1.
Feb 14, 2008 6:57 AM
in response to:
kolio
Re: Looking for a scenic trail run in the Great Smoky Mountains
Hello,
If it's not too late, I live close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and happened to see your post. I recommend this particular trail, which I did last Sunday as my last long run in preparation for an upcoming trail marathon.
Drive to Bryson City, N.C., and follow signs to the Deep Creek area. Not long after you drive across the park boundary, there is trailhead on the left for the Noland Divide Trail. This 11.6-mile trail climbs in elevation from around 1900 feet to about 6200 feet at its terminus with Clingmans Dome Road, the road (closed in winter) that connects Newfound Gap and Clingman's Dome, the high point in the park. From the trailhead to the road and back is a 23.2-mile round trip.
Most of the serious climbing on the Noland Divide Trail comes in the first few miles, and the last few miles. Much of the middle section is very runnable, with spectacular views off both sides of the divide. And the trail is not too technical, by Smokies standards. After you reach Clingmans Dome Road, if you're feeling energetic, you can proceed to the left up the road and reach the Clingmans Dome parking lot after 1.4 miles. Then it is another .5 mile to the summit observation tower at 6,642 feet. That would make for a round trip of 27 miles.
If you run anywhere in the Smokies this time of year, be prepared for extreme weather conditions at the higher elevations. It is typically 15 to 20 degrees colder and much windier up high, and there could be snow.
