Backpack Joyce Kilmer - Stratton Bald

Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock is a backpackers paradise and Stratton Bald is one of the highest points in the Wilderness at 5240 ft.  Its a large bald with acres of open area presenting many fine campsites.  If there is an "easy way" in to enjoy the high ridgeline of this Wilderness this is it.

We will hike 3.5 miles to Stratton Bald (one way) with backpacks on Saturday morning from the Beech Gap Trailhead off the Cherohala Skyway.  Elevation gain with packs will be less than 1000 feet over the 3.5 miles.  Beech Gap is right at the Tennessee/North Carolina border.  We'll set up camp on Stratton Bald, our home for two nights.  We can relax and bask in the mountain scenery.  We'll gather wood for the fire for later on when we can enjoy some fine backcountry cuisine, beverages and stargazing from the bald.

On Sunday we will plan to embark on our 6 mile dayhike (round trip) from our campsite to the amazing 270 degree views into the GSMNP offered by The Hangover.

Monday morning we'll pack up for the 3.5 mile return hike to the Beech Gap trailhead.  If we get out early enough, we should head over to the Joyce Kilmer Memorial and hike the approx 1.5 mile loop to view "The Big Trees."  

There is a small spring for water on Stratton Bald.  You might want to have a light weight bucket to gather the water and filter from that, to decrease the amount of sediment that you might get from fitering directing from the ground.

We will practice bear and other critter avoidance tactics - e.g., eating/kitchen/food prep to be done in one area away from your tent; hanging food away from the camp area; no scented items in your tent, etc.

Plan is to be back to the Park and Ride by 4 or 5 PM Monday. 

Up to two well-behaved dogs allowed.  Hiking in to Stratton Bald, there is one small water source where the dog can drink up.  Day-hiking to Hangover there is another spring at Naked Ground (roughly 1/3 - 1/2 way there).  Be prepared to help your dog stay hydrated.   Also, be prepared to drive your own car if you're bringing a dog.

Thanks to Scott K for most of this trip description, which I went on a few years back, and which I saw a bear in a tree eating berries!

To the trail head from the Park-n-Ride, via Tellico Plains, TN:  http://tinyurl.com/hj4bwgw

 From the trail head to the Big Trees, JK Memorial Forest  http://tinyurl.com/je6gpkv

 From JK Memorial Forest back to Kennesaw, via Robbinsville, NC http://tinyurl.com/zr2ychm