Steeltrap #68

I'll agree with others who commented on the steepness of the trail. The first mile hiking back up gains 1000 ft. The second 1000 ft of gain is spread over two miles, so it feels easy after you've done the first mile. It's also very wet and overgrown. If you're willing to deal with that though, the site is well worth the effort. When I was there (mid August) it was dry enough that you could walk up... I'll agree with others who commented on the steepness of the trail. The first mile hiking back up gains 1000 ft. The second 1000 ft of gain is spread over two miles, so it feels easy after you've done the first mile. It's also very wet and overgrown. If you're willing to deal with that though, the site is well worth the effort. When I was there (mid August) it was dry enough that you could walk up the rock slide because parts of the slide were completely dry. The area is also littered with railroad debris, which is kind of interesting to see. One note: there's great sources of water just past the one mile mark (going back up) so when you leave camp you only have to carry a small amount of water. Do anything you can to lighten your pack for that climb.

I have just returned to campsite 68 "Steeltrap" for the third time there. It is a breathtakingly beautiful trip the entire 3.1 miles from the Clingman's Dome parking area and 3.1 more miles back, totaling 6.2 miles round trip. The flora changes constantly and represents amazing biodiversity. It has two sections separated by .3 mile with both having anti-bear food hanging rigs and level campsites.... I have just returned to campsite 68 "Steeltrap" for the third time there. It is a breathtakingly beautiful trip the entire 3.1 miles from the Clingman's Dome parking area and 3.1 more miles back, totaling 6.2 miles round trip. The flora changes constantly and represents amazing biodiversity. It has two sections separated by .3 mile with both having anti-bear food hanging rigs and level campsites. The upper area where I have always stayed has a 200 foot sliding waterfall and a gorgeous setting amidst lush foliage. So why not a five star rating? The 3.1 mile descent from Clingman's Dome to the campsite is very steep, and treacherous with rocks and water crossings, and presents a rigorous challenge to climb back out. The water crossings consist of dozens of seeps across the trail that make the rocks slippery, and one very technical, slippery crossing over huge 60 foot boulders and rapid current, the latter just .3 mile above the upper section of campsite 68. For the first time, I wore waterproof breathable boots, and it made an amazing improvement in my navigation of these many water seeps across the trail, and speeded up my progress considerably. Do not hike down to Campsite 68 "Steeltrap" unless you are well equipped and well conditioned and willing to work hard to escape the wilderness.