Backcountry Campsite #68

For North Carolina's most intrepid outdoor enthusiasts, Backcountry Campsite #68, affectionately known as "Steeltrap," offers an unparalleled and profoundly rewarding wilderness experience. Nestled deep within the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, this campsite is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to embrace a rigorous journey, the rewards are immense. It's a place where the untouched beauty of nature truly shines, offering a secluded retreat from the everyday world and an opportunity to connect with the raw, untamed essence of North Carolina's renowned mountain landscapes.

Backcountry Campsite #68 embodies the spirit of true wilderness camping. It's a destination that demands preparation, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the challenges and wonders of the backcountry. Visitors consistently highlight its breathtaking scenery, unique ecological diversity, and the sheer sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching and departing this remote haven. If you're a well-conditioned local hiker seeking an authentic, challenging, and unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, "Steeltrap" offers an experience that few other sites can match.

Backcountry Campsite #68 is located in the vicinity of Bryson City, NC 28713, USA. However, it's crucial for prospective visitors to understand that this is not a drive-up campground. It is a true backcountry site, requiring a significant and challenging hike to reach. The primary access point mentioned in reviews is from the Clingman's Dome parking area, which itself is a prominent landmark within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the North Carolina and Tennessee border.

For North Carolina locals, reaching Clingman's Dome typically involves driving through the scenic roads of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From there, the trail to Campsite #68 is approximately 3.1 miles, primarily a steep descent. This journey is described as "rigorous," "treacherous with rocks and water crossings," and requiring careful navigation. The challenging accessibility is a core part of its wilderness appeal. While it requires dedication and physical preparation, its location within one of the most biodiverse national parks in the country means that the journey itself is part of the experience, offering constantly changing flora and stunning vistas. It is essential for locals to recognize that this campsite is for experienced backpackers prepared for a strenuous hike, not casual campers seeking roadside convenience.

Services Offered:

• Level Campsite Sections: The campsite is divided into at least two sections, separated by about 0.3 miles, both offering level areas suitable for setting up tents.
• Anti-Bear Food Hanging Rigs: Both sections of the campsite are equipped with anti-bear food hanging rigs, essential for safely storing food and scented items away from wildlife.
• Water Sources: There are identified water sources along the trail, particularly just past the one-mile mark (when hiking back up from the campsite), providing opportunities for filtering drinking water.
• Designated Wilderness Camping: As a backcountry site, it provides a designated location for permitted wilderness camping within the national park system.

Features / Highlights:

• Breathtaking Natural Beauty: The entire journey to Campsite #68, and the site itself, is described as "breathtakingly beautiful," featuring "gorgeous setting amidst lush foliage" and constantly changing, "amazing biodiversity."
• Secluded Wilderness Experience: Offers a truly remote and secluded camping experience, far from crowds, ideal for those seeking solitude and deep immersion in nature.
• Sliding Waterfall: The upper area of the campsite boasts a "200 foot sliding waterfall," a stunning natural feature that adds to the site's allure.
• Geological Interest: Features a "rock slide" area, which can be dry enough in mid-August to walk up, offering a unique geological point of interest.
• Historical Debris: The area is "littered with railroad debris," providing an interesting historical element for explorers.
• Challenging but Rewarding Hike: The 3.1-mile descent (and subsequent climb out) is noted for its steepness, water crossings, and technical sections, making it a rigorous challenge that ultimately feels "well worth the effort."
• Diverse Flora: The trail showcases constantly changing flora, representing the rich biodiversity of the Great Smoky Mountains, making the hike itself an ecological exploration.
• Opportunity for Self-Reliance: The nature of the campsite encourages self-sufficiency, requiring campers to be well-equipped and prepared for a wilderness environment.
• Strategic Location (relative to trail): Its position 3.1 miles from Clingman's Dome allows for an accessible, albeit challenging, backcountry experience from a popular park access point.

Contact Information:

Address: Bryson City, NC 28713, USA (Note: This is a general location, not a physical mailing address for the campsite itself. Access requires hiking within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park).

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

Backcountry Campsite #68 "Steeltrap" is an exceptional and highly suitable destination for North Carolina locals who are experienced backpackers and passionate about true wilderness immersion. For those who relish a significant physical challenge, the rigorous 3.1-mile descent and subsequent climb back out from Clingman's Dome provides a profound sense of accomplishment, a core element of rewarding outdoor adventures. This campsite is not for casual campers but for those well-conditioned and adequately equipped, making it a perfect match for North Carolina's robust hiking and backpacking community.

The unparalleled natural beauty is a major draw. Locals seeking to truly disconnect and experience the raw, untamed splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains will find "Steeltrap" offers breathtaking scenery, a diverse ecosystem with constantly changing flora, and unique features like a sliding waterfall. It provides a level of seclusion that is increasingly rare, allowing for deep personal reflection and an intimate connection with nature away from crowded frontcountry areas. The presence of bear hanging rigs also ensures a safer wilderness experience, demonstrating a balance between preserving wildness and providing essential safety measures.

For North Carolinians who view a challenging hike as part of the reward, and who are prepared for self-sufficiency in the backcountry, Campsite #68 offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the heart of one of the nation's most cherished national parks right in their backyard. It's a place to test limits, appreciate biodiversity, and forge lasting memories of a genuine wilderness adventure.

Backcountry Campsite #68

Bryson City, NC 28713, USA