Great Smoky Mountains Family Backpacking Adventure

Great Smoky Mountains Family Backpacking Adventure Itinerary:

• Day 1 Meet your fellow adventurers in Great Smoky Mountains NP and begin the first leg of our backpack along the scenic Big Creek Trail.

  Our trip begins at 11:00am at the Big Creek Ranger Station on the east side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Big Creek area is one of the more primitive sections of the Smokies, once inhabited by early settlers. Today we hike on the Big Creek Trail which begins with a bit of a steep incline followed by a gentle uphill grade along the top of a narrow cove alongside the babbling Big Creek. Big Creek flows to our left for over two miles and the pleasant sound of the mountain stream is always within earshot. At one mile up the trail, we pass Rock House, a rock alcove used by early settlers as a temporary home while the built their cabins. Continuing up Big Creek Trail we will pause and enjoy Midnight Hole, a cool and refreshing pool with a small cascade. Returning to the trail we will first hear and then see the 50-foot Mouse Creek where we may choose to stop, relax for a bit and have a snack among the gentle sounds of these mountain streams. Another couple miles up the Big Creek Trail; we come to Walnut Bottom cove where we will cross a bridge that offers views of the creek and a few large pools of water where we may spot some trout. We set up camp at our beautiful stream-side site surrounded by Hemlock and Buckeye Trees and enjoy a great backcountry dinner before resting for the second leg of our journey tomorrow. Dinner included. Bring your own variety of quick foods to be eaten as lunch and grazed on constantly throughout the day each day. Energy bars and drinks as well as trail mix, bagels, salami, etc. are all good choices.

  Hiking Distance: 5.2 miles; Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft.

• Day 2 Hike along a variety of trails offering expansive views of some of the park's highest peaks. Enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars.

  We start the day with a hearty camp breakfast and continue our journey on the Swallow Fork Trail which begins at the Big Creek Trail junction. The first mile of the trail is a pleasant one with an easy grade and an open forest. Today we will cross a Swallow Fork tributary into a second growth tulip tree forest, and visit an old mountain homestead. We continue to cross a few more tributaries until the trail bears left away from the stream. We ascend, catching glimpses of Mount Sterling and Mount Guyot, the second highest peak in the Park. After hiking 3 and a half miles, the trail crosses an old logging trail and we travel the Mount Sterling Ridge Trail east for another mile and a half. This walk will be along a large ridge through some beautiful stands of Yellow Birch trees. The afternoon is complete with a visit up an old fire tower located on this ridge and is a unique and fantastic place for expansive views of Mt. Cammerer, Max Patch, Clingmans Dome, Mt. Pisgah and Mt. Mitchell. We make our way to our campsite for a delicious dinner and relaxing evening under the stars. Breakfast and dinner included. Bring your own variety of quick foods to be eaten as lunch and grazed on constantly throughout the day. Energy bars and drinks as well as trail mix, bagels, salami, etc. are all good choices.

  Hiking Distance: 5.5 miles; Elevation Gain: 2,300 ft.

• Day 3 Our final hike descends through beautiful old growth forest of Spruce and Hemlock before ultimately returning to Big Creek.

  Our final morning in the Smoky Mountains begins with a healthy breakfast before heading northeast on the Baxter Creek Trail. Today's hike is a steep walk down the mountain past small caves and boulder fields. Several switchbacks will afford you some nice views as you pass several blackberry patches. We will pass through an old growth forest of Spruce and Hemlock trees breathing in the scents of Christmas all year long on this stretch of the trail. Notice the large Chestnut logs as you pass. The Chestnut was the Redwood of the east in its day, before an imported blight killed it off. As we descend, the more varied the trees become until we pass through a thick Rhododendron tunnel; entering a wonderland of moss in this moist cove. As we continue down the trail, we will observe the stonework of the Civilian Conservation Corps. These men were put to work during the Great Depression and it is largely thanks to them that the Smokies have such a wonderful system of trails. Now the song of Baxter Creek becomes unmistakable and you will know we have reached the end of our journey. The trail now levels out somewhat and you will begin to notice signs of long ago homestead sites. The trail ends at Big Creek, near the picnic grounds where we will say our goodbyes and part ways around 3:00pm. Breakfast included. Bring your own variety of quick foods to be eaten as lunch and grazed on constantly throughout the day. Energy bars and drinks as well as trail mix, bagels, salami, etc. are all good choices

  Hiking Distance: 6.2 miles; Elevation Loss: approx 1,500 ft.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions. This trip is operated rain or shine.

Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.

Two nights tent camping at a backcountry campsite; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; professional instruction and guiding; group cooking gear; group first aid kit, water filter

Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; park entrance fees where required, insurance of any kind; lunches and snack items (see itinerary for detailed guidance); alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.

This trip is rated Moderate [3] as we plan to hike for 5 -7 hours each day. Adult participants will be carrying their own backpacks weighing 30-35 pounds distances of 4-6 miles daily over varied terrain. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip, we strongly encourage participants to be involved in a training regimen before the trip. Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level.

Daytime temperatures usually range between 50 – 75 degrees F, with evening temperatures dropping into the 30s - 50s. You may encounter freezing temperatures at some of the higher elevations. Afternoon thunderstorms are a distinct possibility so adequate raingear is important.

McGhee-Tyson Airport, Knoxville, TN - 65 miles, 1 hour

Asheville Airport, Asheville, NC - 80 miles, 1.5 hours

Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Charlotte, NC - 180 miles, 3 hours

There is no reliable transfer service from any airport to our meeting place. Anticipate renting a car if flying in for this weekend getaway.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

Daytime temperatures usually range between 50-75 degrees F, with evening temperatures dropping into the 30s-50s. You may encounter freezing temperatures at some of the higher elevations. Afternoon thunderstorms are a distinct possibility so adequate raingear is important.

Gear Checklist