AT Days 28-30 (Smokies Part 2)

Day 28 Newfound Gap to Peck’s Corner Shelter (Mile 218.2)

After taking a near-o in Gatlinburg (nearly zero miles hiked), I needed to find a ride back to the trail. I tried a few shuttle companies, but all were booked on such short notice. I didn’t know what to do so I decided to start hiking back to Newfound Gap. It was about 15 miles from town with the first shelter at 3 miles from the trailhead. I figured that since it was a flat road I could make it.

I walked about 3 miles near the highway, when a woman driving a pickup pulled over. The truck bed was full of hikers who all shifted around to make room. She got out and asked me if I was headed to Newfound Gap and told me to hop in! She also gave me a Dr Pepper and piece of fried chicken. I packed myself into the back of the truck with chicken in one hand and the Dr Pepper in the other and cruised on the rest of the way!

Thanks to her, I was able to put some miles on the actual trail that day.

Day 29 Peck’s Corner Shelter to Cosby Knob Shelter (Mile 231.1)

Another amazing day in the Smokies. I have been so lucky to have gone through the Smokies with almost no rain.

Day 30 Cosby Knob Shelter to Painter Branch Campsite (Mile 243.8)

I woke up early and enjoyed a beautiful sunrise from my tent. Today was bittersweet as it was the last day in the Smokies.

I enjoyed a mix of beautiful water features as well as some road walking on the trail today.

I did get a couple hours of rain at the end of the hike. I saw a frog (he’s kinda hard to see in the picture.)