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SCA 2010 Pack Hikes

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

 

This year, the SCA National schedule will feature organized hikes on Monday, October 25 and Thursday, October 28. Both hikes will take place on a trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Although there is no fee to join these hikes, it would be helpful if all those planning to participate fill out the "entry" form so we will know who we should expect each day.

 

 

 

Monday Hike --- Gatlinburg Trail

Easy --- ~4 miles total

 

Thursday Hike --- Gatlinburg Trail           

Easy --- ~4 miles total

 

The trail travels ~1.9 miles one-way from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of the city of Gatlinburg, TN. It is relatively flat and runs through the forest along side the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. The trail offers beautiful views of the river, which at one point is crossed by a pedestrian footbridge. Foundations and chimneys of several old home sites are visible along the trail.

 

Trailhead Elevation: 1,398 feet

Elevation Gain: 101 feet

Elevation Drop: 101 feet

Trail Type: Gravel path, paved areas and wooden bridge

Trail Use: Walking, dogs allowed

Trail Condition: Excellent

Latitude: 35°68'50.60"N

Longitude: 83°53'70.53"W

 

Pertinent Info

 

·        We will meet to begin both hikes at the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking area at 7:30 am.

• By starting our hikes early in the morning before most folks are done eating breakfast, we will avoid some of the notoriously heavy park traffic. We will also take advantage of the best time to see wildlife, and morning light is great for photography!
• There is no fee to enter the park and no parking fee.
• Carpooling is encouraged.
• Note that the Visitor Center has a gift shop, a museum, a free movie that plays all day, restroom facilities, water fountain, etc.
• The Gatlinburg Trail is one of only two walking paths on which visitors can walk dogs in GSMNP.
• Pets are prohibited on all other park trails. There is a heavy fine for those caught breaking this rule.

 

The Sugarlands Visitor Center is located at the intersection of Newfound Gap Road (441) and Little River Road (73) near downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

 

Directions to Visitor Center from the SCA 2010 Host Hotel:

           

·        Start at -- 3171 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

 

·        Head southeast on Parkway/TN-71 S/TN-71 Scenic S/TN-73 E/TN-73 Scenic E/US-321 N/US-321 Scenic S/US-441 S/US-441 Scenic S toward Carlstown Dr

 

·        Continue to follow Parkway/TN-71 S/TN-71 Scenic S/TN-73 E/TN-73 Scenic E/US-321 N/US-321 Scenic S/US-441 S for 7.3 miles

 

·        Turn right at Parkway/TN-71 S/US-441 S

 

·        Continue to follow TN-71 S/US-441 S 4.6 miles to the Sugarlands Visitor Center

 

 

Pet Rules in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

         

• Dogs must be on a leash or otherwise confined at all times while in the park.
• Dogs are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads, but must be kept on a leash at all times. The leash must not exceed 6 feet in length.
• Pet excrement must be immediately collected by the pet handler and disposed of in a trash receptacle.
• Pets should not be left unattended in vehicles or RVs.

 

Tips for Enjoying Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains

 

Hikers Should Be Prepared For All Conditions

 

Please be prepared for a wide range of temperatures and conditions. Bring rain gear and a wool or fleece sweater or jacket. They don't weigh much and might make the difference between being miserable or not in the event it rains. The Smokies get approximately 90 inches of rain a year. This is good. It's what makes the Smokies such a wonderful place to be.

 

         

 

Don't judge the complete day by the morning sky. Frontal systems sweep through the region, with alternately cloudy and sunny days, though cloudy days are most frequent in winter. When traveling in the Smokies, it's a good idea to carry clothes for all weather conditions.

 

According to GSMNP Park Rangers, the most likely sighting of a bear will be its tail disappearing over a ridge. Most "incidents" occur when an ignorant visitor feeds or otherwise harasses a bear.

 

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Day Hikers Checklist

 

Proper planning and preparation is necessary anytime you venture into the great outdoors. A day hikers checklist is a great way of helping you to prepare for your hike, thus helping to make your trip safer and more enjoyable.

 

The following day hikers checklist (and first aid kit) is a good starting point before heading out on your next hike. You may want to add or remove items accordingly based on the conditions where you will be hiking.

 

Gear

 

Daypack or fanny pack

Dog pack

Supportive footwear designed for the length and terrain of your hike

Extra socks

Pile jacket or pullover

Rain /wind shells (jacket and pants)

Wool or fleece hat

Extra clothing / layers (polypropylene)

Gloves

Water: full canteen(s), water bottle(s) or hydration pack

Extra food: high-energy snacks

First aid kit (see below)

Medications

Moleskin (for blisters)

Insect repellent

Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm)

Baseball style hat / Wide-brimmed hat (to protect from sun)

A handful of zip seal plastic bags

Napkins

Toilet paper (in a plastic bag)

Money / ID

 

Optional Gear

 

Hiking stick/poles

Knee Support

Bandana

Notebook with pencil

Camera/video (fully charged battery)

Binoculars

Cell phone (though likely you won’t have coverage)

Feminine products

 

Basic First Aid Kit

 

Some examples of items for your First Aid kit are listed below. Customize your kit according to your personal needs. Be sure you are familiar with everything in your kit and remember to keep items up-to-date and replenished. It's also important to keep your first aid kit in a waterproof container.

 

Personal medications

Roll bandages

Triangular bandages

Ace bandages

Butterfly bandages

Sterile compresses

Adhesive tape

Sterile gauze pads

Antiseptic wipes

Miscellaneous bandaids

Twine

Tweezers

Safety pins

Scissors

Thermometer

Latex gloves

Tissues

Plastic Bags

Small mirror

Antibacterial soap/wipes

Eye drops

Burn ointment

Sunburn lotion

Disinfectant cream

Decongestant and antihistamine tablets

Anti-acids

Antibiotic cream

Aspirin/ibuprofen

Hydrogen peroxide

Diarrhea medication

Hydrocortisone cream

Poison Ivy cream / cleansers

Bee sting kit

Snake bite kit*

Heat / cold packs

Personal information / contact person

First aid manual

 

* There are two species of poisonous snakes that live in the park: the northern copperhead and the timber rattlesnake. Although snakebites are rare, and especially unlikely during the colder fall months when we will be there, hikers should still be careful where they place their hands and feet, especially around old buildings and stone fences.

 

Be aware that the water in the park's rivers may be populated with Giardia lamblia. Giardia is a parasite that can cause an intestinal infection with a variety of symptoms. You should not allow your dogs to play in or drink the river water, nor should you drink the water yourself.