Day 27. 6.5 miles to Birch Spring Campsite. Had breakfast at Fontana Village, then at the suggestion of Tom from Hike Inn we started the climb today to get thru the Smokies. Some nice views of Fontana Lake. Went up the trail to Shukstack but got too scared to actually go up the fire tower so didn’t get those sweeping views. Glad we didn’t miss out on good hiking weather and split up the huge hill getting in to GSMNP. Met Sparrow, a Ridge Runner at camp and had a lovely chat.