Sat, Apr 4 2009 - Backpacking the Smokies (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Jimmy Camp, Don Norton (Chicken Feathers) Participants: Tony M, Janna Parrish, David, Warren Rudert

We meet at Oconaluftee Visitor Center to get permit and then drove to trail head. We started hiking about 10:30am. We hiked several different trails from easy to strenuous. The fist part of the trip was easy to moderate but after lunch the hiking took a different direction. When we got to the Thomas Divide Trail the climb was steep and long. By the time we got to our campsite everyone was tired and glad to be home. After dinner we had some good conservation and all turned in about 9:30. We were wakened by a rooster Sunday Morning. I have never been wakened by a rooster on the trail. Thanks Janna could that be a trail name in the works. After breakfast we got on the trail around 9:00 and took Newton Bald Trail. Keys to vehicles were given to 2 of the faster hikers that would hitch hike back to cars and meet rest of group when they finished. After we got changed we headed to the buffet dinner at Shoney’s and then a long drive back to Atlanta. This was a little more strenuous hike than was listed but everyone made it fine.