Headin' to the Smokies- 'bent' rally & prep'r expo

[hiker74]

[quote source="/post/11079/thread" timestamp="1432053385" author="@hiker74"]I recommend the following trails
Ramsey Cascades - http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/ramsay.htm
Mt LeConte via Alum Cave Trail - http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/lecontealum.htm *check to see if its open-they were doing trail repair
Hen Wallow Falls - http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/hen_wallow_falls.htm *Salamanders climb up the falls rock facing!
Porters Creek Trail - http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/porters.htm *Fern Branch Falls and Wildflowers

This is a great web site.  After looking at the pictures of trails I have hiked, as well as some I want to, I really want to get back. 

Thanks again.

Doug[/quote]


To avoid crowds the ones at the Greenbriar Entrance are delightful

[dh50]

[quote source="/post/10857/thread" author="@aznighthiker" timestamp="1431714049"][p]The one group in one of my cycling clubs are mostly recumbent riders, I still ride "uprights" and have a large fleet of various types. The one club does a lot of bicycle touring and a great web site for bicycle touring is [a href="http://www.crazyguyonabike.com"]www.crazyguyonabike.com[/a] Folks from all over the world post trip journal. I have hear one route thru the Great Smokies they want to eliminate bicycle riding.[/p][/quote]Thank you for the link, AZ!  We did not hear anything about curbing biking trail(s).  Just the opposite, actually.  The bike shop owner/rally sponsor stated there are big plans underway to connect hike/bike trail(s) to a national network with plans for Townsend to become the 'hub', to be known even internationally.  

There goes the 'peaceful side of the Smokies'!   :-/

[djsamuel]

We made it to Townsend with no issues. Trailer worked well. Even made it through Atlanta without the blood.pressure getting too high. We're staying at the Big Meadow Family Campground. Very nice place. Old timers festival is tomorrow, but we'll see what the weather is.