Appalachian Trail: 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.
Appalachian Trail: 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.
Appalachian Trail: 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.
Appalachian Trail: 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.
Appalachian Trail: Mt. Collins to Tri-Corner Knob

It’s another gorgeous walk on top of long catwalk ridges including to Charlie’s Bunion.
Appalachian Trail: 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.
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.