Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backpacking: July 10-12, 2021

Day 1:
Camped at Smokemont Campground and headed up to Clingman’s Dome parking area at about 5am. Caught an amazing sunrise then hit the trail. Went down Forney Ridge trail. The flame azaleas on Andrew’s Bald were fading away. Just missed peak bloom. Ran into a pack of wild pigs. Connected with Springhouse Branch trail and headed towards Forney Creek. Ran into a bear right before Forney Creek. Could tell it was not a threat, but it would not leave the area. Maybe too comfortable area people. Yelled and made noises hoping to scare it away and associate people with really annoying sounds. Finally snuck past and joined up with Forney Creek. Hiked up to Jonas Creek and back down to meet up with Bear Creek. Got poured on in a rain shower for a bit. Took a wrong turn and went straight uphill to a cemetery. Finally got phone reception and found I wad way off trail. Backtracked and spooked another bear, which ran uphill. Got on the right trail, Bear Creek, and hiked quickly to beat the thunderstorm rolling in. Got my hammock and tent set up minutes before a downpour. Only one in camp. A rainy evening at Poplar Flats campsite.

Day 2: Hiked Bear Creek up to Welch Ridge. Pretty good climb. Welch Ridge was really overgrown. Went up to High Rock, but no views due to clouds. Made my way down Cold Spring Gap trail. Took a bad spill when I stepped on a wet rock and landed on my side. I thought it was a beautiful, but challenging trail. The ford of Hazel Creek at the end was not bad. Got to Hazel Creek campsite and set up in a nice spot. Took a day hike up Bone Valley trail and back. It had 5 fords up and 5 back. Lovely evening watching lightning bugs at dusk. A few fellow Kentuckians camped nearby shared some bourbon with me. Thanks y’all!

Day 3: Hiked up Hazel Creek to Welch Ridge. At least 18 fords. Very wet, but beautiful hike with several waterfalls to enjoy. After connecting up with Welch Ridge, made my way to the Appalachian Trail. Got hammered with another downpour. Stopped at Double Spring Gap shelter for a bit. Volunteers were cleaning the privy. What an amazing group of people! Thank you! Had a hard climb with little views due to clouds to Clingman’s Dome Bypass trail. Took that back to truck and end of hike.

Another amazing hike in the Smokies! Happy hiking!

Trails hiked: Forney Ridge, Springhouse Branch, Forney Creek, Bear Creek, Welch Ridge, High Rocks, Cold Spring Gap, Bone Valley, Hazel Creek, Appalachian Trail, Clingman’s Dome Bypass

Highlights: black bears, Andrew’s Bald, waterfalls on Hazel Creek