Backpack- From Pin Oak Gap


Hike Number: 251

Area Location: Smoky Mountain National Park

Trailhead Location: Pin Oak Gap

Trailend Location: Pin Oak Gap

Hike Type: In and Out

Hiking Distance (miles): 32.5

Difficulty: Very Difficult

Elevation Range: 4,400 / 6,417

Total Elevation Gain: 5,000

Total Elevation Descent: 5,000

Trail Description: Balsam Mtn.Trail 10.1 mls to Tricorner Shelter, climb Luftee Knob and Tricorner Knob/Yonaguska on the way. Next day, south on AT 2.6 mls to Sequoyah, on return ascend Chapman, Marks Knob, then Laurel Gap Shelt. 3rd day Big Cataloochee. Return..

Topos: Mt. Guyot, Luftee Knob

Special Features: Mountain Views, SB6K

Flower Season: March-October

DriveHead: Westgate Shopping Center, Asheville, NC

2nd Meeting Place: K-Mart, Waynesville

Driving Distance(Miles-RT): 125

Driving Directions: I-26 E to I-40 W to US 23/74; right onto US 19 to BRP S; 2.6 miles to Heintooga Rd. Go 9 miles to end where it turns into Balsam Mtn Rd. Follow 8.4 miles to Pin Oak Gap. Return by continuing on Balsam Mtn Rd to Cherokee and take BRP or US19 return.

Notes: Recommended only for experienced backpackers. Climb 6 peaks in 2.5 days.