We're planning a road trip through the Smoky Mountains. Is it too cold in late April to camp? How cold is it at night? How warm during the day?
We also want to do some day hikes and possibly a 2 or 3 day hike on the Appalachian Trail, any suggestions? We're not looking for extremely strenuous climbing, but scenic views are top of our list.
Thanks!

How well can you predict the weather 10 months in advance where you live?
Will it rain on April 28th, 2003, in your town? Too cold?
How cold can you take it?
People camp in the snow and ice.
One thing is for certain, it will not be too hot.
You plan on backpacking or staying in established car accessible campgrounds?
You staying in a tent or a trailer, or sleeping on the ground with no overhead shelter?

Late April can have some cool weather, but the days should be pretty good. There is more detailed weather information at this site; click on "weather":
http://www.great.smoky.mountains.national-park.com
The Cosby campground would be a great place for you to use as a base, because you can do several dayhikes out of it. A long (10.8 mile RT), moderate dayhike is the Mount Cammerer via Low Gap hike, which originates from the Cosby campground. It has an incredible panorama from its spot on the Smokies crest. Two good books for more info are the seminal "Hiking Trails of the Smokies" (Great Smoky Mountains National History Association) and "Day and Overnight Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park" (Menasha Ridge Press). Hope this is helpful.

You sound like a big ole wimp Laura, I sure as heck dont want to run in to you on the trail because I'll have to get you off the mountain asap and call your mother to come get you. Stick to the parks and "trails" at your local mall! As for views stay on your computer and look at the PICTURES!! 2 or 3 DAYS on the AT? Are you crazy?, with your post I guess you'll wanna think about Everest next?!

To Beenthere....done what?

Seems to me that when you hit the trials, you're trying to prove something. You must be over- compensating for your small...hiking boots.

Any true outdoorsman would know that being prepared is the ONLY way to tackle the outdoors. And what better way then learning from other people and their personal experience(s)? Why would you even log on here if you aren't interested in helping, but looking for an audience for your aggression?

Your outlook should also improve with the view, no? Maybe you need to climb "higher".

I'm sure you've made some cozy friends through your travels with such a piss-poor attitude. I certainly hope you're never in need for help, instant karma is a real bitch.

Kindly,
Laura

According to Yahoo Weather, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in
April has an average high of 68.4° F and an average low of 37° F.
I just got back from there about 3 weeks ago and really enjoyed the scenery. I'm planning to go back next April myself, but I'll stay at a Gatlinburg hotel.
Don't you hate it when you're just trying to get information and someone has to be a smart ass?