It may be my favorite theme park, bar none.Originally Posted by TNhiker
" Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. "
Good to know. Thanks Illabelle. I'll be sure to have my crampons and poles. Hopefully, the gov't will be back in action and things cleared some by then.Ain't never been to Dollywood, but just checked their website, and yep, they're closed until March 16.
Unless there's been recent snow/ice, your biggest issue may be road access to Newfound Gap. We went up to NFG this past Saturday. Temperatures in Knoxville were forecast in the 50s/60s. As we approached through Sevierville, we could see sun reflecting brightly from some of the higher ridgelines. That's just frost, right? After driving 2/3rds of the way to NFG we began to see snow on the ground. Perhaps because of the gov't shutdown, the road had not been treated. A pickup from Floridagot stuck on an icy patch and traffic came to a near halt for 15-20 minutes. My husband and another guy got him towed over to a parking area and we were able to proceed. At NFG there was a 2-inch layer of crusty slush (My silly daughter wore sandals!
She had socks, and we gave her plastic bags to keep her feet sorta dry). We parked and went on a short hike (Beech Flats Quiet Walkway). When we returned, rangers were stationed blocking entry to the parking lot, and announced they were closing the road. Tons of people still in the Park, so we figured there was little chance of getting stuck behind a locked gate. We drove downhill and hiked part of the Alum Cave Bluff Trail.
If NFG is accessible, I wouldn't have any hesitation about hiking to Charlie's Bunyan. At that elevation, ice is probable regardless of weather elsewhere, so just watch your step. Trekking poles help a lot. Also, be sure to allow enough time for travel and hiking considering the early sunset. We were at Charlie's Bunyan around sunset last summer. Outstanding views of the peaks and valleys, the sun's rays in a rising mist. Enjoy!
" Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. "
I'm sad I'll miss Dollywood this trip,but Pigeon Forge is loaded with fun stuff to do and see, so I'm sure I can entertain myself elsewhere. Our hotel has an indoor waterpark, so I can do that instead. Yes, I'm an old lady/child.
" Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. "
Our hotel has an indoor waterpark, so I can do that instead. Yes, I'm an old lady/child.
i can dress up like Dolly and then it will complete your trip.....
ROTFL!!! Yes, that's exactly what my trip is missing!! LOL!!!
" Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. "
Excuse my ignorance, But what's "ROTFL?"
We need more emojis.
" Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. "
guess i'm from another century. LOL (i know that one)We need more emojis.
You seem cool people to hang around with. I hope you have fun.
One of my first winter hikes was to Charlie’s Bunion...there was two feet of snow on the trail, I wore blue jeans with cotton leggings underneath, kept postholing, got soaked, made it half a mile.
Still...it was a great experience that I can laugh about. I did it all wrong but have a wonderful memory.
Have fun!
Last edited by Traffic Jam; 01-09-2019 at 20:12.
This is so far the best news I've heard in 2019. Thanks Mockernut.Sad news...Dollywood is closed until mid-March...
Charlie's Bunyan Dayhike mid February
You're welcome, Tipi, but doesn't it worry you that all those folks that would have gone to Dollywood will be crowding the trails instead?
One summer my wife and my son worked summer jobs at Dollywood.
Family members got free admission.
I went one time to ride the rollercoasters.
Been there. Done that. Didn't get the t-shirt.
On a section hike 2 or 3 years back in the third week of March, a nor'easter came through and dumped 6" of snow on us overnight. The next day, the snow got packed down as it was trampled, temperatures rose slightly above freezing, then it refroze the next night. The result was basically a lot of very icy areas on the trail. The southbound descent to NFG was treacherous without spikes. Many tourists trying to go up the hill were slipping and falling. I fell several times, even going slowly and using trekking poles. It was melted two days later.
Be prepared. Bring spikes, use them if needed.
BElow is a live webcam of Newfound Gap. It will give you a good idea of what the roads are up into the smokies. II wouldn't worry about the trail conditions as you wont know what they are until you are there.
https://www.air-resource.net/grsmnfgap/
Trail Miles: 4,980.5
AT Map 1: Complete 2013-2021
Sheltowee Trace: Complete 2020-2023
Pinhoti Trail: Complete 2023-2024
Foothills Trail: 47.9
AT Map 2: 279.4
BMT: 52.7
CDT: 85.4
Now wait a minute. If this was the Smokies, then that couldn't have been a nor'easter. Musta been a sout'easter, even if nobody's ever heard of one.
Good point Gambit.
I haven't seen mention of web cams here before. They can give some insight into conditions at their locations. Many also list temperature and other data. It varies by location. May be due to whom ever sponsors camera.
At this moment Newfound Gap shows to be 29 degrees with two inches of snow depth.
There are some other web cams with ties to the park. Purchase Gap, Look Rock and seasonally Clingman's Dome. Unfortunately those associated with the National Parks are shut down due to the Federal Tantrums .
I've hiked to Charlies Bunion in January and my experience was it is doable so long as the road is open. The first half mile from the parking lot is a little wet, a little shady and a little crowded. Once you get past the first mile, the trail levels out and the parking lot people head back.
Sturdy waterproof shoes, warm windproof clothes, and some snacks will get you there and back. If the day is clear, there are beautiful views north from the Bunion.
If the weather is too iffy (or the road is closed) head to Porter's Creek trail in Greenbrier which is east on 321 from Gatlinburg. Beautiful hike and rarely crowded.
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