Nature Disrupted

Upcoming Weekend in the Great Smoky Mountains NP, April 2021

April 22-25

A 16.3 miles / 4600' lollipop loop from Cades Cove featuring Rocky Top and Thunderhead Mtn.
We'll spend the first night in a shelter (on a Thursday so hopefully without many others), the second night at our own primitive site along a creek.
The last day and night we'll be at the Cades Cove Campground.

Maps

View on Caltopo

Route

Day 1

5.0 mi - 2,500’ up
Cades Cove campground up to the ridgeline, camping at Russell Field shelter.
Water source 0.1 mi before the shelter.

Day 2

8.6 mi - 2,100’ up / 3,200’ down
Along the AT to Rocky Top and Thunderhead Mtn, double back until we drop down to the Anthony Creek campsite. Water and privy at a shelter 0.3 miles off trail along the way. Water at camp.

Day 3

2.7 mi - 1,300’ down
Hike down to Cades Cove campground, chillax

Day 4

0.0 mi
Have a solid breakfast and throw some frisbee. Drive home.

Wildlife

Coming soon...

Trail Food

Breakfast

Museli
Fig bars

Lunch

Trail mix (peanuts, raisins, m&ms, almonds, cashews)
Cheddar cheese
Crackers
Power bars
Dark chocolate

Dinners

Chili
Rice and beans
Ramen and tuna

Frontcountry Cooking

Cast iron cooking over a campfire!

Eggs, sausage, bacon
Steak and potatoes
Nachos

Gear list

Thanks to Lighterpack for hosting my gear list.