🌜Birch Spring Gap Campground

Big day today in terms of milestones and sites! I started the day with a monumental downhill (930 ft) then I discovered the Fontana marina, lake… and ultimately the dam which was fun to explore. There is an amazing shelter at Fontana Dam they jokingly call the “hiker’s Hilton”- it has lakefront views, picnic areas, fully plumbed bathrooms and hot showers! I took a break and a shower- which felt amazing! it seemed too early in the day to call it a night so I kept moving along. As I crossed the dam to the other side I arrived at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park The rules are a little bit different here, permits are required and camping is only allowed in specific locations (meaning I will have to plan the next couple days out a little bit better- winging it will likely be problematic). I hiked a little bit out of the way to experience Shuckstack’s summit which had the ruins of a watchman’s cabin and an amazingly sketchy watch tower. The winds were tremendous up there but I was feeling brave. I don’t regret- the views were amazing. Tonight I’m tent camping in the first official offering in the Smokeys. Lots of people here but the sites are spread out in the valley so it feels quiet.

About 16 miles of hiking, good weather- temps peaked at 80° but there was a nice breeze all day.

[AT Mile 172.6]Læs mere