Smokies Backpack – April 25-29, 2012

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Hike Leader, Diane Manas, with hikers Garnett Rush, Tom Vickstrom, Amy Sutton. Parked at Cades Cove and got a shuttle ride to the Clingman’s Dome. Hiked to Double Spring Gap Shelter. the first night. We met numerous AT through hikers, including one person mapping the trail with GPS.

 Thursday, April 26

The morning started with a heavy hailstorm that we watched from the safety of the shelter. We waited a while then commenced hiking in light rain. We hiked 1 mile on the AT to Welch Ridge Trail, then descended to Hazel Creek Trail to campsite #82 for the night (9.5 miles, total day). We observed the transition from bare trees amidst spruce and hemlock at high elevations to budding trees as the forest greeted springtime’s gradual onset. We also witnessed Garnett majestically topple onto her backpack while resting on a rotten stump, and the trail name “Turtle” was awarded. Down below things gradually leveled out. On the Hazel Creek Trail we had 22 creek crossings – yes 22! We saw a bear at one point, but he took off running when he noticed us. Our campsite was spacious and close to the creek. About 4 pm, just after we’d set up tents, the skies opened up with a terrific hailstorm and about an hour of heavy rain. The creek turned a raging brown torrent. We had some puddles at our tents and several tents were relocated. It drizzled during the night, but cleared long enough for us to cook supper. 

 

 Friday, April 27

We hiked Hazel Creek Trail to Bone Valley and hung up our gear to dry near a campsite. Then, with lighter loads, walked up the Bone Valley Trail & back. It was worth the hike – there’s a really well preserved dwelling named Hall Cabin there, built in 1880. We ate lunch there on the front porch with four trout fishermen who reported they’d seen three wild pigs down by the creek. We had four or five creek crossing each way on this side trip, and the water was swift and high. We returned to the Hazel Creek Trail and followed about a mile to campsite #84 for the night. (7.3 miles total for the day). 

 

 

Saturday, April 28

Uphill all the way! With an early start we hiked up Jenkins Ridge Trail to the AT, an elevation gain of approximately 2,900 feet. There were three steep sections with few switchbacks and it was a steady uphill trek all day. We admired many beautiful wildflowers, including Bluets, Painted and Vaseys Trillium, Yellow Stargrass, and Dwarf Crested Iris. The weather was clear and pleasant. At the ridge, we followed the AT for a short ways to Spence Field Shelter. (9 miles total for the day). There were a dozen or more through hikers here, including two who cruised in late after doing 28 miles that day.

Sunday, April 29

It’s was “downhill all the way” back to our car via Bote Mountain Trail and Anthony Creek Trail. (5.3 miles). Stony trail, a little rough on the feet – at least Tom thought so. We exited the park and made our way to Tomato Head restaurant in Maryville – an outstanding place!