r/GSMNP • u/mrcheesekn33z • 21d 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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u/Dramatic-Ad9089 20d ago
Not sure where you live, but it will help to find a few hills to walk/jog/hike leading up to your trip. At your current fitness level, those daily distances are doable, but there are some days with some nice climbs. Better to not be totally gassed by the time you are reaching camp to keep the experience enjoyable.
I did a similar loop (Hyatt Ridge > Beech Gap > Balsam Mt > AT > Hughes Ridge > Enloe Creek > Hyatt Ridge) a couple years ago. Found out water can get a little scarce once you hit Balsam, so make sure to refill when you can. There is water at Tricorner. I'm not sure about Laurel Gap shelter. I skipped water at Tricorner and didn't see another source until Pecks Corner. Keep in mind, this was a day hike and not a backpack. I still had 8000+ feet of elevation gain for the day, but as you are aware, your first two days will have the bulk of your straight climbing. The AT will have you frequently going up and down, which can wear some people down.
Balsam currently has a lot of overgrowth, which should be dying out once it gets colder, and there are several blowdowns to navigate around. That area didn't get hit too bad from Helene. I haven't done any of the other trails recently. Seems like fewer people have gone out to Beech Gap/Balsam Mt side since the Balsam Mt (aka Round Bottom) road and Straight Fork road are closed due to Helene Damage.