From Zeroasterisk

When OSU's spring break hits for the grad school (March 17-27), Anita and Alan and unknown others (probably just Jess) are going to head out to Ashville, NC to visit friends (Eli and Sarah and Shawn) and go camping/backpacking for a few days.

Contents 1 Who is going 2 Plans 3 Timeframe 4 Ashville / Camping Info

Who is going

• Alan
• Anita
• Jess

Plans

• Visit with Eli, Sarah, Sarah, and Shawn
• Camp near Ashville - ideally we are wanting to find a place that would allow us to hike in for 2-3 days, and back out. The place would have to allow dogs, and doesn't need to have any ammenities (as long as we know beforehand and can prepare). Perhaps: take the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Timeframe

• March 19 (Saturday) - drive from Louisville to Ashville - hang out with friends
• Sunday (20) or Monday (21) - head to camping location. (TBD)
• Wednesday (23) or Thursday (24) - finish camping... drive back to Louisville

Ashville / Camping Info

• Great Smoky Mountain National Park
  • road and trail info / updates (looks frequently updated)
  • Trail & Park area Map (good map)
  • camping info

All backcountry campers are required to have a free backcountry permit. They are available at most ranger stations and visitor centers. Anyone staying overnight in the backcountry must camp only in a designated site or shelter. Campers need reservations to stay in any shelter, and 14 tent areas also require reservations. Campers can make reservations by calling (865) 436-1231 daily during regular business hours. A backcountry map, showing all the hiking trails, camping areas, and a list of rules, regulations, and safety concerns is available through the Great Smoky Mountains Association's online bookstore. For questions about the backcountry (but not reservations) phone the backcountry office at (865) 436-1297.

• asheville info on realtytimes.com - good descriptions

Asheville is located within the Pisgah National Forest, which covers nearly 500,000 acres. Its roads and trails are prime territory for camping, hiking and horseback riding. As you make your way northeast along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you'll spot the Craggy Gardens, known for its display of rhododendrons in the month of June; Mt. Mitchell; Shining Rock Mountain, Looking Glass Falls and the Cradle of Forestry, which offer snow-capped mountain views (dress warmly) and plenty of hiking trails; the Appalachian Trail; and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This is truly a wilderness lover's paradise.

• Three Trails Near North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway
  • Shut-In Trail 16.3 miles (little water though)