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 Reporter |
Summary: Plan a car camp to Smokemont Campground and take the family on an easy hike or a very easy backpack trip to Camp#50. The first 1.5 miles of the Bradley Fork Trail (level and easy) is on an old logging road and follows Bradley Fork of the Oconaluftee River. If you are backpacking at Campsite #50 (.10 mile ahead next to the creek) take the Chasten Creek Trail. At the 1.7 mile you will come to the Smokemont Loop Trail as it veers to the right, cross the foot log bridge and your ascend of over 1000' begins now. This trail has many arieties of spring flowers so enjoy them as you make your way up the ridge. Once you reach the peak of this trail your descent will take you to the Smokemont Trailhead. Turn left on the old gravel road, which leads back to the campground. 6 mile loop hike without the side trail to Campsite #50 Trailhead: I-40 Exit 407 follow Hwy 66 South 8 miles to 441 South to Gatlinburg; 441 South to Newfound Gap into NC and 12 miles is the Smokemont Campground. Turn left and trailhead is in the back of the Campground D. Start on the Bradley Fork Trail for 1.7 miles then to Smokemont Loop Trail. The Smokemont Loop Trail will end at the beginning of the campground and then hike back to your car through the campground. (Lat:35.56346 Lon:-83.31037) Trail Guides for Smokemont Loop/Camp #50: Day Hikes in GSMNP by Johnny Molloy () Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: GSMNP Headquarters 865-436-0120 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Bobby Trotter, who has posted 74 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by KL2 on 4/12/2008 This was my first hike about 3 years ago and I loved it. It is somewhat steep, but not too bad. The scenery is pretty good in some areas and it is very quite. This is still my favorite. 
Reviewed by Viewer on 3/25/2007 The review says moderate but the hike was strenuous.
Reviewed by TM on 2/6/2007 Sure it's got a steep climb but it is very beautiful. 
Reviewed by David L on 12/31/2006 Bridge crossing highlight of hike. Long climb and descent. I am not a hiker. I completed the loop in 2.5 hours. Stopped 4-5 times on the climb. Did not stop after I completed the climb. 
Reviewed by Em on 8/8/2004 I thought this was a nice little hike. Just walking beside that rushing creek was a reward for me. The trail is in pretty good shape considering it has some horse use.. There were several wildflowers blooming this week (8/04) Lots of hemlocks & other nice trees..many of which were huge! I didn't encounter any of the inconveniences of flies the previous person mentioned. Great little hike! I'd go again tomorrow.
Reviewed by Andrew K on 7/6/2004 I was rather disappointed in this hike. First, I do not like hiking on horse trails (first 1.5 miles of this hike) with the concomitant abundance of flies and having to step around manure. Second, despite a 2,000 foot elevation gain, there were virtually no rewards in terms of views. Perhaps when the leaves are off the trees there are more opportunities for views. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: North Carolina Hiking, North Carolina Trails, North Carolina Hikes, Swain County Hiking, Swain County Trails, Swain County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||