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Backcountry campsite & shelter reservations
8 am - 6 pm EDT, 7 days/week Info also available on this line: 865-436-1231
Backcountry info (volunteer staffing):
865-436-1297
Additional information and my commentaries may be found in the postings
below.
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Have you downloaded the free Smokies trail map that
was just published in the summer of 2009? Get it here.
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Old News: Water shortages
at upper elevation trails and shelters:
Backcountry campsite #26 - no water
Mollies Ridge hiking shelter (on the AT) - no water.
Be sure to check with the park's backcountry planning office for the latest status. Good advice
is to keep a small over-supply of water with you at all time and to resupply every chance you get when hiking along upper
elevation trails during our dry summer season.
Last updated 8/28/09.
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Smokies Backcountry Campsite
Additions and Permanent Closures....effective January 1, 2009:
Backcountry campsites closed permanently starting 2009:
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Campsite #4 and campsite #7 on Ace Gap Trail
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Campsite #21 on Sugarland Mountain Trail
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Campsite #26 on Miry Ridge Trail (this site was still open in
July 2009 but as of 7/27/09, the water supply was dry).
New backcountry campsites opened in 2009:
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By reservation #21 on Huskey Gap Trail
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By reservation #26 on Middle Prong Trail
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By reservation #46 on Indian Creek Trail
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Non-reservation #51 on Deep Low Gap Trail
The Park Trail Map on the Park website has been updated
and may be downloaded, free of charge. Those small $1.00 printed trail maps have also been revised and are widely available
in park stores and at backcountry self-service permit stations.
The closed campsites will continue to have a sign post and cable systems
until the trail maps have been updated and are in use since some visitors familiar with the park will undoubtedly complete
permits at self registration and camp in the old sites.
This information will be posted on the backcountry permit stations when the
new campsites are ready for use.
6/28/2009 Update on backcountry campsite changes from
reliable NPS sources
New (printed) trail maps are now available (July
2009) and show these new campsites. Downloadable versions of the same trail maps have now also been updated! Campers
are welcome to begin using the sites by completing a camping permit. Information on locations is available by calling Sugarlands
permit office; 865-436-1297.
Two new campsites are open in the Deep Creek area; #46 by reservation and #51 a non reservation
site.
Campsite 51 is on the Deeplow Gap Trail about one tenth mile up from the intersection with the Indian Creek Motor
Trail. This campsite has one metal fire ring and one four pulley cable system and six leveled tent spots. After the site has
become known and received significant use we will evaluate the need for an additional fire ring and cable system.
The
primary purpose for site 51 is overflow for the new campsite 46 which is on Indian Creek Trail at the intersection of Martin's
Gap Trail. Camp 46 is a reservation site and when it is full campers will be directed to use #51. Campsite 46 has two metal
fire rings and two cable systems and seven leveled tent spots. The physical capacity for each site is listed as twelve people
and no horses permitted. The two campsites are about 1.2 miles apart. These new sites make loop backpacks possible and enjoyable
using the Deep Creek and Indian Creek Trails.
Campsite 21 has been relocated from Sugarland Mountain Trail to the Huskey
Gap Trail only three tenths mile from the intersection with Little River Trail. The site was relocated because the water supply
has been mostly dry for over two years at the Sugarland Mountain site #21 and had very limited camper capacity. The new site
21 has seven tent spots leveled with two fire rings and two food storage cable systems and will be a reservation campsite
for a maximum of twelve people, water source will be Little River.
Campsites #4 and #7 on Ace Gap Trail are closed
permanently due to water supply and land ownership issues. These sites were not used much and proximity to sites #3 and #5
made them unnecessary for the circulation of backcountry campers. The closure of these two sites allowed us to open the two
new sites, #46 & 51 without a net increase in food storage cable systems to maintain parkwide. This is important because
our ability to maintain the food storage cable systems is already stretched to the maximum.
Update posted by Al Smith 7/12/2009.
Please visit the NPS website for the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park to find news about the most current trail & facility closures, bear warnings, water problems, etc.
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Be sure to check either in person or via telephone with the Smokies backcountry planning office before
beginning a trip in the backcountry.
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Backcountry campsite & shelter reservations 8 am - 6 pm EDT, 7 days/week Info also
available on this line.
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Backcountry info (volunteer staffing)
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