Smokey Mountains
Date/Time
Date(s) - 05/15/2023 - 05/20/2023
All Day
Categories
May Trip
| Dates: 5/15-5/20 | Time: Multiday |
| Early Registration Deadline: 3/31 | Early Bird Cost: $595/$650 |
| Registration Deadline: 5/5 | Regular Cost: $695/$750 |
| Location: Smokey Mountains National Park |
Hike, camp and explore with us through the Great Smoky Mountains. This trip is great for individuals looking for a challenge in the outdoors and an opportunity to explore a stunning national park.
Register in-person or online @ mycampusrec.tcu.edu
Trip Cost:
Early Registration (full payment due at registration):
$595 with a TCU ID, $650 as a sponsored guest
Regular Registration:
$695 with a TCU ID, $750 as a sponsored guest
- Prices reflect the TCU student/faculty and sponsored guest rate.
- Please read our cancellation/refund policy carefully before registering.
- Price does not include meals on the road
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Pre-Trip Meeting:
5/8 @ 6pm
Pre-Trip meetings are required and are held the date of the registration deadline (listed above – generally the week of or week before the trip), from 6-7:30 pm at the TCU Climbing Wall. You will meet the leaders and other trip members, as well as cover all details such as weather, menu, safety issues, and clothing requirements. You will also be issued all of your equipment at this time (sleeping bags, pad, tent, etc.).
Itinerary
Day 1: Meet at TCU around 8:00am and head out toward the Smokey Mountains. We will unload the gear and set up camp. Together we will (hopefully) watch the stars come out as we gather around the campfire roasting S’mores.
Day 2-5: We will spend these days exploring all that the Smokey Mountains have to offer. We’ll hike and explore through the park and surrounding towns.
Day 6: We will pack up our final campsite and make our way back to TCU. We should arrive back on campus by 8:00pm.
Physical Challenge
Hiking in the Smokey Mountains can be strenuous on both your legs and back. It may also prove challenging to spend multiple days hiking in a row and hiking about 6-10 miles a day. Staying well hydrated, taking your time, resting when necessary (but not for too long), and keeping your energy level high is essential. Trip members should be in good physical condition and should plan on challenging themselves on this trip.
TRIP RATING 2 out of 3 – This is an intermediate trip.
Packing List
We are limited on space, and the less stuff you bring, the less you have to carry around. Ask yourself…What would I want in the coldest weather or the hottest weather? Pack to be prepared for both!
Things that should be packed inside your personal day pack and kept with you inside the van:
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PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:
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CLOTHING LIST: |
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HEAD:
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HANDS:
FEET: NO FLIP FLOPS!!
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UPPER BODY
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LOWER BODY:
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PERSONAL EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY TCU:
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GROUP EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY TCU:
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Risk/Safety
There are numerous risks and hazards associated with the Smokey Mountains. Not dressing appropriately can result in heat or cold illnesses (Hyperthermia or Hypothermia). Not drinking enough water results in dehydration and not being in adequate physical condition can result in sore muscles. Trip members must make a conscious effort to be safe. One person’s disdain for safety will always result in more hardship for the group. If we do have an accident or injury that requires medical attention beyond the scope of our leader’s experience, the trip is immediately over without refund. Our leaders are trained to administer first aid in an outdoor environment; however, while they may be able to treat injuries they cannot always prevent them.
Hygiene/Comfort
There will be limited facilities at this campsite, Caprock is a fairly remote state park. Modern bathroom facilities and clean running water will not be available for the majority of this trip. TCU will provide water jugs (for drinking and cooking), tents, warm synthetic sleeping bags, and foam sleeping pads. You will have the choice to share a tent with two or three trip members or sleep under the stars. The sleeping area provides us with durable hard packed dirt.
Weather
The trip leaders will research the weather conditions in advance to assess the situation. The Trip will be canceled if the weather is dangerous. If you do not receive an email about this, then please be prepared to be out in the weather. Please follow the weather and use your best judgment as well as the packing list to determine what you will personally need to stay warm and dry during the entirety of this trip. Layers are recommended for cold weather and failure to bring proper attire will be detrimental to your experience.
Please contact Emily Tumilty, Coordinator – Outdoor Programs with any questions at e.tumilty@tcu.edu.