Appalachian trail through the Great Smoky Mountains National park
The Trek that changed everything for me
I didn’t start this hike thinking it would change my life.
At the time, it was just another trip, another section of trail carved into the calendar between work, responsibility, and real life. I wasn’t chasing a thru-hike. I wasn’t thinking about identity or lifestyle. I just wanted to walk for a while on a legendary stretch of trail. To disappear into the trees. To feel tired in a way that made sense.
But somewhere along the Appalachian trail in the Great Smoky Mountains, something shifted.
The days were long and quiet. Evenings were spent at shelters with others - sharing stories, laughs and simple meals. Mornings started in cool fog, the kind that softens the world and narrows your focus to what’s directly in front of you; trail, trees and my breath in the cool morning air. The Smokies don’t announce themselves loudly. They’re old and patient. They let you come to them.
There were moments I questioned it.. sore joints, wet socks, the quiet getting almost too quiet. I missed my son, I wondered if this was selfish, or just necessary. The trail didn’t answer those questions outright. It just kept asking me to take another step.
And as the miles stacked up, I realized something unexpected: I wanted to keep going and not go back.
Not in an irresponsible way, of course. Not in an escape everything way. But in a deeper, more honest sense. The trail felt…right. The simplicity. The effort. The rhythm of walking, eating, resting, repeating. Life stripped down to what matters.
This wasn’t just a backpacking trip anymore. This was a glimpse of how I wanted to live. I messed around and found the passion I wanted to pursue and the idea of Ty Treks was born.
White blaze
Trek Logistics Overview
The trip began at the Standing Bear Farm Hostel just off Hwy 40 at the north end of the Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a great spot to start a section hike because they offer parking and a shuttle service to the various trailheads around the area. I stayed the night in one of their rustic lodges and caught the shuttle early the next morning.
When: June, 2023
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Route: Fontana Dam ↠ Standing Bear Hostel
Direction: Northbound
Difficulty: Very Strenuous ↠ The Smokies don’t overwhelm you with massive elevation climbs. They wear you down with constant elevation change — up, down, repeat.
Navigation: I recommend the FarOut App, it was so helpful in planning out my day to day; shelter distances, trail elevation, water sources, lookout points, etc.
Region: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Helpful References:
Day 1
Fontana Dam → Birch Spring Gap (Tent site)
Fontana Dam, the start of my trek
~4.7 miles
Elevation: ↑ 3,000 ft | ↓ 500 ft
Gradual but steady climb entering the Smokies
Easing into trail rhythm on day one
Shuckstack Fire Tower with 360 degree views.
Day 2
Birch Spring Gap → Spence Field Shelter
A forest window along the trail
~11.4 miles
Elevation: ↑ ~2,800 ft | ↓ 2,200 ft
Open balds and wide views
One of the most scenic early sections of the hike
Day 3
Spence Field → Derrick Knob Shelter
Rocky Top Views
~6.1 miles
Elevation: ↑ ~1,600 ft | ↓ 1,400 ft
Shorter mileage day with rolling ridge terrain
A good recovery-style day that still keeps momentum
Great views at Rocky Top & Thunderhead Mountain
Day 4
Derrick Knob → Double Spring Gap Shelter
~7.4 miles
Elevation: ↑ ~2,900 ft | ↓ 2,500 ft
Classic Smokies ridge walking along the park crest
A full, steady day that begins to test endurance
Day 5
Double Spring Gap → Icewater Spring Shelter
Sunrise at Icewater Spring Shelter
~13.6 miles
Elevation: ↑ ~3,200 ft | ↓ 2,100 ft
Kuwohi - The highest point on the Appalachian Trail (formerly known as Clingmans Dome)
Cooler temps and frequent fog even in summer. Got lucky on my trip, perfect weather and grand views!
Highest point on the AT
Day 6
Icewater Spring Shelter → Tricorner Knob Shelter
View point at Charlie’s Bunion
~12.6 miles
Elevation: ↑ ~3,600 ft | ↓ 3,200 ft
One of the most physically and mentally demanding days
Long climbs followed by sustained ridge miles
Worth it - side trek to Charlie’s Bunion a spectacular rock outcropping. Great place to stop in the morning for a cup of coffee after staying the night at Icewater Spring Shelter.
Day 7
Tricorner Knob Shelter → Cosby Knob Shelter
Early morning Smoky Mountains
7.7 miles
Elevation: ↑ ~2,200 ft | ↓ 3,800 ft
Long but manageable day with extended descents
Forested miles as you work toward the park boundary
Day 8
Cosby Knob Shelter → Standing Bear Hostel
Mt. Cammerer
~ 10.4 miles
Elevation: ↑ ~ 500 ft | ↓ 2,400 ft
Short exit day out of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Finish right back at your car - simple, satisfying logistics
Worth it - side trek to Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower, the only stone Western-style fire tower in the park. No view today, fogged out. Still worth the climb.
Inspirational painting at Standing Bear
The Smokies didn’t hand me a finish line or a bold declaration. They gave me something better — clarity.
When I think back on this trek now, I don’t remember miles or numbers as much. I remember learning how little I actually need and how much purpose comes from choosing a harder, truer path.
This hike showed me the kind of life I want to model: effort over comfort, curiosity over fear, progress built slowly and honestly.
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P.S. attached below is my trip vlog.
Please comment below if you’ve hiked or would like to hike this section or any section of the AT. I would love to hear from you.
Happy trails!
— Ty
