"Last big hike in the GSMNP started out around 8am. A little chilly and 3,000’ of climbing. Minimal whining from the kids. As we got on top of Cammerer the sun came out as we approached the fire watch observation tower and everything turned around. Soaked up the sun, fought off the hangries and enjoyed the panoramic views of the Smokey’s. Mount Cammerer is a mountain on the northeastern fringe of the Great Smoky Mountains, in the Southeastern United States. The mountain is situated on the state line between Cocke County, Tennessee and Haywood County, North Carolina. The Appalachian Trail traverses Cammerer's south slope and a restored fire lookout at the summit offers panoramic views of the eastern Smokies, Cocke County, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Mount Cammerer was named for Arno B. Cammerer, Director of the National Park Service (1933–1940) and an instrumental figure in establishing a national park in the Great Smoky Mountains. Before its renaming, Mt. Cammerer was known as "White Rock," referring to the bright white rocks that burst through the treeline at the summit. On some North Carolina maps, Mt. Cammerer is called "Sharptop". At least one story tells of a lightning ..." — wiweasel • Nov 24, 2023

"“Rest day” today. 🤣 Drove out to Clingman’s Dome road in SMNP. Hiked the icy paved trail up to the observation tower with hundreds of folks. Picked up the AT to head down via Mount Buckley and snagged Andrew’s Bald before hitting the Clingman’s visitor center and motoring up to Pigeon Forge to catch Dolly Parton’s Stampede." — wiweasel • Nov 23, 2023

"“Rest day” today. 🤣 Drove out to Clingman’s Dome road in SMNP. Hiked the icy paved trail up to the observation tower with hundreds of folks. Picked up the AT to head down via Mount Buckley and snagged Andrew’s Bald before hitting the Clingman’s visitor center and motoring up to Pigeon Forge to catch Dolly Parton’s Stampede." — wiweasel • Nov 23, 2023

"We left the cabin at 5:45am and got to the trailhead by twilight to make a go on Mount LeConte 12 miles and 3,000+’ of elevation in GSMNP - through Arch Rock, past Alum Cave and on up. Got into LeConte Lodge as they were locking it down for winter and strolled around camp. LeConte Lodge is the only lodging in the NP and you have to hike in on foot. No road access, resupplied by air drop. At its highest elevation of 6,593 feet at High Top, Mount Le Conte rises more than 5,300 feet above its base in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. As we summited, it started snowing as we made our way out to Myrtle Point to check out the scenic vistas across the Smokey’s - but there were none - we were surrounded by fog and cloud in every direction. Regardless we made the best of it. Descended by 1pm and headed to dumb ole' Cades Cove. " — wiweasel • Nov 22, 2023

"The trail to Andrew's bald is pretty much strait down on the hike there. This makes the hike back brutal. It's not terriable long, but has a ton of steps. We'll worth it though especially if you come in June when the azaleas are blooming. They light the mountains up with red flowers. " — MonMonKack • Jun 17, 2023