Backcountry Campsite #29

Greetings, fellow Tennessee outdoor enthusiasts! If the call of the wild whispers to your adventurous spirit, beckoning you away from crowded campsites and into the true embrace of nature, then Backcountry Campsite #29 in Cosby, Tennessee, might just be your next perfect destination. This isn't your typical drive-up campground; it's a true backcountry experience within the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering solitude, stunning natural beauty, and a deeply rewarding connection to our state's unparalleled wilderness. For those of us who appreciate the journey as much as the destination, this campsite promises an unforgettable adventure.

Backcountry Campsite #29 embodies the essence of primitive camping, catering to hikers and backpackers seeking a profound immersion in the natural world. Far from the sounds of RVs and generators, here you'll find the soothing rush of a fast-running creek and the rustle of leaves as your soundtrack. It’s a place where the effort of the hike is richly rewarded with incredible views, serene surroundings, and the satisfaction of earning your night under the stars. This campsite provides an authentic wilderness experience, making it an ideal choice for experienced hikers and those looking to truly unplug and embrace the rugged beauty that the Tennessee section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer.

Backcountry Campsite #29 is located within the vast and beautiful expanse of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Cosby, TN 37722, USA. It's crucial to understand that "accessibility" for this campsite means reaching it on foot, as it is a designated backcountry site, not accessible by vehicle. This is part of its charm, offering a true escape into the wilderness that many Tennessee hikers crave.

To reach Campsite #29, hikers typically embark on a journey that requires preparation and a good understanding of trail conditions. Based on user reviews, it is described as being a 1.6-mile hike from the Maddron Bald Trail and 2.3 miles from the Appalachian Trail (AT). The trail to the campsite is known to be steep, indicating a challenging but rewarding trek. This particular location within the national park ensures an unparalleled natural setting, far from developed areas, and immerses you deep within the iconic Smoky Mountains landscape. For Tennessee adventurers, this means a significant commitment to hiking but a payoff of true solitude and pristine natural beauty that few other places can offer.

As a designated backcountry campsite within a national park, Backcountry Campsite #29 offers a minimalist and primitive camping experience. The services provided are designed to maintain the wilderness character of the area while ensuring safety and adherence to Leave No Trace principles. It's important to set expectations that this is not a campground with amenities like flush toilets, showers, or picnic tables in the traditional sense. Instead, the "services" are more about the natural provisions and designated features:

• Designated Campsites: While not "developed" in the modern sense, the site offers flat areas suitable for setting up tents or hammocks.
• Multiple Fire Rings: Visitors have noted the presence of three fire rings, allowing for designated areas to build a campfire (where permitted by park regulations).
• Bear Hangs: Crucial for backcountry safety, the site provides plenty of bear hangs, which are essential for properly storing food and scented items away from bears.
• Water Source: The campsite is located next to a fast-running creek, providing a natural water source (though all water must be filtered or treated before consumption).
• Natural Surroundings: The primary "service" is the undisturbed natural environment, offering solitude and a deep connection to the wilderness.

It's vital for all campers to carry out everything they pack in and be self-sufficient, as there are no trash services or facilities for waste disposal beyond what you carry out. Permits are also required for all backcountry camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Backcountry Campsite #29 is celebrated by those who venture to it for its unique features and the immersive wilderness experience it provides. These highlights are what make the effort of the hike truly worthwhile:

• Secluded Location: Offers a peaceful getaway from busy campgrounds and crowded trails, providing a genuine sense of solitude and immersion in nature.
• Creek-side Setting: The campsite is situated directly next to a fast-running creek, offering the soothing sound of flowing water, cooler temperatures, and a refreshing ambiance.
• Stunning Westward Valley View: From the campsite, there's a great westward view down a valley, promising incredible sunsets and panoramic natural beauty.
• Plenty of Bear Hangs: Essential for safety in bear country, the ample bear hangs provide peace of mind for storing food properly.
• Flat Campground Areas: Despite being a backcountry site, there are flat areas suitable for setting up tents, ensuring a relatively comfortable night's sleep after a long hike.
• Hammock-Friendly Spots: Reviewers specifically mentioned successfully setting up multiple hammocks near the stream, highlighting the versatility for different sleeping arrangements.
• Challenging but Rewarding Hike: The steep trails leading to the site mean fewer crowds, making the arrival at the campsite feel like a well-earned reward and enhancing the sense of accomplishment.

Since Backcountry Campsite #29 is within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, direct contact for the campsite itself isn't available via a typical phone number. All inquiries and permit reservations for backcountry camping in the park are handled through the National Park Service. Here's how you can get essential information:

Address: Cosby, TN 37722, USA (General area for starting points, not a physical office at the campsite).

For permit reservations, trail conditions, regulations, and any specific questions about backcountry camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you should contact the park directly:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Headquarters Phone: (865) 436-1200 (This is the general park information number, not specific to the campsite itself).

It is crucial to obtain a backcountry permit in advance through the park's official reservation system. This ensures you have a legal spot and helps the park manage visitor impact. More detailed information, including maps and trail descriptions to reach Backcountry Campsite #29, can be found on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's official website or by calling the park headquarters.

For Tennessee's avid hikers and wilderness lovers, Backcountry Campsite #29 offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the pristine heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While it demands a significant hiking effort, its location near Cosby means it's still relatively accessible for a multi-day trip for many across our state. This isn't just a campsite; it's a profound immersion into the rugged beauty and serene solitude that makes our mountains famous.

This campsite is particularly suitable for locals who: desire a true escape from the noise and crowds of daily life; are experienced in backpacking and comfortable with primitive camping conditions; seek the challenge and reward of a strenuous hike; and wish to deepen their connection with the natural heritage of Tennessee. The lack of modern amenities is not a drawback but an invitation to embrace self-sufficiency and the simple pleasures of the wilderness – the sound of the creek, the vastness of the night sky, and the breathtaking valley views.

Choosing Backcountry Campsite #29 means investing in an experience that will challenge you physically and rejuvenate you mentally. It’s a testament to the incredible natural resources we have right here in Tennessee. For those ready to earn their views and embrace the wild, this backcountry gem promises an unforgettable adventure that truly embodies the spirit of our state's great outdoors. Remember to secure your permit, pack responsibly, and prepare for an authentic Smoky Mountain experience!

Backcountry Campsite #29

Cosby, TN 37722, USA