AT NC/TN: Flint Mountain to Whistling Gap
It’s hard climbing in pouring rain which finally clears for flower-lined trail to Bald Mountain.
AT NC/TN: Little Laurel to Flint Mountain
Spectacular views are completely in mist and it’s a race to a shelter before a terrifying thunder storm.
AT NC/TN: Pump Gap to Little Laurel
It’s a roller-coaster day and heavy rain threatens, so I cut it short and sleep in a shelter.
AT NC/TN: Lemon Gap to Pump Gap
The AT passes right through the town of Hot Springs where I camp above and am pounded by two thunderstorms.
AT NC/TN: Green Corner Rd to Lemon Gap
The trail goes steeply up from I-40 climaxing at the extraordinary grassy bald Max Patch with views for miles.
AT NC/TN: Tri-Corner Knob to private cascades
The rain holds off to allow for a visit to the cool Mount Cammerer Lookout and camping by falls.
AT NC/TN: Mt. Collins to Tri-Corner Knob
It’s another gorgeous walk on top of long catwalk ridges including to Charlie’s Bunion.
AT/NC: Spence Field to Mt. Collins
One in thirty days are this gorgeous in the Smoky Mountains and we hike all day to soak it up and get to Clingmans Dome.
AT/NC: Birch Spring to Spence Field
It’s a wet day with thunderstorms expected, so we hike from
shelter to shelter and see a bear and cub.
AT/NC: Hogback to Birch Spring
At Fontana Dam where I decide to take advantage of good weather and enter Smoky Mountain National Park.