Smoky Mountains backpacking trip

[jonpaulr123]

Hey everyone!,

I'm looking for recommendations for a 3 night 4 day trek in the Smokies.  We're all experienced backpackers, looking to do roughly 10 miles a day with plenty of peaks to summit and great views.  This hike will be in the third week of October.  Any recommendations and/or advice is welcome!  This is all of our first time visiting the Smokies.  

Thank you!

JP

[wspscott]

The Smokies are not really a peak bagging kind of place. Most of the "peaks" are forested and don't have views and other than the AT, there aren't trails to the peaks, so there is a lot of bushwacking.

You might consider hiking part of the AT, start at Newfound Gap or Clingmans Dome and pick a direction. This is probably preferable if you have two cars or arrange a shuttle. On the AT the big views are at Clingmans Dome, Rocky Top and Charlie's Bunion, just off the AT is Gregory Bald and Andrews Bald and Mt Leconte which have amazing views.

That time of year is beautiful in the park, let me know if you have any questions