APPALACHIAN TRAIL
North Carolina/Tennessee
The AT traverses over 400 miles crisscrossing the border of North Carolina and Tennessee with mountain balds above 6,000 including in the spectacular Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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: Standing Indian to Rock Gap
The day is cloudy which adds to the drama atop Albert Mountain lookout with new friends.
Appalachian Trail: Rock Gap to Wayah Bald
Big climbs and views plus a mountainside of woodland flowers end with a zero day.
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: 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: Hogback to Birch Spring
At Fontana Dam where I decide to take advantage of good weather and enter Smoky Mountain National Park.
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: 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: Mt. Collins to Tri-Corner Knob
It’s another gorgeous walk on top of long catwalk ridges including to Charlie’s Bunion.
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: 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: 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.
