Long hike for brookies?

[bias5246]

Hey, I might be making a trip down to the Smokies this weekend and was hoping someone could help me out. My friends love long hikes, so I was hoping someone could suggest a long hike (between 3-7 miles) that would take us to a campsite near a brookie stream. We are only camping for one night, so there won't be much fishing. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[Rog 1]

Try campsite 30 up the Little River Trail above Elkmont....this is a 6.2 mile hike with an elevation change of 1200 ft....estimates are for a 2.6 hour hike in...this will put you in what is known as the Three Forks area....can catch a slam from this one location...you could stop at campsite 24...Rough Creek...which is a 4.2 mile hike and then fish up towards 30...

[Carlito]

That's a good hike, and you can definitely get into some good fish... hike is mostly flat up to 24 then gets a little steeper on up to 30.

[bias5246]

Hey, thanks for the suggestions. I've tried this area and loved it. I was actually hoping that someone could recommend something different. I am wanting to explore some more areas of the smokies. Any other suggestions?

[Rog 1]

Try camping over at Smokemont, drive up to the last bridge on Straight Fork and start fishing.....there is a manway or old trail on the right hand side as you look upstream that will make the walk out a little easier.

[PeteCz]

Originally Posted by bias5246

My friends love long hikes, so I was hoping someone could suggest a long hike (between 3-7 miles) that would take us to a campsite near a brookie stream. We are only camping for one night, so there won't be much fishing.

This is probably more information that you want, but here is a list of Campsites (by CS#) that are above 3000', sorted by elevation that are over 3 miles away from a Trailhead (TH)...


Campsite #28 is out, since its closed to fishing and you have already done #30. 68 and 61 are out (for now) as well, since I believe Clingman's Dome Rd is closed.

If you are willing to open your options a bit and camp at 2500' and hike up to brookie waters and/or are willing to do a shorter hike of 2.5miles or greater, you have more options:


Like I said, more info than you probably wanted....

[bias5246]

Wow, I appreciate it. I will have to look this over.

[mora521]

Big Creek has some great tribs full of Brook trout with backcountry campsites.

[Carlito]

Originally Posted by PeteCz

This is probably more information that you want, but here is a list of Campsites (by CS#) that are above 3000', sorted by elevation that are over 3 miles away from a Trailhead (TH)...


Campsite #28 is out, since its closed to fishing and you have already done #30. 68 and 61 are out (for now) as well, since I believe Clingman's Dome Rd is closed.

If you are willing to open your options a bit and camp at 2500' and hike up to brookie waters and/or are willing to do a shorter hike of 2.5miles or greater, you have more options:


Like I said, more info than you probably wanted....

Dude, where did you get that spreadsheet? Can you share?

[PeteCz]

Originally Posted by Carlito

Dude, where did you get that spreadsheet? Can you share?

Send me an e-mail: PeteCz at Charter dot net