Great Smoky Mountains A.T. (SOBO) traverse, April 2026

  •   Category Weight
  • Shelter system
    0.67 lb
  • Packing system
    0.87 lb
  • Sleep System
    1.78 lb
  • Packed Clothing
    0.88 lb
  • Cooking & Food Protection
    0.23 lb
  • Hydration system
    0.15 lb
  • Electronics
    0.89 lb
  • Small Essentials
    0.29 lb
  • Worn Clothing
    0 lb
  • Consumables
    8.56 lb
  • Total 14.31
    lb
    • oz
    • lb
    • g
    • kg
  • Consumable 8.6 lb
  • Base Weight 5.72 lb

GSMNP AT Traverse — Davenport Gap to Fontana Dam. I'm hiking SOBO due to easier entry/exit

  • April 18 — Shuttle from Fontana Dam parking lot to Davenport Gap and hike to Tricorner Knob Shelter / 15.7 miles / ~4,200 ft elevation gain / Camp elevation: 5,887 ft

  • April 19 — Tricorner Knob Shelter to Icewater Spring Shelter / 12.6 miles / ~2,500 ft elevation gain / Camp elevation: 5,917 ft

  • April 20 — Icewater Spring Shelter to Double Spring Gap Shelter / 13.6 miles / ~2,000 ft elevation gain / Camp elevation: 5,487 ft

  • April 21 — Double Spring Gap Shelter to Spence Field Shelter / 13.5 miles / ~1,800 ft elevation gain / Camp elevation: 4,875 ft

  • April 22 — Spence Field Shelter to Fontana Dam (EXIT) / 19.0 miles / ~2,200 ft elevation gain / Exit elevation: 1,727 ft

Totals: 74.4 miles / ~12,700 ft cumulative elevation gain / Exit: April 22​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Expected weather: Unpredictable spring conditions at high elevation (camps ranging from 4,875–5,917 ft / 1,486–1,803 m). Unseasonably warm the first day with highs likely in the 80s°F with lows in mid 50s, but then significantly cooler, with daytime highs in the 50s-60s and lows below freezing. Storms likely first few days but forecasted to come late in the day. Trip reports reveal a lot of sun exposure likely until the leaves grow in. Flying insects unlikely to be an issue, although ticks are likely active.

Other notes:

  • My permit requires that I sleep in reserved shelters.

  • Food and smellables must be hung at night from provided bear cables.

  • Gear choices will be adapted to forecasted weather as it comes available.