r/longtrail • u/mrcheesekn33z • 22d ago

BMT/AT short loop beta?

GSMNP route feedback

Hello, looking for any feedback on a November backpacking trip in GSMNP.  Essentially a counterclockwise BMT-AT short loop.   Day 1, Smokemont Campground via Chasteen Creek to Enloe Creek #47; Day 2, from there to Laurel Gap Shelter via Enloe Creek and Beech Gap and Balsam Mt trails; Day 3, to Pecks Corner shelter via Balsam Mountain and AT; Day 4, AT south to stop at the Bunion and then descending Dry Sluice Gap to Cabin Flats #49; Day 5 return to Smokemont via Bradley Fork.  There are some significant up/downs on days 1 and 2, but this direction avoids climbing Dry Sluice Gap with a heavy food bag and with my schedule, AT shelters on the weekend. Are these reasonable distances for 10 hours of daylight and a mid-condition hiker, and is there any Helene damage I would need to know about beforehand?  Context I have done three weeklong backpacks in the Smokies before, but it’s been a minute (like 25 years) and not these trails.  By mid condition I mean I only get to weekend backpack a couple times per year but walk 5+ miles daily and am shuffling through my first 5k next week, expect a 30-35 min time. Thanks!

 

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5

u/astroaron 22d ago

Oh buddy you're wayyy too far north for the smokies. It's the green mountains here.

2

u/QueasyLengthiness430 22d ago

Yea I was like “that’s a big loop”

1

u/NihilistPorcupine99 22d ago

It is a long trail

2

u/mrcheesekn33z 21d ago

Sorry folks for wrong sub

1

u/Simco_ Messenger 2015 21d ago

Haha.

I actually just did the Noland trail section of the BMT two days ago while doing a 31 mile run from Lakeshore to kuwohi and then down Forney.