Planning on taking the daughter (6yr old) to the park the first week in August. I've only read about it but some of you dewds know the place and any suggestions on what to do and see, and what to avoid would be the tits. It's a big place and don't want to burn her out. She's down with the camping and fishing. We'll be going mid-week, staying at Cataloochee (possibly), other than that I'm all ears. 0:0
I may get chided for this but I remember enjoying the mountain farm museum when I was younger and would like to take my son there eventually. Could also look into float tube deep creek. Granted these are far from off the beaten path but I find baby steps is the key with toddlers.
Whatever you do, report back. I had to cancel a trip but plan to get up there with the boy at some point.
I took our kids plenty of times. They always did well. You just gotta balance touristy stuff with outdoor stuff. I've stayed at Smokemont and Deep Creek. Smokemont gets crowded AF, but we saw the elk every day. The kids dig the elk.
Over at deep creek you can rent tubes and float down it. It won't be fishable at lower elevations because of tubers. There are a few kid friendly hiking trails at Deep Creek that have waterfalls.
I took the kids to the Cherokee museum, they enjoyed that. They also liked that stupid gem mining crap in Cherokee.
For fishing, get with me on FB messenger. Me, Tranny, Dylar and a couple others hit it 2 years ago. I know the streams pretty well. It is hit or miss this time of year. Rudder's book is a pretty good resource too.
I'm betting yellahammer could give you some good deets.
there is always a lot of stuff for kids going on at the oconaluftee visitor center. cherokee is sort of a shit hole, but the native american Indian exhibitions are pretty good, especially for kids. most of that stuff is closer to smokemont, which isnt a bad campground.
There were all kinds of jr ranger-esque programs when I was trying to plan my trip. I got pretty deep into the websites. Not sure where I found it.
on sunday mornings they do a jr ranger salamander hunt on mingus creek.
the ranger that does it is really good with kids.
Hell yeah this is going to be sweet. Is the Pigeon River white water rafting worth the coin?
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This thread is great. Im about to take my two sons in October (3 and 6).
Any thoughts on Cosby campground?
Quote from: NCsporksman on July 19, 2017, 16:00:32 PM
Hell yeah this is going to be sweet. Is the Pigeon River white water rafting worth the coin?
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The Pigeon is not a bad choice. It isn't terribly long, or difficult. More exciting than the Nanny, and the water is warmer than the Nanny. I can't answer if it's worth it.
I wanted to camp at the Smokies this year, but my wife got involved, and now the focal point of the trip is a train ride/first class seating on a steamer at the Tuck. Thats more expensive than the raft trip, and it probably ain't worth it, but I'll get some pulled pork out of the deal.
I'd just as soon crash near Yaller's place, and canoe down the bird from Hepco. Now that would be a riot!
Yes man the aforementioned coin ain't bad at all, how do you guys feel about cataloochee as a base of operations? I like that it's got a lot right there in case i just wanna drink and walk around for a day
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The Spork be scouting areas for future Elk hunting under the guise of family trip, lol V:;
There is not shit near Cataloochee as far as groceries or beer. You have to drive to Maggie Valley and to go to a convenience store or have to drive to Waynesville to hit up a grocery store. The road in and out of the valley is 1.5 lanes at best so it can be slow going at times. Just figured it is worth mentioning. Otherwise Cataloochee is great if you just want to stay in the campground in the valley and never need to leave.
You can see regularly see elk at Oconaluftee and along the parkway at Soco Gap.
I was going to make cataloochee my home base but as ben said I would stock up. Seems like a solid place to just fuck around to kill time.
cataloochee is a great campground for park history, but its a long drive from any of the activities mentioned in this thread.
I never camped at Cataloochee. I have been there though. One good aspect is fishing access for the kid, but then again, the 'Luftee runs near Smokemont, plus you have Bradley Fork and Chasteen Creek right there. All I would say about Smokemont is that it is peak season and it will be crowded. Despite the park rules, Bradley will get hammered with worms, spinners and powah bait. There are no showers at Smokemont. I hate to stink. I can't remember if they have them at Deep Creek.
I asked the kids what they liked from the trips we took. This is what I got
The older one said she liked hiking the AT. She was 9 at the time, I took her for about 6 miles up near Clingman's Dome. She also said she liked the rafting trip we did. Yes, It is expensive.
The younger one said she liked riding the train and going into Gatlinburg with her mother. I have never been to Gatlinburg... not my thing.
That said, the train ride ain't a bad deal for kids. It's based out of Bryson City. There are different trips daily and different prices. We took the train up to Nantahala Outdoor Center and did a rafting trip out of there. It included lunch and I was able to have a few overpriced beers.
If you go to Bryson City, there's a sandwich shop there called The Filling Station- good shit! Try the Cuban Sandwich. Two doors down is an ice cream shop called soda pops. Take the kid for some ice cream.
Quote from: Grannyknot on July 20, 2017, 08:51:19 AM
cataloochee is a great campground for park history, but its a long drive from any of the activities mentioned in this thread.
X2 what Knot said.
There aren't showers at Smokemont anymore? When did that change?
Also, as far as beer/liquor goes, You can't buy it in Cherokee, just to keep in mind (not sure about in the casino, though, is think they serve it there. Also, there is gambling and often times decent music acts. Check their schedule and see if anyone good will be there at that time).
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Quote from: The Dude on July 20, 2017, 09:50:36 AM
There aren't showers at Smokemont anymore? When did that change?
Also, as far as beer/liquor goes, You can't buy it in Cherokee, just to keep in mind (not sure about in the casino, though, is think they serve it there. Also, there is gambling).
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If there was, we never found them. Four days in there with Tranny, his chick, Dylar, my family and a couple other people and we was funky AF. Bringing up Cherokee reminds me, don't get drunk and crazy on the rez. I know a guy who did. The cops don't fuck around. Stay out of Whittier too. That's not a nice place.
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/frontcountry-camping.htm
Each campground has restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets. Each individual campsite has a fire grate and picnic table. There are no showers or electrical or water hookups in the park. Shower facilities are available in the communities surrounding the national park. Please inquire about the nearest facilities when you check-in at the campground.
The no shower thing must be fairly recent. I remember camping in Cades Cove about 15 years ago and am almost positive there were showers.
Quote from: benben reincarnated on July 20, 2017, 10:00:32 AM
The no shower thing must be fairly recent. I remember camping in Cades Cove about 15 years ago and am almost positive there were showers.
I agree. When we started doing annual trips to the park 8 years ago, there were showers at Deep Creek CG.
crik bath imo
I've camped at Smokemont and Elkmont for over 35 years and they've never had showers. I don't remember if Cades Cove or Deep Creek cg's ever had showers.
Not much at all in the way of kid's activities at Cataloochee. The drive in and out of there is a long one for a base camp that includes any activities other than fishing and elk watching.
Quote from: benben reincarnated on July 20, 2017, 08:17:47 AM
There is not shit near Cataloochee as far as groceries or beer. You have to drive to Maggie Valley and to go to a convenience store or have to drive to Waynesville to hit up a grocery store. The road in and out of the valley is 1.5 lanes at best so it can be slow going at times. Just figured it is worth mentioning. Otherwise Cataloochee is great if you just want to stay in the campground in the valley and never need to leave.
You can see regularly see elk at Oconaluftee and along the parkway at Soco Gap.
good to know mane
Quote from: troutfanatic on July 20, 2017, 08:55:07 AM
I never camped at Cataloochee. I have been there though. One good aspect is fishing access for the kid, but then again, the 'Luftee runs near Smokemont, plus you have Bradley Fork and Chasteen Creek right there. All I would say about Smokemont is that it is peak season and it will be crowded. Despite the park rules, Bradley will get hammered with worms, spinners and powah bait. There are no showers at Smokemont. I hate to stink. I can't remember if they have them at Deep Creek.
I asked the kids what they liked from the trips we took. This is what I got
The older one said she liked hiking the AT. She was 9 at the time, I took her for about 6 miles up near Clingman's Dome. She also said she liked the rafting trip we did. Yes, It is expensive.
The younger one said she liked riding the train and going into Gatlinburg with her mother. I have never been to Gatlinburg... not my thing.
That said, the train ride ain't a bad deal for kids. It's based out of Bryson City. There are different trips daily and different prices. We took the train up to Nantahala Outdoor Center and did a rafting trip out of there. It included lunch and I was able to have a few overpriced beers.
If you go to Bryson City, there's a sandwich shop there called The Filling Station- good shit! Try the Cuban Sandwich. Two doors down is an ice cream shop called soda pops. Take the kid for some ice cream.
i like all of these things, fuckin park is too damn big
Quote from: The Dude on July 20, 2017, 09:50:36 AM
There aren't showers at Smokemont anymore? When did that change?
Also, as far as beer/liquor goes, You can't buy it in Cherokee, just to keep in mind (not sure about in the casino, though, is think they serve it there. Also, there is gambling and often times decent music acts. Check their schedule and see if anyone good will be there at that time).
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Does the rez offer daycare or can i just baby bjorne that shit while I fuck up the slots?
Quote from: NCsporksman on July 20, 2017, 20:37:18 PM
Quote from: The Dude on July 20, 2017, 09:50:36 AM
There aren't showers at Smokemont anymore? When did that change?
Also, as far as beer/liquor goes, You can't buy it in Cherokee, just to keep in mind (not sure about in the casino, though, is think they serve it there. Also, there is gambling and often times decent music acts. Check their schedule and see if anyone good will be there at that time).
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Does the rez offer daycare or can i just baby bjorne that shit while I fuck up the slots?
Alcohol is served in the casino. Slots fucked me up last time I was by there.
Quote from: NCsporksman on July 20, 2017, 20:37:18 PM
Quote from: The Dude on July 20, 2017, 09:50:36 AM
There aren't showers at Smokemont anymore? When did that change?
Also, as far as beer/liquor goes, You can't buy it in Cherokee, just to keep in mind (not sure about in the casino, though, is think they serve it there. Also, there is gambling and often times decent music acts. Check their schedule and see if anyone good will be there at that time).
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Does the rez offer daycare or can i just baby bjorne that shit while I fuck up the slots?
There's a drop off day care a block away (convenient?)
I'd be scared to go in that place tho
Quote from: benben reincarnated on July 20, 2017, 10:00:32 AM
The no shower thing must be fairly recent. I remember camping in Cades Cove about 15 years ago and am almost positive there were showers.
We've camped at Cades Cove every year since I was in elementary school, which has been over 20 years. They did not have showers at any point that we've been going.
Quote from: Phil on July 20, 2017, 16:11:39 PM
I've camped at Smokemont and Elkmont for over 35 years and they've never had showers. I don't remember if Cades Cove or Deep Creek cg's ever had showers.
Not much at all in the way of kid's activities at Cataloochee. The drive in and out of there is a long one for a base camp that includes any activities other than fishing and elk watching.
I will disagree. I took my son camping at Cataloochee the first time when he was less than a month old. Took him camping there frequently the whole time he was growing up and it was one of his favorite places on earth.
"Kid's Activities." You mean like an amusement park, electronic crap, etc.? I think most of today's kids would benefit greatly from getting away from that kind of stuff and being shown the real world. Take them hiking. Take them fishing. Let them wade in the creek. Show them how to find salamanders and crawfish and stonefly larvae under rocks. Show them how to build a campfire and watch it instead of a tv. Cook stuff on sticks over it. Go look at old structures and teach them a bit of western NC history. Let them learn to ID trees and wildflowers, appreciate wildlife, and live for a few days without being plugged into a damn phone.
Spork, I'm biased, but Cataloochee is one of my favorite places on earth. I live right across the ridge from it, and had ancestors who lived in there. Basically grew up over there, learned to fly fish and tie flies over there, became a lot of who I am because of so much time spent in there. It was a lot better before all the damn elk-watching tourists descended in hordes, but it's still quite a special place. I still spend a lot of time in there.
As for beer, Haywood County has had county-wide sales since November. You don't have to go into town to buy the devil's Co-cola now. 0:0
One other thing that makes a big difference: Take a big tarp. Afternoon thundershowers happen durn near every day. Having a big dry place to sit and hang out makes it much more enjoyable.
I has a wing tarp yuz can maybe borrow
Looks like this but different color
https://www.rei.com/product/896088/msr-rendezvous-120-wing-shelter?CAWELAID=120217890001933398&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=15724358560&CATCI=pla-117707810440&cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C404_9989%7C8960880001%7Cnone%7Cc6094213-e09e-4c0b-ba57-f519118173ae%7Cpla-117707810440&lsft=cm_mmc:PLA_Google_LIA%7C404_9989%7C8960880001%7Cnone%7Cc6094213-e09e-4c0b-ba57-f519118173ae%7Cpla-117707810440&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIo_vIi9-l1QIVzCSBCh1lLgOeEAQYAiABEgJnO_D_BwE
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Quote from: Yallerhammer on July 24, 2017, 09:16:47 AM
One other thing that makes a big difference: Take a big tarp. Afternoon thundershowers happen durn near every day. Having a big dry place to sit and hang out makes it much more enjoyable.
Good call, learned on the last trip that our go-to tent acquires more water than it sheds. My 6 year gave me hell when i spoke of moving to a hotel, she's a tough little asshole who can handle herself d:b ....I've got a frame canopy, a bit bulky for the kia
i'll likely be renting. Woolly do you use hiking poles for that thing?
No, it has its own poles, it's pretty huge.
(http://www.brfff.com/btwc/ff2011/7/srffc7-21-11-3.jpg)
(http://www.brfff.com/btwc/ff2011/7/srffc7-21-11-47.jpg)
Quote from: NCsporksman on July 25, 2017, 23:37:24 PM
Quote from: Yallerhammer on July 24, 2017, 09:16:47 AM
One other thing that makes a big difference: Take a big tarp. Afternoon thundershowers happen durn near every day. Having a big dry place to sit and hang out makes it much more enjoyable.
Good call, learned on the last trip that our go-to tent acquires more water than it sheds. My 6 year gave me hell when i spoke of moving to a hotel, she's a tough little asshole who can handle herself d:b ....I've got a frame canopy, a bit bulky for the kia
i'll likely be renting. Woolly do you use hiking poles for that thing?
If you're staying at Cataloochee, the campground has ten million trees in it. I just take about a 20x30 tarp and a bunch of string and tie it up to the trees.
To piggyback on Spork's thread for my own personal concerns and interests -
How are the Smokies in November regarding temperatures, snow, ice, etc? Is tent camping/backpacking still feasible? Unpredictable is what I hear, anything a little more specific?
Quote from: Dee-Vo on July 28, 2017, 12:10:36 PM
To piggyback on Spork's thread for my own personal concerns and interests -
How are the Smokies in November regarding temperatures, snow, ice, etc? Is tent camping/backpacking still feasible? Unpredictable is what I hear, anything a little more specific?
(http://i.imgur.com/3Fzbr7p.jpg)
I've hiked, camped, and fished 9 months out of the year. Just not January through March. No issues, but Doug is right. Stay off the waterfalls
Quote from: Dee-Vo on July 28, 2017, 12:10:36 PM
To piggyback on Spork's thread for my own personal concerns and interests -
How are the Smokies in November regarding temperatures, snow, ice, etc? Is tent camping/backpacking still feasible? Unpredictable is what I hear, anything a little more specific?
Very much depends on where you are. I think the lowest elevation is under 1,000' which is 1,400' lower elevation than my city, and max elevation is over 6,600' feet. Snow and ice are never a sure bet in November at any elevation. The only issue you may have is hwy 441 if you plan on traversing the park, it tops out at like 5,000' or so and very susceptible to road closures since they don't do any type of road salting. That road is never closed though long-term. I believe all of the seasonal road and campground closures will already be in effect then, but some are open year-round...obviously backcountry sites aren't affected by seasonal closures either. You potentially could see issues getting into Cataloochee depending on any snow event but there are a lot of other low elevation access points into the park on the NC side. Fishing should still be okay in November assuming we don't have a drier than usual October, November we usually see an uptick in precip over October. You can throw everything out the window though if we get a big winter storm, but odds are not likely for an unusually heavy snowfall event that time of year.
Helpful, thanks. The area I'm looking at may be around 4000' - 5000'. Haven't nailed it down quite yet.
As Ben said, it varies from place to place and year to year. I will say that snow is possible and likely, along with night time temps in the teens or lower in November. Or it can be fairly warm and nice with no snow some years. I don't know if you've ever actually stayed in a backpacking tent when it is 10-15 degrees. It is not pleasant.
In general, 5,000' is generally not a good place to be in winter during bad weather. I was fishing near 5,000 yesterday, and it was right chilly in the middle of July after being in the drizzle and fog for awhile. Going from 2,000' to 5,000' puts you in a different world-a world that is basically southern Canada at sea level.
X2 what Hammer said. I live at 4000 feet elevation. November isn't a good time for backpack tent camping.
Hell, I camped near Smokemont in the Smokies (under 2000 feet elevation) in early November a few years ago and woke up to three inches of snow, wind, and a miserable day. Ya never know.
This is largely what I had expected to hear. I'll wait until closer to the time and hopefully find someone in the general area that can help. The first or second week of November is the target stretch.
Camp low, stay close to main roads and you'll be fine. You have a 4WD, I assume you can drive just fine in snow. I recommend not going solo and calling someone prior to any movements with a plan of where you will be, with who, and how long. Like I said, I've been in there 9 months out of the year and never had a bad trip. I used to do a good bit of military training all thoughout the region in addition to hiking and camping trips. Hell, we ran all through their looking for dickhead Eric Rudolph (murderer). If you are going to wander way in, pack and dress accordingly, carry a compass, a map, some firemaking materials, a good knife, some parachute cord and a small first aid kid. I always carry a supply of high energy snacks when I wander into unfamiliar territory in the winter. Cliff Bars and Power Bars were a staple in Afghanistan on patrol at 10k ASL, I still carry them.
Pretty much summed up my game plan, Brian. I'm thinking Buddy may be down for the adventure. We'd be a few miles from our vehicle. Looking forward to it if weather doesn't zap the idea.
Quote from: Yallerhammer on July 26, 2017, 10:04:40 AM
Quote from: NCsporksman on July 25, 2017, 23:37:24 PM
Quote from: Yallerhammer on July 24, 2017, 09:16:47 AM
One other thing that makes a big difference: Take a big tarp. Afternoon thundershowers happen durn near every day. Having a big dry place to sit and hang out makes it much more enjoyable.
Good call, learned on the last trip that our go-to tent acquires more water than it sheds. My 6 year gave me hell when i spoke of moving to a hotel, she's a tough little asshole who can handle herself d:b ....I've got a frame canopy, a bit bulky for the kia
i'll likely be renting. Woolly do you use hiking poles for that thing?
If you're staying at Cataloochee, the campground has ten million trees in it. I just take about a 20x30 tarp and a bunch of string and tie it up to the trees.
Lets see a picture of this 20x30 tarp set up
I can't find a pic on my current computer. I usually just run a ridge rope between two trees, center the tarp over it, and tie the corners off to trees.
I just wanna fish the last 2 miles of Cattaloochee...via Waterville lake.
Quote from: Yallerhammer on August 10, 2017, 16:55:58 PM
I can't find a pic on my current computer. I usually just run a ridge rope between two trees, center the tarp over it, and tie the corners off to trees.
how high do you have to hang a ridge rope for a tarp that big?
I saw a guy take a tarp like that down at Cataloochee (luckily, there were lots of trees to tie down to). He stood on the top of the cab of his big 4wd pickup. Took forever. It looked like a tremendous pain in the ass to me.
Quote from: Grannyknot on August 11, 2017, 07:07:58 AM
Quote from: Yallerhammer on August 10, 2017, 16:55:58 PM
I can't find a pic on my current computer. I usually just run a ridge rope between two trees, center the tarp over it, and tie the corners off to trees.
how high do you have to hang a ridge rope for a tarp that big?
You're kidding, right?
Quote from: Mudwall Gatewood 3.0 on August 11, 2017, 11:43:55 AM
Quote from: Grannyknot on August 11, 2017, 07:07:58 AM
Quote from: Yallerhammer on August 10, 2017, 16:55:58 PM
I can't find a pic on my current computer. I usually just run a ridge rope between two trees, center the tarp over it, and tie the corners off to trees.
how high do you have to hang a ridge rope for a tarp that big?
You're kidding, right?
wrong thread mudders.
i'm asking about a tarp. not ACC football banter related.
Quote from: Grannyknot on August 11, 2017, 11:54:32 AM
Quote from: Mudwall Gatewood 3.0 on August 11, 2017, 11:43:55 AM
Quote from: Grannyknot on August 11, 2017, 07:07:58 AM
Quote from: Yallerhammer on August 10, 2017, 16:55:58 PM
I can't find a pic on my current computer. I usually just run a ridge rope between two trees, center the tarp over it, and tie the corners off to trees.
how high do you have to hang a ridge rope for a tarp that big?
You're kidding, right?
wrong thread mudders.
i'm asking about a tarp. not ACC football banter related.
I can make it ACC/SEC football related. Your question has to be one of the most ridiculous ever appearing on the forum. It must be a SEC, or at least a TN thing.
Your query made me pause, because there are so many variables.
1. Height of the user
2. Use – kids playing only, adult head room, margin for a game of basketball, etc.
3. Material/weight of tarp
4. Ridgeline rope quality, stretch, etc.
5. And many others
Just jabbing your TN ass, Granny. Please tell me you're not taking trainings from Grayson; that would disappoint me.
Peace.
Jesus. I was just giving a simple answer to a simple question. Of course, I'm from NC. ;D
Quote from: Phil on August 11, 2017, 12:28:59 PM
Jesus. I was just giving a simple answer to a simple question. Of course, I'm from NC. ;D
Jesus? When did he join the board? Which one of you moderating peckerwoods deleted his post?
Quote from: Phil on August 11, 2017, 12:28:59 PM
Jesus. I was just giving a simple answer to a simple question. Of course, I'm from NC. ;D
imma just trying to get some info from ole yallerhammer about his tarp set up.
I get you G. You could have a bodacious goat rodeo and midget orgy under a 20x30 tarp. Gknot needs some details.
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The ridge rope, probably about ten feet or so. Not that much of a pain in the ass if you use your head. Throw it over a limb/trunk junction. Use a long forked stick to shimmy it up the tree trunk. It is, however, a huge pain in the ass to sit in pouring rain all weekend, or stay cramped up in a tent.
Quote from: Onslow on August 10, 2017, 17:33:49 PM
I just wanna fish the last 2 miles of Cattaloochee...via Waterville lake.
Pretty good fishing. We used to go in from the Dick's Trail jeep road. There are some browns in there that could swaller a housecat, and a few good smallmouth to boot.
Quote from: Yallerhammer on August 11, 2017, 17:16:53 PM
Quote from: Onslow on August 10, 2017, 17:33:49 PM
I just wanna fish the last 2 miles of Cattaloochee...via Waterville lake.
Pretty good fishing. We used to go in from the Dick's Trail jeep road. There are some browns in there that could swaller a housecat, and a few good smallmouth to boot.
This is something I've wanted to do for many years.