Shuttle hiking allows you to hike from point A to point B instead of limiting you to loop hikes. Usually, your shuttle service will meet you at your destination trailhead where you leave your car. The shuttle then transports your party to your starting trailhead for the beginning of your trip. You then hike or backpack back to your waiting car. Shuttle service works well for both day hikes and backpacking trips. Unlike a taxi, a hiker shuttle service should be very knowledgeable about the trails and conditions you are likely to encounter, and expert in the rules and regulations for the area you will be hiking to make sure you have the permits and gear necessary for a successful trip.

Why the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Fri, 01/16/2009 - 07:00 — firepink

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most bio-diverse spot north of the tropics. It is home to 90 percent of the old growth forest left east of the Mississippi River, and contains 16 Champion Trees (the largest ones for their species on the planet). It has nine distinct forest types, more species of trees and aquatic life than all of Europe, and depending on the elevation, climate ranging from Georgia to Quebec. It is truly the jewel of our Park system. Download a map of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and get familiar with the Park (see Maps located on the right sidebar). The most widely used map for hiking and backpacking is made by National Geographic. Purchase a National Geographic trail map online.

Backpack the Appalachian Trail


Backpacking the entire AT through Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Start at Fontana Dam on the southwest side of the Park and enter the largest unsegmented roadless area in the east. Make your way across Appalachian Balds and narrow ridges as you climb towards the second highest peak east of the Rockies. Cross Newfound Gap at the intersection of the AT and US Hwy 441 and enter the most remote section of trail along the entire AT. Travel through old growth boreal forest and pass prominent geologic features on your way to Davenport Gap on the northeast side of the Park.

Backpacking the East side of the AT through the Park
Start at Newfound Gap at 5,040' and hike 26 miles before falling below 5,000 through the most remote wilderness in the east. Experience some of the most special places in the Park including Charlies Bunion and Mt. Cammerer while enjoying miles of true ridge top hiking through old growth boreal forest.
Backpacking the West side of the AT through the Park
Start at the second highest peak in all of eastern North America and hike into the largest unsegmented roadless area in the east. Backpack through rugged terrain over Appalachian Balds and narrow ridgelines. Experience the expansive views at the infamous Rocky Top and sleep to the sounds of coyotes at Spence Field.

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