Appalachian Trail: Birch Spring to Spence Field

It’s a wet day with thunderstorms expected in the Smokies, so we hike from shelter to shelter and see a bear and cub.
Appalachian Trail: Hogback to Birch Spring

At Fontana Dam where I decide to take advantage of good weather and enter Smoky Mountain National Park.
Appalachian Trail: stealth site above NOC to stealth site near Hogback Gap

It’s a monster climb to Cheoah Bald, then down and another biggie in gorgeous sunshine with a new pal.
Appalachian Trail: Wayah Bald to past NOC

It’s a long hard day with mist clearing, a huge descent to the Nantahala and back up again.
Appalachian Trail: Rock Gap to Wayah Bald

Big climbs and views plus a mountainside of woodland flowers end with a zero day.
Appalachian Trail: Standing Indian to Rock Gap

The day is cloudy which adds to the drama atop Albert Mountain lookout with new friends.
Appalachian Trail: Dicks Creek to Standing Indian

A spectacular arrival in North Carolina ends with sunset/moonrise camp atop a 5,000-foot peak.
Appalachian Trail: Unicoi to Dick’s Creek

The day after spitting rain and a town rest is glorious with views to Lake Burton and camping alone.
Appalachian Trail: Poplar Stamp to Unicoi Gap

As forecasted, it rains all day, but even in mist, the forest is magical – as is the wee German town of Helen where we get dry.
Appalachian Trail: Blood Mt to Poplar Stamp Gap

It’s a five mountain day through Neels Gap and into a spectacular spring day.