Here's my dilemma. I'm leaving Boston on Friday evening, driving down to the Smokies, and backpacking for four days & nights, from Sunday morning to Thursday morning. (Really psyched!!!).

Only problem is, I've been reading about how thieves prowl the trailheads in the park looking for vehicles with valuables inside. I'm pretty sure I can stash all my brew swap beers in the boot (may have to take it out of cases and stack it ), and most pf the rest of my stuff I'll be carrying on my back, but I'm worried about leaving my guitar in my car. It's not a super-expensive one or anything, but obviously I don't want my car broken into, and if I lose my guitar, I'm seriously going to have to buy another one in Gatlinburg or somewhere; I can't not have one for the jam.

So, the park's facilities seem pretty basic, but does anyone happen to know of anywhere in Gatlinburg or elsewhere on the northern side of the park where I might be able to leave it? Like a bus station with lockers, or a friendly motel or something? Anything? Anyone by any chance going to be there Saturday evening who'd have room to take it to Fontana?

Any info/help would be immensely appreciated!!! See y'all down there.

Chris

 

maybe do a yellow page search for "self storage". I see there are a couple in Knoxville. Maybe they can give you a sweet deal for just a couple of days.

 

Thanks for the suggestion! I tried calling a bunch of self-storage places, but they all have a month minimum. No bus station in town, either. However, I just talked to a very nice person at a camping store in Gatlinburg who said that they could probably help me out if I stopped in. So, I guess I'll just cross my fingers, and maybe wait to buy some cooking fuel and stuff at their store.

 

Chris, how far is Gatlinburg from Fontana Village? I'll be at Fontana this Friday night. If you want to bring your stuff to my cabin, you are welcome to stash it with us. Especially your guitar....ahem!

 

Thanks Clover, that's a very nice offer! Unfortunately, since I'm coming from the north down I-81, Fontana looks to be at least a 2-3 hour round trip out of my way, and if I don't get to a trailhead good and early on Sunday morning, I'm going to have to park my car in a weird place, like on a shoulder. As much as I'd love to know my guitar was safe with you, I'm not quite that concerned about it.

 

Can you get a black blanket and cover it in the back? What if you wrote the words "Chicken Poop container" or something on it?

 

Well, just know that if you do decide you want to drop things off, you are welcome to at our cabin.


"Chicken Poop container!" That's hilarious, Minimom!

 

My guidebook says "Using a blanket or jacket to cover up stuff is like displaying a sign for thieves that you're hiding something valuable." This is a rule that I usually observe at trailheads anywhere, especially with a car that attracts as much attention as a MINI!

So what, you think my guitar is chicken poop?

 

Just be sure to hide your beers! LOL! That's what "they" will be looking for!

 

^and by "they" Clo does mean any Brew-Swappers who might happen to arrive early, know your general vicinity, and that you drive a CR/W MC with no guitar case in the back (but possibly with a chicken poop container)...

 

Nope, not saying that at all, just a joke. I know of a few nice owners of establishments in Gatlinburg (grew up close to there) but most are restaurants. You can go to the "Best Italian Restaurant" and I'm sure they'd allow you to stash it there, ask the bartender. Also, at he Convention Center, there is a little help desk in there, they would probably stash it for you as well.

 

I don't know where you can cash your guitar or other stuff, but I can give you a tip or two.

Do not park your car in or near Cocke County. (North edge of the park, near Cosby) Probably 9 out of 10 car thefts happen in that area. Cocke County is known for it's chop shops and they will not stop at taking what's in the car, they'll take the whole car.

If it was me, I would ship anything that won't fit in the boot straight to Fontana Village or where ever you are staying.

I would also pick a trail head on one of the main roads like 441 that are patroled day and night by the park service.

 

Has camping really become this hazardous?? So sad.

 

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited NP in the U.S. I think that has a lot to do with it.

Just for the record, I'v been going to the GSMNP for about 30 years and my car has never been broken into, valdalized, or anything else. Just stay out of Cocke County and the odds are good that nothing will be bothered.

 

Thanks for the tips, guys! Minimom, I knew you were joking - just playing along... I think I'm all set with this camping store in Gatlinburg; they sound like they're willing to let me drop my guitar there.

And yes, I will be parking at a trailhead on Route 441, and yes, there will be a case of blueberry wheat beer hidden in the boot!

I think long-distance backpacking is one of the safest activities there is; it's just the losers who prowl the trailheads that you have to worry about.