Gregory Bald is a great adventure for the whole family. This trek can be arranged in a 2 day trek, but is most comfortable spread out across 3 full days out which is the way we typically plan logistics around.  The thing we like about this trek the most is that it offers a taste of everything the Great Smoky Mountains has to offer.  Some areas are quite easy, while others there's a bit of difficulty.  The reward is great at the top of the bald, offering vast beautiful views of seemingly endless mountain ridges awash with clouds below you.

Another benefit to this adeventure are the rare flame azalea's in full bloom in late June through mid-July.  Wild blueberries literally cover the top of this (tree-less) bald. -hence the name "bald".  Deer frequent the area at dusk, and have been known to walk within close proximity to people. But don't worry, they are very docile creatures just eating grass.

This is a fantastic trip, well worth the cost. For this trek, outfitting is covered 100%, food typically costs $50 each to cover dehydrated breakfast, lunch and dinner.  NFE will send out menus 1 month prior to departure to orders can be fulfilled and planned out.

This date is the best time of the year to visit this area.  For more information on this or any of our other adventures, send us a quick note through our CONTACT US module.



Notes: This graph represents the complete trek "at a glance" and we use this to identify difficulty over the course.  The blue diamonds represent specific waypoints during our trek and seperate long stints with breaks, points of interest such as summits, or campsites.  For this trek, every backpacker will have climbed 4,770 feet in elevation, and descend 4,869 feet over the entire distance, further over the course of 4 days.  Imagine this, in the first 4 miles of climbing Mt Rainier, we cover 5000 feet in just over 4.5 hours.  You 'can' do this.

Notes: Day 1 starts with an easy grade upward with an opportunity to sightsee and take in the experience with ease.  Within the first 30 minutes, depending on weather conditions, we'll stop off at a spur trail to see some beautiful cascading waterfalls aptly names the "TwentyMile Cascades".  As you can see from the elevation profile, our campsite is only 3.93 miles, so it's an easy day with a total elevation gain of just over 1600 feet covered over 4 miles.  There are 7 water crossings to the campsite, some bridged, and some not bridged.  You'll get a little wet.  To the inexperienced backpacker, this may induce a sweat, but its a great way to kick off the adventure -not too easy, not too hard.



Notes: Day 2 starts with a little down... then its all uphill from there to the famed "Appalacian Trail".  We don't have a lot of mileage today (similar to Day 1) but we'll be climbing almost 3000 feet in elevation, so technically, it will be twice as hard.  Keep your eyes and ears open as we're on the trail with an easy grade upward with an opportunity to sightsee and take in the experience with ease.  Within the first 30 minutes, depending on weather conditions, we'll stop off at a spur trail to see some beautiful cascading waterfalls aptly names the "TwentyMile Cascades".  As you can see from the elevation profile, our campsite is only 3.93 miles, so it's an easy day with a total elevation gain of just over 1600 feet covered over 4 miles.  To the inexperienced backpacker, this may induce a sweat, but its a great way to kick off the adventure -not too easy, not too hard. We have only 1 water crossing to the top, so we'll be stopping to replenish water to make sure everyone is hydrated properly.  The entrance to the bald, if weather cooperates, is spectacular.  The last mile is a grunt as we climg to nearly 5000 ft and as the forest begins to thin out, the sunlight beams through the woods.  A spectacular "hole" in the distance reveals the bald and you break out, typically above clouds and you get a very nice view.  We'll pack off here and make some lunch.  The guides will descend to the campsite area to secure spots for the night.



Notes: Day 3 is an easy day with little trouble making it down the trail to the next campsite.  But, beware the greenbriars are in full bloom, and this section is full of them.  Depending on frequent visitors, the trail could bite back.  Wear long pants and you'll be fine.



Notes: Day 4 starts the journet out of the woods and with a super quick 2.5 miles back down to the car, and the fact that your body is ready to tackle anything, we'll make great time.  No reason to break camp early, relax, sleep in, make a good heartly breakfast and depart casually.  Once we return back to the parking lot, we'll regroup and head out to Deals Gap for lunch.  From there, we can depart ways and head back to our homes.

Total Distance:

	14.62 miles
Difficulty:	Mildly Strenuous
Highlights:	Gregory Bald, the A.T., opportunities for solitude.
Benefits:	A memory that will last a lifetime!
Guide Fee:	$250* Per Person (Food - 3 days, full gear rental, guide services)
Dates:	JUNE 15 THROUGH 19, 2011
Backcountry Reservation #:	90659  RESERVED 16MAY2011