Site 40 — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This is one of my favorite backcountry sites in the Smokies. Fairly easy hike to get there also. But the site itself is beautiful. Rushing stream right next to it, and private tent areas completely covered by rhododendron!

To get to these backcountry sites, you have to drive over eleven miles from a main road and then hike one and a half miles. The hike is easy with very little gain in elevation. However, it is rocky, and you have to cross three footbridges. Obviously, this is specifically a hike-in area. Site 40 has room for four or five tents, and it has at least two cable systems for hanging food bags. Considering there was aggressive bear activity in site 41, it’s a good thing. When I was there, I saw what I believe to be at least two large piles of bear scat. 

One of the best things about site 40 is that you can hear water from the stream all night long. Another interesting thing about site 40 is the trail itself. It passes by a house and a spring house that were built before the land was turned into a national park. You can actually go inside the house and explore its rooms. 

Bears may not be the only wildlife you have to worry about. There are also herds of large elk, which can also be aggressive. Unless you have a water filter, you will need to pack in water. Also make sure to pack EVERYTHING out. Garbage is the main reason the bears are aggressive.