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From the taxed state of Illinois, your quickest inlet is to the northeast/east side of the park to either Cosby or Big Creek.... We drive from northern Illinois and it takes us about 9 to 10...

Sluice tube looks awesome.... To think, it was just a few years ago that the lake was well below average levels... Gotta love Mother Nature...

Cell service showed bars at the "dam" visitor center but we could not make a call... It's still my fault for missing breakfast opportunities in Alcoa and/or Maryville where service was aplenty...

It is often comforting for the folks back home to know you were able to reach the trailhead.... Or at least the nearest city or landmark, thereof... It was my fault that we exited Maryville...

We've parked at the trailheads beyond the dam many times and have had no issues....

Unfortuately, we had to walk from the parking lot to the trailhead during our 2008 hike of the AT through the...

Wheter hanging pack or food bag, I've found multiple ziplock, shopping bag, surroundings keeps the critters at bay... Even on our GSMNP hike through the AT, we did not encounter problems (5 people)....

Look at the Merrell outlet in , God forbid, Pigeon Forge (or elsewhere) for, relatively cheap (I think about $30), factory defects.... I know it may still be pricy, but I have sworn off Crocs of any...

I come to the wilderness looking for encounters with wildlife in the GSMNP. As such, it is hit or miss depending on the activity in the area you are visiting (Duh!).... I've been on two popular...

Yea, I know what you're saying... But this old fool prefers footing over weight... I think I rolled my ankle at Bear Creek campsite two or three times in crocs and decided, "Never again!!!".... ...

Keen sandals aren't cheap so explore knock off's... But on the beach, through the stream, light hiking or just on the weekend in the summer.... This is the shoe I prefer...

I've never hiked in crocs, nor would I want to.... I used them briefly as a camp shoe but then realized they are so mushy and provide no support if you have to go up/down an incline if nature calls...

If you're coming from Chicago, I'm all too familiar with the route.... With that said, please be aware of the following:

Newfound Gap Road (US-441) - The section of the road from Chimneys Picnic...

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Yea, it's all topped out with vegetation. At the time of our hike (1998?) there were partial views along the trail. I remember alot of rhododenren tunnels on the way up as well.... I looked...

There used to be a maintained trail up to Blanket Mountain off the Jakes Creek trail. I believe there is a foundation for a cabin and other remnants there as well.... However, there are no views...

At the start of your trip at Clingman's Dome, there are bathrooms, don't miss the opportunity to use these. Also, make the short trip to the Clingman's Dome tower to potentially affort some...

Yea sorry, HooKooDooKu.... I meant, but did not explain, a discrepancy between the older (1995) version of the brown book that I have and perhaps the later issues of the book.... And if this, too,...

As I remember it, there are no bridged crossings once you are on the Eagle Creek trail. With my son and I, when we reached the first crossing, I changed into my Keen hiking sandals and my son into...

Exactly as you described it... We try to get there as often as we can.... As a matter of fact, we've been there four more times since then! Good to hear from you...

Sorry for railroading this...

Yea, we talked about the Griztrax website and off trail hiking.... You're from Knoxville and you're a long time hiker in the Smokies.... It was you.... Thanks for the steak and thanks for the...

As a side note, for all of those looking for a challenging 4 day, 3 night hike, to #97 (Big Walnut along Eagle Creek), #84 (Sugar Fork along Hazel Creek) and #91 (Upper Losct Cove along Lost Cove). ...

HooKooDooKu,

Please see my description of the earlier "1995" Eagle Creek trail description of the little brown book... A footlog probably WAS there at one time, but probably due to "flowage" of...

My son and I headed from Fontana Dam along the Lakeshore Trail to Eagle Creek Trail on September 1, 2011.... As I remember it, the trail from Lakeshore to Eagle Creek was pretty much how TNhiker...

I know when I plan a trip car travel time comes into play. Since you are from Florida, I believe the south west or south central part of the GSMNP would be preferrable.

Given your preference...

I could not believe the length and diameter of these rattle snakes.... I'm a snake guy (used to capture them and let them go growing up), but these snakes were, IMO, the biggest rattlers I have ever...

Sorry, the Moore spring seepage and trickling sound is heard to the left of the trail, not to the right....