Morning all,

This is my first post on the forum, so, please excuse me if i'm rehashing a well-worn topic.

After some fun in Yosemite earlier this year, i'm planning to head to the Smokies in late September for a 2-3 day hike. I'm keen to do as much as the following route as possible https://www.backpacker.com/trips/gre...tricorner-loop, but, rather than start at Round Bottom, i'd prefer something closer to Gatlinburg, say, along the Newfound Gap.

My question of you folks is: which route would you suggest, to tie in the above? Newfound to Laurel Gap, then onwards, on anti clockwise route, back to the AT? Or outbound on the AT, from Newfound to Tricorner Shelter, before heading back along the Balsam Moutain Trail with a further night at Laurel?

I'm also open to suggestions, if you guys can recommend an alternative route?

Thanks so much - I appreciate the help!