| Trip Report: |
We started this trip at 4:30 pm on a Wednesday, arriving at Clingman's Dome in a very heavy snow. It was raining all the way from Georgia to North Carolina. We arrived at the Siler's Bald shelter at about 9pm that night. The second day, it was obvious how much altitude had shifted as it was above 60 degrees and mostly sunny for the rest of the trip. We hiked the 12 or so miles from Siler's Bald to the shelter where Eagle Creek Trail intersects. It took us a long time to climb about a 6-7 mile portion of this trail, as we were literally climbing up a mountain. The view were beautiful on Day 2, as we could see Fontana Lake, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, and other notable views. When we finally arrived at the shelter, it was about 9:30-10pm. Day 3, we decided to leave the AT (approx 13 miles to Fontana Dam) because we were told the terrain made day 2 look like a brisk walk. We took the Eagle Creek Trail (18-19 miles) because it was more or less down hill and around the lake to Fontana Dam. No one mentioned that we'd have to cross the creek about 20 times. Luckily, we prepared for every possible scenario, and this was actually the most fun I had on the hike....except for the 20' high log crossing. Nothing will shake your boots like looking down 20' at nothing but rocks. But we made it out of the trail and around to the Dam parking lot at exactly 9pm on the Friday night! It was a great trip, and I would love to do it again. NOTE: If you went to Fontana Dam and hiked the beginning portion of the Eagle Creek Trail, there is a beautiful spot about 6 miles in to camp. It would make a great hike in, camp, hike out trip! |
Trail Map For This Area
One reply on “AT from Clingman's Dome to Fontana Dam - April 15, 2005 - Member Trip Report”
Wow, snow in mid-April. Would have never seen that coming. Great write-up.