Tried the popular loop in the Smokies vs a quiet one in the Cherokee NF

Last fall I did the Alum Cave to Mt LeConte loop everyone talks about. It was packed, like waiting in line at the bluffs packed. Then a month later I did the 18 mile Benton MacKaye section in the Cherokee National Forest. Maybe saw three people the whole weekend. The difference was night and day, you could actually hear yourself think. Anyone know other routes that get you away from the crowds like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

michaelrodriguez1mo ago

Heard the Cohutta Wilderness is pretty empty too.

nathan_thompson621mo ago

Cohutta's so empty, even the bears are lonely.

thompson.tyler1mo ago

Last time I went to Cohutta in October, I went three days without seeing another person. @michaelrodriguez is right about it being empty, but that means you need to be extra ready. The cell service is zero out there, so download your maps ahead of time and tell someone your exact route. I always pack a backup water filter because you won't find help if something breaks.