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Hey guys, I'm a grad student at the University of Georgia and some friends and I were planning on a hiking trip up in the NC mountains. I'm really set on the smokies or nice areas around there. It's a weekend trip so we don't want to hike any more than 5 miles or so and my friend wants to do some fishing. I'm fascinated with the microclimates up in the higher elevations so I'm also looking to head to an area where I can escape the heat and feel like I'm not in the south for a few days lol. I also heard that you need a permit to hike in the park. Is that true??
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Any elevation above ~4,000 ft brings cooler/cool temps, albeit with some humidity on some days.
I hike around, but just a daily hump up Eagles Nest Mtn, and easy 2-3 hr solo trips on other mountains, not hard core. An occasional poster, WNC Hiker, does some serious hiking; he may read this and give specific tips.
Yes! to the micro climes and micro environs! We live at `5,000 and just above us, at a neighbor's house, is a wonderful & large granite faced outcrop with lichen and plants one usually sees at 8-10,000 ft, in the Rockies. Lots of strange stuff in some nooks and crannies, above 5,000 ft, all over the area...
I half day hike occasionally in SMNP, but no one has ever asked me for a 'permit'. I believe overnight camping, in some areas of SMNP, does require a permit, but not sure, as I sleep at home.
Pages of Western NC Hikes on the Net...here are a few I pulled up:
GL, mD
Motordavid gave you some good links to check out. Have a great time in the NC mountains and we are definitely cooler than Athens! Be careful people seem to fall off our waterfalls on a regular basis with less than great results. Tallulah Gorge down your way pretty neat place if you've never been, but lower elevation so wait until cooler.
You guys would have fun at Graveyard Fields on the Blue Ridge Pkwy. Its around 5000 ft, 2 waterfalls, 3 mile hike. Then you can cross the roadway and hike down to Skinny Dip Falls. Not far from here is the intersection of Hwy 215 and the Pkwy. Go a bit north on 215 and there are all kinds of pullovers to stop and do some fishing and hiking. Lots of trails. Its stunningly beautiful.
There is also the Shining Rock Wilderness Area further down the parkway. Sam's Knob is a good hike-about 2 miles but I think you could make the hike longer-there are lots of places to hike around there.
Primitive camping is allowed in Pisgah Forest, which is a huge area that includes Shining Rock, where Graveyard Fields etc is located. You just have to be 500 ft from the roadway, plus there are all kinds of fire rings/tent pads in certain places. Like Hwy 215 intersection with BRP. There are several fire rings close to the waterfalls that tumble along as West Fork Pigeon River cascades down Cold Mountain beside Hwy 215.
There is also the Pisgah Forest Campground with 128 spaces. If you want a more civilized camp. Have fun wherever you land!
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Tallulah Gorge down your way pretty neat place if you've never been, but lower elevation so wait until cooler.
