Smokies Fallapalooza Pt. 3 (Condensed Version!)

OVERVIEW

That’s right–not one, not two, but THREE Smokies trips are happening this fall break!

This 3rd one’s for you if….
a) you need to leave at a slightly later time on Friday than the other 2 Smokies trips
and/or
b) you wanna get back earlier because you have hella work to catch up on (or maybe even an exam right after break like me!)

I am co-leading this trip with fellow ODC member Sabrina! Since our campsite has a 6 person limit, we can only take 4 others with us.

Soooo, in summary, this trip is a condensed version of the other two Smokies trips, the main differences being:
-We will be leaving just a bit later on Friday (ideally 11 am) and instead of getting back on Tuesday we’ll be getting back Monday night.
-This trip has no backpacking–we will be doing day hikes only

We are camping at Elkmont (the same site as Chad’s and Ava’s trips!) all 3 nights.

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/elkmont-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70968

Food:
You will be responsible for your own food! We will make an initial run to the store in Gatlinburg to stock up on stuff/get supplies. Depending on group consensus, we do have the option to buy larger portions for group meal dinners. Sabrina and I will bring a pocket rocket and also likely a larger stove from the club, along with a few pots and pans. Please reach out to us with any questions about this!

Driving:
We can both drive, so don’t really need a driver, but we will always say yes if someone who has a bigger car wants to drive! Drivers will be reimbursed up to $150 for gas, plus a $20 tip

Tent:
You don’t need to bring one. We will be checking out a tent(s) from the club, unless someone has one and wants to bring it!

*****Itinerary****
https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/static-mysmokymountainpark/public/SmokyNP-official-map.pdf

Friday, October 5th:
-Leave C’ville around 11 am
-Get to GSM NP 5.5 ish hours later
– Gatlinburg adventure to stock up on stuff for the next few days
– Set up camp at Elkmont
-Meet up with other Smokies groups!
– A visit to Clingman’s Dome (tallest spot in the park) for some spectacular views & stargazing
– Camp @ Elkmont Campground

Saturday, October 6th
-Hike the Alum Cave Trail to Mt. Leconte (11 miles, strenuous)
-“If ever there was a classic hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Alum Cave Trail to Mt. LeConte would certainly qualify…the Alum Cave Trail is unmatched in its combination of interesting geological features, history, high adventure and stunning panoramic views”.
-http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/lecontealum.htm
-Camp @ Elkmont Campground

Sunday, October 7th
-Debating between hiking Mt. Cammerer or hiking Charlie’s Bunion via Newfound Gap (we can have a group vote!)
-http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/charliesbunion.htm
-http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/cammerer.htm
-Camp @ Elkmont Campground

Monday, October 8th
-Half day of hiking.
-We have options! I’m honestly hoping to make it a waterfall day and hit up Laurel Falls and then (if we have time) Grotto Falls. But again, we can take a group vote!
-http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/grotto.htm
-http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/laurel.htm
-Leave after lunch, likely around 1 or 1:30 pm, to head back to UVA

~~~Baseline Packing List~~~
-good hiking shoes
-headlamp
-sleeping bag
-sleeping pad
-clothes (including rain gear)
-day pack for hikes
-lots of water bottles!
-some spending money for souvenirs + if we stop for food on the road
-we will give you a more detailed list of what we are bringing, if you would like!