Great Smoky Mountains officials have posted a Water Availability Notice for a couple of locations around the park. If you're a backpacker, or a hiker that relies on obtaining water in the backcountry, you should make note of these:
• Springs along the Appalachian Trail may run dry during summer and fall. Please check with the Backcountry Office at (865) 436-1297 for additional information.
• Newfound Gap - the water system and drinking fountain are closed due to the potential for contamination by surface water. Bottled water may be available from the Great Smoky Mountains Association store at Clingmans Dome, which is open daily from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
• Mollies Ridge - no water
• Spence Field - no water
• Backcountry Campsite 26 - very low water
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Great Smoky Mountains /
Water Availability Notice
Water Availability Notice posted for Smokies
Monday, June 20, 2011
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3 comments
We just called the backcountry office. The lady said the last report from the ridge runner had Silers Bald shelter with no water but nothing on Spence Field.
The closures page, which was updated today, the 20th, does not mention Spence field.
Lance - thanks for the update. Yes, I did see that update. Actually, Mollies Ridge, Spence Field, and Backcountry Campsite 26 are no longer on the list. However, neither is Silers Bald.
Jeff
Being that it's mostly volunteers they are probably doing the best they can.
I do wish there was a better information system. And while I'm wishing, a better reservation system for the backcountry (anything over what they have now).
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