Re:

[ashe]

thru hikers will be sparse in july -- nobos should be well-passed the smokies, and most sobos wouldn't be there yet.

[ashe]

Heather -- it's def not too late. the weather in july will be humid with a chance of thunderstorms most afternoons. luckily this is usually come-and-go storms that don't last long. july's a great time to be in the highlands in the smokies: it's cooler and the rhododendron should still be blooming in spots.

permits? you can self-register at most trailheads, ranger stations, visitors center -- call to be sure. you have to reserve certain backcountry sites... the smaller and more popular ones. you can tell which one's have to be reserved by checking the trail map available on their website. you can reserve up to 30 days in advance.

some of the best spots in the smokies:
rockytop/spence field
mt. leconte
gregory bald
mt. cammerer
charlie's bunion

[test_san]

I am using chrome now.

[fd83]

http://books.google.com/books?id=28V_iZPyH5gC&pg=PA142&lpg=PA142&dq=twentymile+loop+trail&source=bl&ots=CXkdFCugin&sig=Gx4cylLNjNN3gU_tkbjWdP6Dkj0&hl=en&ei=WVP8SZmjH5a6tgOF1oD0AQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8#PPA148,M1

We depart this Sat or Sun for ten days with two days at Gregory Balds