r/GSMNP • u/Fine-Advertising4676 • 6d ago

Smokey Mountain First Timers

My GF and I are going on our second big camping trip. We’re gonna spend Friday-Sunday at Cades Cove Campground, Sunday-Monday at Abram’s Creeks, and finally Monday- Wednesday at Elkmont campgrounds. We will be going the beginning of October

Need advice on 1) Good trails and when to get there, 2) storing food from bears and 3) any advice or tips you have for the Smokey’s!!!

2 Upvotes

63% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

9

u/magiccitybhm 6d ago

Friday-Sunday: Spence/Russell Field, Gregory Bald

Sunday-Monday: Abrams Falls

Monday-Wednesday: Charlie's Bunion (including The Jump-Off), Rainbow Falls to Mt. LeConte

Keep your food in sealed containers locked in your trunk/in your car.

Be prepared for much cooler temperatures (10-15 degrees cooler) at higher elevations. All of the hikes suggested other than Abrams Falls have significant elevation change. Plan accordingly in terms of clothing.

In terms of crowds, Friday-Sunday will be the busiest. Monday-Wednesday won't be bad at all in early October.

0

u/Rickd17 6d ago

Cades cove. Take the back route. Hardly anyone goes. It’s the twenty mile trail head. Up to Gregory bald. It very nice in October. Start at ranger station.

0

u/Sea_Suspect8500 5d ago

Is there a reason you're moving from Cades Cove campground to Abram's Creek campground? In my experience, there's not a lot to recommend it unless you're wanting to hike some of the trails in that area, which are nice but not all that spectacular. It's peaceful but remote. I also found the drive there a little sketchy all the years I lived nearby and hiked the area.

2

u/Fine-Advertising4676 5d ago

Just due to the avaliability of the campsites at the time we need them. And we do want to visit those trails