Great Smoky Mountains Association

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Cades Cove Area Trails

Cliff

Madison, next to the Natchez Trace

Hi Old Forester, I agree with Steve, I've hiked that trail, spent 5 days on it. It was great. If you hike from Newfound Gap it will be all downhill according to the lay of the mountains. That said, somehow downhill in the Smokies means uphill. I can't figure that out! Plus, other than a few miles of the trail around Thunderhead/Rockytop/Spencefileld, the section from Newfound to Davenport is my favorite section of the AT in the park. (That's a big section!) Go and enjoy.

Steve

The Sugarlands

BillyH, Are you planning a backpack trip or day hikes?

billyh

starkville

i'm new to the smokies and plan to hike 3 days in July. usually take a 4-5 mile hike. any suggestions on the trails to take.

TnHiker

Maryville, TN

Don...Your planned hike from Clingman's Dome to Cades Cove via the AT with stops at Silers, Derrick and Spence is very doable. Your most difficult stretch will be between Derrick and Spence. All of those shelters have been renovated and are pleasant to use. Bears are often active in those areas so be sure you use the cable systems to hang everything that might smell like food--including cookware & toiletries. You might like to visit my Life After 50 website and read more about the hiking shelters plus one of my bear encounters at Spence Field. Posted 5/25/2008.

Cliff

Madison, next to the Natchez Trace

Hi Don, Did most of that hike in June. In 1975 there was a bear at Siler that wanted to get into the shelter. In June there was a bear about 150 yards from the shelter and on this website another, more recent hiker reports bear activity at Siler. http://www.thebackpacker.com/trails/at_detail/348.php It is an unimproved, bearproof shelter. From there to Derricks' Knob the hike is nice, strenuous but not for long periods. It is improved but without a bear screen. From Derricks to Spencefield the hike is strenuous nearly all day but the views are the best that I've seen on the AT in the smokies, especially at Rocky Top on Thunderhead mountain. After Rocky Top the trail begins downward and is gentle with some uphill but not bad. Spencefield also improved shelter. The hike to Russell is not bad at all, very nice. I have not been on the trail down to Cades Cove since 75 and you will see from my last post prior to yours, that I have very definite memories of a steep trail, but in your case it will be a descent. My daughter and I adhered to this maxim... especially going from Derrick to Rocky Top, "five minutes after we get there everything will be fine."