Current Location: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles Hiked: 207.7
Miles to go: 1987.4
Percent of trail completed: 9%
I’m about halfway through the section of the trail that runs through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park holds 77 miles of the AT, including the highest point on the entire trail.
I’m taking a night off the trail in the town of Gatlinburg, TN. Within the Smokies there are basically no road crossings and very few opportunities to get to a town for resupply. Newfound Gap, mile 207.7, is the one option to get to civilization from the AT until after the Smokies. I was a little stressed about how to get to town from there, as I’d heard it can be difficult to get a ride.
Immediately upon arriving to Newfound Gap, an older couple probably in their mid seventies, offered me and another hiker a ride to Gatlinburg. The woman said her passion in retirement was reading books about the AT. It was “a dream come true,” she said, to be able to help a couple of thru hikers.
My friend and I squished into the back of their fancy red convertible, with our giant packs on our laps, for the drive down to Gatlinburg. Of course really it was a dream come true for us to get a friendly and free ride. It’s one small example of the unique culture of kindness and generosity that surrounds this trail.
After emerging from days in the woods, Gatlinburg is a shock to the system. As the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I had heard that it was touristy. I was picturing a tired podunk town with an ice cream parlor and maybe a mini golf place. Oh no. Gatlinburg is a tourism metropolis. Sidewalks crammed wall to wall of cranky families on vacation, multiple Ripleys Believe it or Not museums, brightly lit shops and restaurants, and yes, mini golf and ice cream.
The hike continues to go well. The terrain is getting more challenging as I continue north, but I’m keeping a decent pace.
My feet and ankles are sore but they are hanging in there. Hopefully eventually my body will adapt to this new lifestyle and I’ll get my “trail legs.”
Mentally I’m doing well too. Some days are a slog but that’s all part of the experience!
What’s Next
I have about 35 miles remaining in Smoky Mountains National Park, then will continue to criss-cross up the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. My next planned town stop is the town of Hot Springs, NC, so maybe I’ll be able to enjoy a well-deserved soak!
Crossing into North Carolina – my first border crossing 
Gorgeous views at Siler Bald 
Hiking beside Fontana Dam 
Fontana Dam shelter aka “Fontana Hilton.” The fanciest shelter on the AT. It even had hot showers and a charging station! 
Enjoying some trail magic near Fontana Dam 
Crossing Fontana Dam into Great Smokies National Park 
Entering the national park 
Fire tower from below 
About to climb the windy fire tire. I was too busy hanging on for dear life to get a picture up top. (But trust me, the view was spectacular). 
Tennessee on the left, North Carolina on the right. The trail straddles the border. 
Clingmans Dome – the highest point on the AT 
Top of the tower at Clingmans Dome 
Newfound Gap 
The kind folks who gave me ride to Gatlinburg 
Overstimulated in Gatlinburg
I’ve been to Clingmans Dome! The only section of the AT I’ve hiked. Congratulations on making it to the highest point. All downhill from here, right?!?
If I remember correctly, Gatlinburg is also the home of Dollyville?
Betsi its actually Dollywood and it’s in Pigeon Forge slightly north of Gatlinburg.
Yes, all in the same area. Dollywood would have made a fun side trip! Oh well, next time 🙂
K, you definitely had a better view at Clingman’s than the time I was there. You are making great progress, keep up the good work.
Thank you!