Two Balds and a Firetower in the Smokies

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

11/5 - 11/9/21 (4 nights)

2021 Bag Nights: 37

Clingmans Dome to Fontana Dam via the AT with a side trip to Gregory Bald

Night 1: Double Spring Gap

Night 2: Derrick Knob

Night 3: Russell Field

Night 4: Site 13

Caltopo says about 41 miles (range: 1677' to 6573' gross: +9630' -14246')

Weather looks perfect

The AT goes through the middle of the Park. We started at Clingmans Dome on the Right and ended at Fontana Dam on the bottom Left.

We left our packs in the car for the hike to Andrews Bald. It is just long enough that the hoards of people at Clingmans Dome don't make it. There were about 10 other people enjoying the day and the views.

Fontana Lake a couple miles and 4000' down

Then back to the car and our packs and down the trail. A lot of the AT is in the trees, but there are some nice views along the way.

We got to Double Spring Gap and were able to find a place to setup away from the shelter a little bit. There were more people than I expected, we were hitting the last of the southbound thru-hikers. Most of them were planning on being done by Thanksgiving. Everyone was nice, we had a small fire and chatted a bit and then bed.

Day 2 

A little cold in the morning, but not bad once the sun was higher, great day for hiking.

My friend's son

Last bits of fall still hanging on.

We got to Derrick Knob early after a short day of hiking, enough time for a nap in the hammock. Talked to thru-hikers, bourbon and a fire again. Great day.

Day 3

Weather forecast still accurate, beautiful day. Up and over Rocky Top

Fontana Lake down below

Russell Field Shelter

More thru-hikers, more bourbon and conversation

Day 4

Off the AT for the night to Gregory Bald and Site 13, that's Cades Cove down below

We setup camp and then hiked the 1/2 mile back to the bald for sunset. 

Cade Cove again

Day 5

Woke up early to catch the sunrise from the bald

My friend and his son headed down the trail to get water. I told them I would catch up in a bit. I started to head into the trees to take care of some business and saw a bear watching me. This is the first bear I've seen in the Smokies that did not immediately run. I took a couple photos (heavily cropped) as he went back to foraging and then headed down the trail. 

Back on the AT heading towards Fontana Dam, the trees were glowing in the sunlight.

Side trip for lunch and a view at the Shuckstack Firetower

Chimney from the old cabin

Then back to the AT, I'm ready for a burger and a beer

Last bit is the road across the dam to the trailhead/parking lot.

Fontana Lake has been lowered for winter

Shuckstack Firetower in the middle of the ridge. 

This was a great trip, very fun to hike with my friend's son. I could have done with fewer thru-hikers, but still never felt crowded.

Bernheim Forest

 11/2/21

I took my kids for a dayhike in Bernheim Forest near Louisville.

"In conjunction with our 90^th anniversary in 2020, Bernheim welcomed Danish artist, Thomas Dambo, to construct three giant sculptures throughout the arboretum using recycled wood from the region. We are thrilled to welcome Mama Loumari with her children, Little Nis and Little Elina, and her third baby Giant, who is currently living in Mama's belly." (https://bernheim.org/forestgiants/)

One of the kids, I think Little Nis

Mama Loumari

Second kid, Little Elina?