Backcountry Camp 62

For North Carolina outdoor enthusiasts yearning for a genuine wilderness escape, Backcountry Camp 62 offers a remarkable opportunity to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Nestled along the picturesque Noland Creek Trail near Bryson City, this campsite provides a truly primitive experience for those prepared to venture off the beaten path. It's an ideal destination for hikers and backpackers who seek solitude and a deep connection with the natural world, far from the typical bustle of more developed areas.

Backcountry Camp 62 is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an invitation to experience the Smokies in their raw, untamed glory. The Noland Creek Trail itself is renowned for its beauty, tracing the winding creek and offering a continuous symphony of flowing water. This campsite promises a tranquil setting where the sounds of the forest prevail, and the starry night sky unfolds without light pollution. If you're a local looking to truly unplug and find peace amidst breathtaking scenery, Backcountry Camp 62 provides that authentic, refreshing adventure right here in our backyard.

Backcountry Camp 62 is located along the Noland Creek Trail, deep within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with its general address being Bryson City, NC 28713, USA. As a designated backcountry campsite, it's crucial for prospective campers to understand that direct vehicular access is not possible. Reaching Backcountry Camp 62 requires a hike along the Noland Creek Trail, making it a destination primarily for backpackers and those comfortable with self-supported treks into the wilderness.

The Noland Creek Trail is a significant route within the park, known for its relatively gentle grade in its lower sections, as it follows an old roadbed. However, as one progresses further along the trail towards sites like Camp 62, the terrain can become more rugged. Specific information indicates that reaching Backcountry Campsite #62 involves navigating a "somewhat difficult stream crossing and an access path" off the main trail, and potentially "back-to-back wet crossings of a divided Noland Creek" just beyond the camp. This highlights the need for appropriate footwear and preparedness for potential water crossings, especially after heavy rains or snowmelt.

For North Carolinians, the Noland Creek Trail trailhead is conveniently located just a few miles outside of Bryson City, often accessed via Lakeview Drive (colloquially known as "the Road to Nowhere"). There are ample parking areas available at the trailhead. The hike to Backcountry Camp 62 offers a rewarding journey through lush forests, with the constant presence of Noland Creek. This accessibility for hikers, combined with the inherent challenge of backcountry travel, makes Camp 62 an attractive option for locals seeking a genuine wilderness experience close to home.

• Primitive Campsite: Backcountry Camp 62 is a designated, undeveloped campsite. This means there are no modern amenities such as flush toilets, running water, picnic tables, or established shelters. Campers must be self-sufficient.
• Bear Cables/Food Storage: As per Great Smoky Mountains National Park regulations for backcountry sites, bear-resistant food storage systems (typically cables for hanging food bags) are provided. All food, trash, and odorous items must be hung to protect them from bears and other wildlife.
• Natural Water Access: Noland Creek is easily accessible near the campsite, providing a natural water source. All water collected from the creek must be filtered or treated before consumption.
• Designated Tent Area: The site offers a cleared space for pitching tents, designed to minimize impact on the surrounding environment and provide a stable sleeping area.
• Secluded Environment: The primary "service" is the offering of a peaceful and isolated primitive camping experience, away from the crowds found in more developed areas of the park.

• Authentic Wilderness Immersion: Backcountry Camp 62 offers a true primitive camping experience, ideal for those seeking to fully disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural environment of the Great Smoky Mountains.
• Proximity to Noland Creek: The camp's location directly on the Noland Creek Trail means constant access to the soothing sounds of the creek and its scenic beauty. Noland Creek is also known for its population of Rainbow Trout, appealing to anglers (with proper licenses).
• Secluded Setting: As a backcountry site, it naturally provides a higher degree of solitude compared to frontcountry campgrounds, making it perfect for quiet reflection and enjoying nature undisturbed.
• Diverse Ecosystem: The surrounding Noland Creek Trail area is rich in natural history, featuring old roadbeds, remnants of past homesteads, and diverse forest types including white pine, cove hardwoods, and towering rhododendrons.
• Challenging but Rewarding Access: The hike to Camp 62 involves stream crossings (some potentially difficult), adding an element of adventure and a sense of accomplishment upon arrival.
• Wildlife Viewing: Being deep within the backcountry increases the chances of observing native wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Hiking Base: Backcountry Camp 62 serves as an excellent base camp for exploring further along the Noland Creek Trail and its intersecting paths, offering a variety of hiking opportunities for different skill levels.

As a primitive backcountry campsite situated within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Backcountry Camp 62 does not provide commercial promotions, discounts, or special packages typically offered by private businesses. Its allure lies in the unique, unadulterated wilderness experience it delivers, managed and diligently preserved by the National Park Service. Access to this highly sought-after site requires a backcountry permit, which involves a nominal per-person, per-night fee. This fee is crucial; it directly contributes to the ongoing maintenance of the park’s extensive trail system, the upkeep of backcountry campsites, and the vital conservation efforts necessary to protect this precious natural resource for future generations.

Any "special offers" relevant to Backcountry Camp 62 would be park-wide initiatives, such as designated fee-free entrance days (which typically do not waive backcountry permit fees for overnight stays) or specific educational programs promoting responsible outdoor ethics. Such initiatives are publicly announced by the National Park Service. For the most current and accurate information regarding permit fees, reservation availability, and any specific park regulations that may impact your visit to Backcountry Camp 62, it is always imperative to consult the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website or their designated backcountry reservation platform, such as Recreation.gov. Planning ahead ensures a smooth, compliant, and deeply rewarding wilderness adventure.

For Backcountry Camp 62, as a remote site located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there is no direct phone number or on-site office. All essential information and reservations are handled through the official channels of the National Park Service. Please use the following details to plan your wilderness trip:

Address: Noland Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA (This address indicates its general location within the park boundaries near Bryson City, accessible via the Noland Creek Trail).

For reservations, backcountry permit information, inquiries about current trail conditions, and general park regulations relevant to Backcountry Camp 62:

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Information Office: This is the primary contact for all backcountry camping questions. While general park visitor center numbers exist, this office specializes in wilderness permits and conditions. The most commonly cited phone number for the Backcountry Information Office is (865) 436-1297, but it's always advisable to verify this number on the official NPS website for the most current contact information.
• Official Park Website: The most comprehensive and up-to-date source of information is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website (nps.gov/grsm). Navigate to the "Backcountry Camping" or "Permits & Reservations" sections for detailed guidelines, maps, and planning tools.
• Recreation.gov: Backcountry permits for sites like Camp 62 are typically obtained through Recreation.gov. This online platform allows you to check site availability, make reservations, and process any required fees.

It is highly recommended to secure your backcountry permit well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as popular sites can fill quickly. Always consult the latest park alerts and safety guidelines from the National Park Service before embarking on your trip.

For North Carolinians, Backcountry Camp 62 presents a quintessential opportunity to experience the rugged beauty and profound solitude that defines the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Its location on the Noland Creek Trail, offering continuous creek sounds and the potential for tranquil riverside moments, makes it an ideal retreat for those seeking a true escape from urban life. This campsite is particularly well-suited for locals who are passionate about backpacking, enjoy challenging hikes, and are committed to practicing Leave No Trace principles.

The journey to Backcountry Camp 62, with its unique trail features and stream crossings, provides a rewarding sense of accomplishment, earning you the privilege of its secluded embrace. It's a place where you can truly disconnect, listen to the rhythms of nature, and witness the raw, untouched splendor of our state's most iconic national park. For North Carolina residents, the accessibility of this world-class wilderness experience, combined with its inherent challenges, offers an unparalleled opportunity to deepen their connection with the outdoors and create lasting memories in one of our most treasured natural landscapes.