Gregory Bald (Smoky Mountains) - Advanced Backpacking

Come join us for a rewarding 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. 

This is a loop hike that begins at Twenty Mile Ranger Station and covers a total distance of approximately 15.3 miles. We'll begin by hiking counterclockwise the Twenty Mile and Long Hungry Ridge Trails to Gregory Bald. We will cover about 8.7 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 campsite is wooded and there is a water source nearby.  The descent on Sunday is about 6.6 miles on the Wolf Ridge trail.  For about the last 3 miles, we will be hiking next to a beautiful creek.

On Saturday, we will break for lunch at an established campsite (#92).  There is plenty of water here if you want to fill up for the coming ascent.  We will have several stream crossings following lunch for about a 1/2 mile.  You may want to bring water shoes or crocs for this portion of the hike.

On Sunday, we are planning to stop at the River's End restaurant in Wesser, NC (NOC) for lunch around 2:00 pm on the way home.

This trip has been rated a D5 primarily 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.

We have a reservation for 8 people at campsite #13. The cost of the reservation permit is $64, which I will prorate among those who attend (I won't charge anyone more than $10, so if only 5 people sign up, you'll owe at most $10).  If you do sign up, and for some reason you have to cancel, please have the courtesy to remove yourself as soon as possible so that we can give people on the waiting list sufficient notice that there is a spot for them on this event.

In addition, there is a $5 fee per day to park in Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

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.

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

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

The reservation permit cost $64.  I will prorate the cost of the permit among the people who attend the event, but no one will be responsible for more than $10. 

There is also a $5 per day parking fee that is paid to GSMNP.