Backcountry Campsite #29

After a 9 mile hike this was a great campsite. Two other hikers arrived before us so they took the more obvious flat and open area. However, after some finagling my husband and son set up 4 hammocks near the stream and we enjoyed a great night in the Smokey mountains.

Beautiful backcountry campsite next to a fast-running creek. Not easy to get to -- it's 1.6 mile hike from the Maddron Bald Trail and 2.3 miles from the AT -- and the trail is steep, but it is worth it. 3 fire rings, flat campground and plenty of bear hangs. Great westward view down a valley.

Very pretty campsite with many flowers in bloom but there was a little trash in several spots. There were plenty of bear cables some less accessible than others.

I have experienced campsite 29 on 3 occasions and it is gorgeous but not offering level campsites due to the terrain. water is plentiful even in sub freezing temperatures. You need to be in good shape to make the mileage and elevation gain to this campsite. There are at least two stream crossings going up Maddron Bald Trail that are tricky to navigate. It might be profitable to take a lightweight pair of old running shoes to wear just for these Crossings. You either need to wear very protective Footwear or have iron feet to make it to this campsite since there are millions of sharp rocks and roots and the trail, particularly in the higher elevations. The tent sites are not only very rocky and sloping, but they are cramped as well. But the setting is gorgeous and very secluded, due to the d

Tent sites are rocky and sloping. In some areas tent stakes are difficult to drive due to rocky ground. A hammock may work better here. A nice accessible creek runs along the site for water needs. Bear cables are in good condition.