Adding this report six months after the run, after finding the route posted. This is a perfect 50k+ route that many should knock out, as it traverses some great highlights of the Smokies. Hope to see more runs posted! I maintained a decent pace, but treated this as a training run. The time could for sure be taken lower! Here is my quick Strava report from the day:
Long overdue trip to this area, haven’t been in the park in 13 years! Absolutely loved this loop, lots of time at higher elevations. Had a good bit of rain, but luckily no thunder, so I appreciated the cool down. 140 oz with 2,000 calories liquid/solid. Could have easily drank 200 oz, but I had a long patch with no water to filter (miles 12-30). Made a bold decision, and ran in brand new shoes (Saucony XODUS Ultras). Although my ankles were still cranky at times, I absolutely loved the feel and added cushion, made the rocks hurt a lot less today! Had only one bear encounter, not bad for 33 miles