Gregory Bald (Smoky Mountains) - Advanced Backpacking

Come join us for a fairly challenging backpack trip to the summit of Gregory Bald, one of the few balds that provide a 360 degree view within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.There won't be much of a moon, so the star gazing has the potential to be amazing.

This is a loop hike that begins at Twenty Mile Ranger Station and covers a total distance of approximately 15.6 miles. We'll begin by hiking counterclockwise on the Twenty Mile and Long Hungry Ridge Trails to Gregory Bald. We will cover about 8.2 miles on our first day and we will ascend 3300 feet to the Bald. We will camp at campsite #13, which is a little less than half a mile below the Bald. The descent on Sunday is about 7 miles on the Wolf Ridge trail.

This trip has been rated a D5 because of the distance we'll be hiking and because of the significant elevation change we will incur as we ascend to the Bald. We intend to hike at a moderate pace. This is a strenuous and difficult backpacking trip. Be honest with yourself about whether you have the physical ability and desire to do this event. If you sign up and I do not know your hiking ability, I will contact you to find out if I believe you are a good candidate for this trip. I reserve the right to remove any member from this trip, who in my opinion, may not have the physical ability to keep up with the group.

Because of the elevation that we will be camping at, about 5,000 feet, it may be much colder than you're used to.  Make sure you bring a sleeping bag that is warm enough for the conditions.  I will provide more information about the weather a few days before the hike takes place.

I recommend that you bring layers of clothes, jackets, etc. to keep yourself warm at night. We can build a fire (weather permitting) at the campsite. However, we'll probably take a nighttime stroll up to the Bald where it tends to be windy and there are no fires allowed on top to keep you warm. We'll update the weather forecast just before the trip to give you a better idea of what gear you should bring to be comfortable. There is a water source near the campsite.

Note: Bears have been known to be active in this area of the park. We had to cancel this event a couple of years ago because the campsite was closed due to bear activity.

$32 is cost of the campsite for 8 people. You're only responsible for your spot. If people cancel at the last minute, I will eat the cost. I consider it a donation to the GSMNP.

 https://goo.gl/maps/C QmmiAQ4wNbQN9bz6

I kept below to remind myself how we used to give directions before smart phones! :-)

Merge onto I-85 N/GA-403 N via the ramp on the LEFT. 11.9 mi
Take the I-985 N/LANIER PKWY exit, EXIT 113, on the LEFT toward GAINESVILLE. (0.2 mi)

Merge onto GA-365 N. (52.5 mi)

Take the US-23 N/US-441 N exit on the LEFT.  (0.1 mi)

Stay STRAIGHT to go onto US-23 N/US-441 N/GA-15 N. Continue to follow US-23 N/US-441 N (Crossing into NORTH CAROLINA). (43.4 mi)

Merge onto US-23 N/US-441 N toward CHEROKEE. (20.4 mi)
 
US-23 N/US-441 N becomes ramp. (0.3 mi)
 
Merge onto US-74 W. (22.4 mi)

 
Turn RIGHT onto NC-28. (30 mi)

end @ TwentyMile Ranger Station

$32 is cost of the campsite for 8 people. You're only responsible for your spot. If people cancel at the last minute, I will eat the cost. I consider it a donation to the GSMNP. However, if you have a high number of cancellations at the last minute, I reserve the right to put you on the waiting list in order to allow others to plan and join accordingly, maximizing the number of people who can enjoy this event.