Panther Creek Trail at Middle Prong Trail junctionPole Road Creek Trail near Deep Creek TrailRabbit Creek Trail at the Abrams Falls TrailheadRoundtop Trail** crossing of Little River at Little River Road Trillium Gap Trail at Grotto Falls (icy in winter)Upper Hazel Creek Trail hiker-only portionWet Bottom Trail follow signs for Elijah Oliver Trail as alternate route
Stream Crossings
MAP LEGEND
Facility Closures
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Gre
at S
mo
ky M
ou
nta
ins
Trai
l Map
Nat
ion
al P
ark
Serv
ice
U.S
. Dep
artm
ent
of
the
Inte
rio
rG
reat
Sm
oky
Mo
un
tain
sN
atio
nal
Par
kN
ort
h C
aro
lina
/Ten
nes
see
51
46
Snak
e Den Ridge Tr
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.3
0.1
0.4
0.4
1.0
0.3
Gabes M
ounta
in T
r
Low
er
Mo
un
t Ca
mm
erer
Tr
Low
Gap
3.9
0.5
0.9
0.3
1.0
2.2
Smokemont Loop
Tr
Bradley Fork
Tow
string
Tr
Newton Bald Tr
This trail map is not intended to show legal boundary of the national park.
4 5 0 0 3 6 8 0 2 5 1 0
$1.00
Many areas of the park, including roads, frontcountry campgrounds, trails and backcountry campsites/shelters are subject to closure asenvironmental conditions or operational capabilities change. Pleasecheck the park’s website at nps.gov for the latest closure information.
(tem
po
rarily clo
sed to
motor v
ehicles)
Heinto
og
a/ R
ou
nd Bottom R
d
4.0
(clo
sed
in
winte
r)
For Your SafetyDo not leave valuables in sight inside your car. Do not leave a note on your car indicating how long you will be hiking. Protect your valuables by taking them with you or hiding them in your car.
Leave No TraceYour personal commitment to ethical backcountry use is the most important factor in maintaining the park’s wilder-ness character. Take pride in leaving no trace of your presence here.
• Abide by all backcountry useregulations. They are designed for resource protection. • Use a stove and candle lantern to minimize the tram-pling and destruction of vegetation that result from collecting firewood. • Never cook or burn food in a campfire. Food residues and odors remain and attract wildlife that will become a problem for future campers. • Keep your group small to preserve a sense of solitude. • Camp where your campsite already shows impacts. Don't establish new tent sites. • Pack out all leftover foodand trash. • Avoid cutting across switch-backs, to prevent destructive trail erosion.
If You Get LostStay calm, do not leavethe trail and do not travelat night. Prevent getting lost by keeping your group together, staying on the trail and using a map. Let someone know your sched-ule and travel plans, so they can notify park authoritiesif you are overdue.
Toilet UseImproper human waste disposal creates one of the most disgusting conditions in the backcountry. Regula-tions require that human feces be deposited in a six-inch-deep hole and covered with soil. No toilet use may occur within 100 feet of a camp or water source or within sight of a trail. Defecating behind a shelter or near a spring creates very unhealthy conditions and is clearlybad manners. All toilet paper, sanitary napkinsand tampons must be packed out. Do not bury them. Please, take a little extra care!
Into the Wild: Visiting the Smokies Backcountry Trip Planning and PermitsIf Someone Gets InjuredIf someone is injured and can't be moved to a trailhead, do the following: Provide warmth and comfort; leave someone with the injured person; note the exact location and circumstances; and hike out and let rescuers know where to go and what to prepare for.It is your responsibility to make sure you don't get injured. Be careful and use common sense. Getting accident victims out of the backcountry is difficult and often dangerous for all involved.
There are no cellular phone towers in the park so cell phones do not work from most locations. The tops of high ridges near the park boundary are the most likely spots for reception. For emergencies only, call 911 or 865.436.9171.
Hazards!Wind. High winds associated with approaching weather fronts can bring down trees and limbs on heavily forest-ed trails. Plan accordingly.
Hypothermia. Hypothermia is when body temperature falls below the point at which the body can maintain its own heat. It is an all-season killer and results from exposure to a combination of wind, rain and cold. At higher elevations, a wet hiker can succumbto hypothermia in mid-summer. Be prepared for sudden weather changes—and learn how to take care of yourself in extremes of cold, heat and wetness. Always carry raingear; storms arise quickly. Hypothermia symptoms can appear very rapidly, even in mild weather.
Know hypothermia’s symptoms and treat them immediately: uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, memory lapses, stumbling, fumbling hands, drowsiness and the inability to get up after a nap. Victims need dry clothing, warm fluids if conscious and shelter from the elements. To prevent hypother-mia, drink before thirsty, eat before hungry, rest before tired and stay dry. Travel and stay with a companion. Two people can look after each other better than one can look after oneself! Cloth-ing should be worn in layers, an outer layer to ward off wind and precipitation and inner layers to insulate. Keep your head warm and dry with a good hat. Other cold weather hazards include frostbite, icy trails and deep snow.
Stream crossings and waterfalls. Rain swollen streams can be unsafe to ford. Don't cross a stream unless you are sure you can make it. As an additional precaution, make sure your pack can be discarded quickly, wear shoes to protect your feet, use a stout stick for extra support, and, if you lose your footing, float with your feet downstream to protect your head. Walking near a stream on moss- and spray-covered rocks
can be hazardous. Never camp nextto a stream swollen by high water. Waterfalls can be extremely hazardous; climbing on them has resulted in many fatalities.
Drinking water. All water obtained in the backcountry should be treated before drinking to protect you from health hazards. The recommended treatment is to boil it for one minute. Many park waters are clear, cold and free-running. Nevertheless, they may not be safe to drink unless boiled. Filters may not remove certain bacteria or viruses, and chemical disinfectants require very long contact times for the water temperatures found in these mountains. Do not drink untreated water!
Trees and Limbs. Before you set up camp, take a moment to look up and around you for any trees or limbs that may pose a hazard. Camp away from any areas that may be threatened by tree or limb fall.
Special Equipment ConcernsClothing. One essential piece of equip-ment for hiking in the Smokies is a rain jacket. Bring it along even on sunny days when there’s not a cloud in the forecast. Sooner or later you’ll be thankful you did.
When hiking in the high country between September and May, always carry warm clothing, including hat and gloves.
Foot Wear. Truly water-proof boots can be a big plus in the Smokies. Not only will they keep your feet drier during rainy weather, they also give you a little extra assistance when crossing shallow streams.
Crampons. Small, clip-on crampons can be very helpful when hiking high elevation trails during cold weather.
Bears and You!Bears in the park are wild, and their behavior is unpredictable. Attacks on
humans are extremely rare, but they have happened, inflicting serious injuries and death. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution and follow the guide-lines below.
Encounters along the trail. Stay alert. If you see a bear at a distance, do not approach it. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (it stops feeding, changes travel direction, watches you, etc.)—YOU’RE TOO CLOSE. Being too close may also promote aggressive behavior from the bear, like running toward you, making loud noises or swatting the ground. The bear is demanding more space. Don't run but slowly back away, watching the bear. Try to increase the distance between you and the bear, and the bear will probably do the same. If a bear persistently follows or approaches you, typically without vocalizing or paw swatting, try changing your direction. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. Act aggressively and try to intimidate the bear. Act together as a group if you have compan-ions. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). Throw non-food items like rocks at the bear. Use a deterrent like a stout stick. Don’t run and don’t turn away from the bear. Don’t leave food for the bear; this only encourages further problems.
Most injuries from black bear attacks are minor and result from the bear trying to get at people’s food. If the bear’s behavior shows that it is after your food, and you are physically attacked, separate yourself from the food and slowly back away. If the bear shows no interest in your food, and you are physically attacked, fight back aggressively with any available object— the bear may consider you prey! Help protect others: report all bear incidents to a park ranger immediately. Above all, keep your distance from bears!
Encounters in camp. The best way to avoid bears is not to attract them to you.
Keep your cooking and sleeping areas separate. Keep tents and sleeping bags free of food odors; do not store food, garbage or other attractants (including toothpaste and soap) in them. A clean camp is essential to reducing problems. Pack out all food and litter; don’t bury it or try to burn anything.
Regulations require proper food storage. Secure all food and odorous items (e.g. toothpaste, lip balm) when not in use. Where food storage devices are present, they must be used. Other-wise, place all odorous items in your pack. Select two trees, 10-20 feet apart, with limbs 15 feet high. Using a rock for a weight, toss a rope over a limb on the first tree; tie one end to the pack. Repeat this process with the second tree. Raise the pack about six feet via the first rope and tie it off. Then pull the second rope until the pack is suspended at least 10 feet high and evenly spaced; it must be four feet or more from the nearest limb.
Camping PermitsAll backcountry camping requires a reservation and a permit. Both reserva-tions and permits may be obtained online at smokiespermits.nps.gov, by calling 865.436.1297 or by visiting the Backcountry Information Office located in Sugarlands Visitor Center, two miles south of Gatlinburg, TN on U.S. 441 (Newfound Gap Road). Permits are $4 per person, per night, with a maximum fee of $20 for up to 7 consecutive nights. Trips exceeding seven nights require an additional permit. Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance of the first day of your trip.
You may not stay two nights in a row in the same shelter or campsite 113. You may not stay more than three consecu-tive nights at any other campsite. Using a tent or a hammock at any shelter is prohibited.
The maximum group size is eight persons, except at the following camp-sites where parties of up to 12 are permitted: 17, 20, 46, 60, 86 and 90.For parties greater than eight persons, reservations for these sites must be made through the Backcountry Informa-tion Office.
Under Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, failure to abide by park regulations may result in a fine or imprisonment.
Planning Your TripFor a safe and enjoyable backpacking experience, know your limitations. A maximum trip length of eight to 10 miles a day is recommended. Group size, elevation gain, weather and availability of good water may also affect the success of your trip.
For trip planning assistance, visit or call the Backcountry Information Office at 865.436.1297.
The following equipment is considered essential for a safe backpacking trip: two flashlights, water, raingear, comfortable ankle-supporting shoes, high-energy food and extra clothing. Always carry a map and know how to use it.
Rules and Regulations1. You must possess a valid backcountry permit while camping in the backcountry. 2. Camping is permitted only at desig-nated sites and shelters. All sites require advance reservations.3. You may not stay two nights in a row in the same shelter or campsite 113. You may not stay more than three consecu-tive nights at any other campsite. 4. Maximum group size is eight persons, except at the sites noted in the “Camp-ing Permits” section. 5. Open fires are prohibited except at designated sites. Use only wood that is dead and on the ground. Never cut live or standing trees. Use only established fire rings. 6. Use of tents and hammocks at shelters is prohibited. They may not be used inside or attached to shelters.Tents may only be used within design-ated campsites. Hammocks may be used at campsites as long as wide or tree-saver straps are used and they are set up in areas where vegetation will not be trampled.7. Food storage: When not being consumed or transported, all food, trash and odorous items must be suspended at least 10 feet off the ground and four feet from the nearest limb or trunk or shall be stored as otherwise designated. See Bears and You! 8. Toilet use must be at least 100 feet from a campsite or water source and out of sight of the trail, campsite or shelter. Human feces must be buried in a hole that is 6–8 inches deep. All toilet paper, tampons and sanitary items must be packed out.9. All trash must be carried out. 10. All plants, wildlife and natural and historic features are protected by law. Do not carve, deface or cut any standing trees or shrubs. 11. Polluting park waters is prohibited; do not wash dishes or bathe with soap in a stream. Biodegradeable soap does not break down in water and is a pollutant.12. Pets, motorized vehicles and bicycles are not permitted in the backcountry. 13. Hunting is prohibited. 14. Feeding or harassing any wildlife is prohibited.
Horse UseHorses and other pack animals (i.e. mules and llamas) are permitted in the park, but they are restricted to trails specifically designated for horse use
(see map on other side). Many horse trails are very steep and narrow—a challenge for even the most experienced horse and rider. Remoteness and difficulty of access often make continual trail clearing and care impractical. Expect to encounter rugged conditions. Please report down trees or landslides to a ranger. Off-trail or cross-country use is prohibited. Horse parties may use designated campsites open to their use (see chart). Horse parties are subject to all backcountry regulations.
Requirements: Horse parties must obtain a backcountry camping permit and reservation for any overnight backcountry camping. Horses must be under physical control at all times; they may not be left to water unattended; grazing is prohibited. All food for stock must be packed in, and unused food must be packed out. At designated backcountry sites where stock are permitted, the number of animals in any one party is limited to one per person plus one pack animal per person, but shall not exceed a total of ten (10) animals for the same group or the stock capacity for that site. See chart at right.
In campsites with no hitch posts or racks, horses must be cross-tied so that they cannot chew on or otherwise damage trees or other vegetation. Tying horses directly to trees is prohibited.
Horses are not permitted within 100 feet of trail shelters or in cooking or sleeping areas of campsites. Their manure must be scattered away from the campsite. Horses must not be tied closer than 100 feet to any stream or water source.
• Carry and use a collapsible bucket to water your horse—keep horses away from springs. • Never leave feed where wildlife can get to it—wildlife attracted to feed can come into conflict with people. • Use processed feed to elimi-nate introducing weed seeds into the park—hay may contain seeds of exotic plants, and some non-native plants can take over the habitat of native plants.
Auto-access Horse CampsLimited auto-access horse camps provide ready access to backcountry trails from April through October. Reservations are required and may be made up to five months in advance. For reservations call 1.877.444.6777 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. eastern time or visit recreation.gov.
Auto-access Horse Camp No. of Campsites
Anthony Creek 3Big Creek 5Cataloochee 7Round Bottom 5Tow String 2
Always secure brassclip to eye bolt in
bottom of tree
Using the Chart at RightYour Guide to the Wondrous Diversity of the SmokiesBackcountry Campsites
Backcountry campsites and shelters are listed by map coordinates (7E, etc.), with their elevations in feet. Backcountry campsites are numbered and grouped by the major access areas. All sites and shelters are available to hikers, but camping with horses and other
pack animals is allowed only at those with a bold H. Each site’s allowable capacities are shown in parenthe-ses. For example, (12, 6H) means 12 hikers, 6 horses; (12) means 12 hikers, no horses. See “Camping Permits” for more information.
One hundred and fifty trails extend for approxi-mately 800 miles, crossing the ridges, peaks and valleys of America’s most visited national park.
For those seeking more information, a variety of topographic maps and trail guides are available, including Hiking Trails of the Smokies, the comprehensive park trail guidebook. To order a map or guide, call 865.436.7318, ext. 226 or visit SmokiesInformation.org.
SiteNo. Capacity
Elev.(Feet)
MapKey
12356910121314151617
12001320136034003400320030001530260046402050155017001240
2D2D3D3D4D4E4E2D3E2F2E2E2E2D
Cooper Road (12)Cane Creek (4)Hesse Creek (8, 2H)Rich Mountain (4, 2H)Turkeypen Ridge (8)Anthony Creek (12)Ledbetter Ridge (8)Forge Creek (12)Sheep Pen Gap (15, 8H)Flint Gap (8)Rabbit Creek (12)Scott Gap (10)Little Bottoms (14)
Cades Cove Area
18192021232426272830
4651525354555657585960
1600288025202640320028604400352034903400
4D5D5D6D6D6D6D5D5D6E
West Prong (12)Upper Henderson (8, 2H)King Branch (12, 4H)Mile 53 (12)Camp Creek (12)Rough Creek (15)Dripping Spring Mountain (10)Lower Jakes Gap (12, 2H)Marks Cove (12, 6H)Three Forks (12)
Elkmont/Tremont Area
28702800500030002600241024052360236023202120
8F8F8E8E8E8E8F8F8F7F7F
Estes Branch (12)Georges Branch (12)Newton Bald (8, 2H)Poke Patch (6)Nettle Creek (6)Pole Road (15, 15H)Burnt Spruce (6)Bryson Place (10, 10H)Nicks Nest Branch (6)McCracken Branch (10)Bumgardner Branch (20, 4H)
Deep Creek Area
8990919293959697113
188017602040252018802360288024003680
4F3F3F3F3F2F4F4E3F
Lower Ekaneetlee (8)Lost Cove (12, 6H)Upper Lost Cove (4)Upper Flats (10, 6H)Twentymile Creek (8)Dalton Branch (12, 6H)Eagle Creek Island (8)Big Walnut (8)Birch Spring Gap (12, 6H)
Twentymile Area
8772737677788198
17201720172017701800172018001720
3G6G6G5G5G5G4G5G
Jerry Hollow (Boats only) (6)Gunter Branch (Boats only) (6)Lone Pine (Boats only) (6)Kirkland Creek (6)Pilkey Creek (12, 6H)Double Island (Boats only) (6)North Shore (12, 6H)Chambers Creek (12, 6H)
Lakeshore Area
61626364656667
3560316029202540204017201840
7E7F7F7F6F6G6G
Bald Creek (10, 6H)Upper Ripshin (8, 6H)Jerry Flats (8, 6H)Mill Creek (12, 10H)Bear Pen Branch (8)Lower Noland Creek (Boats Only) (4)Goldmine Branch (6)
Noland Creek Area
686970717475
396028002400218017202800
6E6F6F6F6G5F
Steeltrap (8)Huggins (8)Jonas Creek (12, 8H)CCC (12, 12H)Lower Forney (12, 8H)Poplar Flats (8)
Forney Creek Area
828384858688
272022802160200016801960
5F5F4F4F4F4F
Calhoun (8, 4H)Bone Valley (20, 10H)Sugar Fork (6)Sawdust Pile (10, 6H)Proctor (20, 8H)Possum Hollow (12)
Hazel Creek Area
36373839404142
3040300058203040310033605480
11C11C11C11D11D11E10D
Upper Walnut Bottom (20, 20H)Lower Walnut Bottom (20)Mount Sterling (12)Pretty Hollow (20, 10H)Big Hemlock (8)Caldwell Fork (12, 6H)Spruce Mountain (4)
Cataloochee/Big Creek Area
4447484950
50403620332030602360
10D10D9D9D9E
McGee Spring (12, 4H)Enloe Creek (8)Upper Chasteen (8)Cabin Flats (12, 8H)Lower Chasteen Creek (15, 6H)
Oconaluftee Area
293132333435
456034002280196032402680
10B8D8C9B10B10B
Otter Creek (10)Porters Flat (8)Injun Creek (8)Settlers Camp (8)Sugar Cove (10)Gilliland Creek (12, 4H)
Greenbrier/Cosby Area
260047005920528059205870550754604890490043604570644039005600
11B10C10C9D8D7E6E6E5E4E4E3E7D8D10D
Davenport Gap (12, 12H)Cosby Knob (12, 12H)Tricorner Knob (12, 12H)Pecks Corner (12, 12H)Icewater Spring (12)Mount Collins (12)Double Spring Gap (12)Silers Bald (12, 12H)Derrick Knob (12)Spence Field (12, 12H)Russell Field (14, 12H)Mollies Ridge (12, 12H)Mount Le Conte (12)Kephart (14, 12H)Laurel Gap (14, 12H)
Shelters
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BILL LEA PHOTOGRAPH BILL LEA PHOTOGRAPH NPS PHOTOGRAPH NPS PHOTOGRAPH
Printed by GSMA 3-2019 Printed on recycled paper.
Food storage cable systems areavailable at all backcountry sites.
We recommend that you hangyour entire pack in a plastic bag toprotect it from wildlife and rain.
All odorous items must be storedon the cables when not in use.