Smokies in late November, need info please!

1. What is the lowest temperature I can expect to encounter in the Smokies in late November? Keep in mind I plan to sleep at the peaks. You can check averages but I would expect 20-40, but wouldn't be surprised if it was only in the 50's. 2. Is rain common in the Smokies this time of year? Yes 3. How is the water availability in the Smokies this time of year? On the At it should be fine, at worst you might need to hike down a bit on a side trail to find water. 4. Can you recommend some reliable shuttle services that can take me from the airport to the trail head and back during thanksgiving weekend? A Walk in the Woods Shuttle 5. About how long of a drive is it from the Smokies to the nearest airport? You best options are probably Asheville or Knoxville both 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Cheapest is probably Atlanta 3 hoursish 6. Would it be better to rent a car from the airport and then hire a shuttle service to take me to the opposite end of the trail so I can hike back to my car? I would prefer this approach. I bet the rental won't be much more if any more than a shuttle to both spots and to and from the airport. 7. Is there anything important you think I should be aware of for this hike? Enjoy. It is a beautiful area.

Sanad: I have spent a fair amount of time in the Smokies and walked the AT from Davenport to Fontana a couple of years ago. By Thanksgiving, expect short days; you'll need to get up before the sun if you want to make any miles. You can expect some gray days too. Or you might get sun. Make sure not to miss some short side trips: Mt. Cammerer, Charlie's Bunion, Shukstack fire tower. It would be nice to spend a night on one of the balds if you get a chance too. As to your questions: 1. What is the lowest temperature I can expect to encounter in the Smokies in late November? Keep in mind I plan to sleep at the peaks.Check the weather reports, but 25-30 is reasonable. 2. Is rain common in the Smokies this time of year? Always expect rain in the Smokies. When I last did that walk, we had no rain, but I felt lucky. Plan for rain. 3. How is the water availability in the Smokies this time of year? There is always good water in the Smokies. The AT ridge has less than most places in the Smokies but still has plenty. 4. Can you recommend some reliable shuttle services that can take me from the airport to the trail head and back during thanksgiving weekend? There are several. Use Google. I think I have used A Walk in the Woods too. 5. About how long of a drive is it from the Smokies to the nearest airport? Depends on where you are going, but Knoxville and Asheville are reasonable choices. 6. Would it be better to rent a car from the airport and then hire a shuttle service to take me to the opposite end of the trail so I can hike back to my car? Check prices but a rental probably makes sense. 7. Is there anything important you think I should be aware of for this hike? The Smokies on the AT requires use of shelters and you need to reserve.

Ben and Ryan, I very much appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions, that's a big help. I think I also used a Walk in the Woods shuttle when I hiked the Smokies. Thanks for the info guys! -Sanad

I did an overnighter on Gregory Bald last Thanksgiving. The forecast was calling for mid 20's lows. When I started the hike at Cades Coves that morning it was in the high 20's, and it got down to 9 that night at Site 13. I have some pics here http://hikesdivesanddrives.com/gregory-bald-in-great-smoky-mountain-national-park/ I did a 30 mile loop there last weekend and the lowest temp I hit was 28. I started and finished at Clingmans Dome and it was low 40's during the day. http://hikesdivesanddrives.com/3-day-backpacking-loop-in-great-smoky-mountains-national-park/ There was plenty of water flowing in the creeks. I only did about 4.5 miles on the AT and on that stretch (Welch Ridge to Clingmans Dome) there wasn't really any water except a few puddles. A rental would probably be cheaper than a shuttle. I drove to the park from AR and rented a car for 90.00 from Wednesday to Sunday. I was originally planning a straight line hike and got a shuttle quote for 125 from Clingmans to Lakeshore Dr, but ended up doing a loop instead.

I won't rehash the information above…all relevant and spot on. I did a figure-8 ninety mile loop in November, 2014 that included about 20 or so miles on the AT. On the 8 day trip I experienced moderate to heavy rain on 6 days. Interestingly, the trip and woods were as beautiful as any trip I've recently experienced. The stretch south towards Ice Water Springs included 30-50 mph gusts, rain sideways and balsums lifting and dropping. Plan for 20 degrees at night, plan for rain or maybe none, and above all embrace all of the wonderful elements GSMNP has to give you. I might also include that if it is substantially raining the AT will be more of a flowing creek bed than a trail….no worries just plan accordingly.