Backcountry Campsite #66

For North Carolina locals craving a truly unique and off-the-beaten-path wilderness experience, Backcountry Campsite #66, situated along the Noland Creek Trail near Bryson City, offers an adventure unlike any other. This is not your typical drive-up campground; it's a hidden gem, often requiring a boat or a willingness to wade, leading to a secluded retreat that reveals fascinating historical landscapes when Fontana Lake recedes. It's a place for the adventurous spirit, those who seek solitude and the thrill of discovering something few others know about.

Backcountry Campsite #66 appeals to the curious and the resilient. Its very inaccessibility during certain periods, coupled with its historical context, makes it a compelling destination for those who appreciate the untouched beauty and hidden stories of North Carolina's natural environment. If you're a local resident eager to explore the less-traveled paths of the Great Smoky Mountains and uncover a truly unique piece of our state's landscape, Campsite #66 promises a memorable and distinctly North Carolina backcountry adventure.

Backcountry Campsite #66 is located along the Noland Creek Trail, near Bryson City, NC 28713, USA. As a backcountry campsite within the vast expanse of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, its accessibility is unique and seasonal. It is not directly reachable by vehicle; instead, it requires either a significant hike or, notably, boat access, especially during the summer months when water levels are higher.

For North Carolina locals, this means planning a trip to Bryson City, a gateway town to the national park, and then coordinating further access. During summer, access is "only accessible by boat, unless you’re ok with walking through waist high water." This suggests direct access via Fontana Lake, which borders the Noland Creek area. When lake levels are lower, particularly when "Fontana lake is gone," the historical landscape of Colton Creek is revealed, allowing for a unique hiking experience. This dual mode of access (seasonal boat or hiking through exposed lakebed) makes it particularly appealing to adventurous locals who own boats or are keen on exploring the fluctuating lake levels. The "vacant parking area with a small wooden sign" indicates a subtle entry point for those in the know, adding to its "off the beaten path" allure. Its very nature dictates that visitors be prepared for varied terrain and water crossings.

Services Offered:

• Designated Backcountry Camping: Provides a recognized and permitted location for wilderness camping within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Tent Spots (Semi-level): Offers a couple of small, semi-level spots suitable for pitching tents, requiring campers to work with the natural slope of the terrain.
• Water Access: As a creekside campsite, it naturally offers access to water sources for filtering, although the condition and accessibility of these may vary with water levels.

Features / Highlights:

• Off-the-Beaten-Path Seclusion: A primary highlight is its secluded nature, described as a place "Most people don't even know about." This makes it ideal for those seeking true solitude and an escape from crowded areas.
• Unique Historical Revelation: When Fontana Lake levels are low, the site reveals remnants of the "Colton Creek" area, offering a fascinating glimpse into a landscape submerged when the lake was created. This historical aspect provides a truly unique experience.
• Boat Accessibility (Seasonal): During summer months, its accessibility by boat provides a distinctive way to reach the campsite, appealing to local boat owners and adding an adventurous element to the trip.
• Challenging Terrain: The "significant slope" and the need to "battle gravity at every turn" make it a physically challenging site, appealing to experienced hikers who enjoy a demanding wilderness experience.
• Authentic Wilderness Experience: Its lack of extensive signage and remote nature contribute to a raw, authentic backcountry feel, where visitors are truly immersed in nature.
• Scenic Beauty: Although challenging, the surrounding natural beauty, characteristic of the Great Smoky Mountains, provides a rewarding backdrop for the experience.
• Sense of Discovery: The fact that it's a "hidden gem" without a "big sign" cultivates a sense of discovery and adventure for those who find it.

Contact Information:

Address: Noland Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA (Note: This is a general location for trailhead access; the campsite itself is a backcountry site within the national park, requiring hiking or boat access.)

Phone: Backcountry campsites generally do not have direct phone numbers. For permits, regulations, and specific trail or access information, contact the Great Smoky Mountains National Park directly.

Mobile Phone: Mobile phone service is typically unreliable or non-existent in backcountry areas of national parks. For permits, regulations, and specific trail or access information, contact the Great Smoky Mountains National Park directly.

Backcountry Campsite #66 is an exceptional and highly suitable destination for North Carolina locals who are true wilderness adventurers and appreciate a unique, challenging outdoor experience. For those with a boat or a strong inclination for strenuous hikes, the seasonal access via Fontana Lake or the exposed lakebed offers a genuinely distinctive way to reach a camping spot that "most people don't even know about." This appeals to the local desire for discovering hidden gems within their own state's renowned natural landscapes.

The historical revelation of the "Colton Creek" area when the lake recedes adds an intriguing layer to the experience, allowing visitors to literally walk through a submerged past. This blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue creates a deeply engaging and educational outdoor adventure unique to this part of North Carolina. While the campsite itself offers only "small semi-level spots" and requires campers to "battle gravity," these challenges are precisely what draw experienced hikers seeking an authentic, less-developed wilderness encounter.

For North Carolinians who relish the solitude of an "off the beaten path" destination, and who are well-prepared for varying terrain and potential water crossings, Campsite #66 provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the raw, untouched beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. It's a place where resilience is rewarded with breathtaking scenery and the satisfaction of having explored a truly unique corner of their home state.

Backcountry Campsite #66

Noland Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA