Backpacking Advice for Young Families
Recently I responded to a reader's inquiry about which Smokies trails
and campsites might be well-suited for first-time backpacking and camping for a family with children. In the column
on the right side of this page are my recommendations for backpacking in the Smokies with your family:
Spend your first night (or two) in a
primitive campground like the ones at Cosby, Big Creek, Deep Creek, Elkmont or Smokemont. Use only your backpacking
gear and try to avoid use of the car as storage for food, clothing, etc. Note: You'll still have to store
your food in the car since Smokies campgrounds generally do not offer food storage lockers or hanging cables--just try to
be realistic about the experience--avoid using the car as a "crutch."
This is an excellent way to perfect your
gear list and to give everyone a taste of living out of a backpack. I suggest you actually combine this method with
a little out 'n back hiking with the loaded backpacks both before and after the first night in a campground. This
is great advice for anyone and works wonders toward helping people decide what clothing & gizmos they must have vs. can
do without.
Shelters
I think all backpackers should
plan to stay in a shelter at least one night. You'll be able to leave your tent in the car. If you are here
during April and early May then don't plan to stay in any of the shelters along the AT--too many AT thru-hikers will be planning
to use them and you'll find yourselves in a full house every night. The shelters are also usually full during weekends.
Which shelters? Easy access can
be had for these: Icewater Spring, Mt. Collins, Davenport Gap and Kephart (Kephart is on Kephart Prong trail--not
on the AT). A bit more difficult to access because of all the driving but definitely a special place is Laurel Gap shelter
along Balsam Mtn trail. Ones which might look easy to get to but which ARE NOT include Spence Field, Double Spring,
Siler's Bald and Cosby Knob. Getting to these last four shelters requires a lot of hill climbing and until all
in your party have more experience with backpacking they should be bumped down the list.
Kephart Prong trail & shelter might
be my choice--I love its historical artifacts, very old footbridges and ease of access. The trail does tend to be a
bit rocky but not so much as to avoid it. Kephart shelter is also less visited than other shelters on the AT.
If you are here during the hot weather months then Laurel Gap would be my hands-down recommendation for a true wilderness
experience and upper elevation cool temperatures.
I hope these offer you something to
think about. There are lots more options but I think any of these would be a winner. Remember there are several
rules and procedures to be followed when backpacking and overnight camping in the Smokies. All backcountry camping requires
a permit and some campsites require advance reservations. Call ahead to be sure the campsite you are planning to use
is open and to get up-to-date trail information.
Smokies Hike Planning
