Looking for NOBO winter/general advice

[Flying Monkey]

First, I'd like to apologize. I will only be section-hiking for a month, not thru-hiking, but this still seemed the most appropriate forum for my question.

I'm looking for some (hopefully profound and/or humorous) advice on hiking from Springer this Winter. I'll be leaving Dec 22nd (weather-permitting. I feel well prepared, except for the differing accounts of the weather conditions in GA, NC/TN. Some accounts speak of huge snowfall, and some of no snow, but a lot of ice. I am hoping for SOME snow, but there is a limit. I'm experienced only with New England, Virginia, and some lesser Rockies when winter is concerned, and would love any insights into weather, impassable roads into towns, or any other advice for that region, especially regarding a hot shower, or some grub.

Also, anyone looking for a winter hike would be more than welcome, whether it be a weekend hike, or longer. My only note would be that I plan (read: hope) to keep a pace of 15/20 miles a day, except for the Smokies, where I imagine that'll drop considerably.

And, finally, can anyone suggest any new year's celebrations within a day or so of Wesser, NC?

Thanks all.

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. ~John Muir

[The Solemates]

Hiking in the South in the winter is unpredictable. Some days may be sunny and 60 degrees, while others may be snowy and 10 degrees. My advice is be prepared for everything, obviously. You will definitely have snow. You will definitely have ice. You will definitely have freezing rain. How much of each just depends on the year, and the storm front. On our thru (started Feb 1) we got three major snow storms that dumped 12+ inches (we had 3 foot snow drifts in the Smokies, and US441 was closed) and two major ice storms that coated everything and closed roads as well. There is no tangible advice one can give you, other than be prepared for everything.

[Flying Monkey]

Did each of those three storms drop 12+" individually, or all together? How long was the trail impassable? I know that it varies hugely from year to year, and region to region, but should I get big snow, I assume the conditions will be similiar.

While i'll be glued to weather forcasts every chance I get, I'm trying to figure out if i have to bring extra food through the smokies in case of getting stranded.

Do you recommend anything heavier-duty than a four-point insole crampon?

Thanks very much!

[MileMonster]

If you're from New England you know what winter is like. New Englanders have a tendency to think the South is always warm, though. Not so, especially on the ridge tops where the AT is. I'd recommend taking instep crampons and tall gaiters. There is usually a lot of ice on the AT through the Smokies and the insteps will help. I'd also suggest a zero degree sleeping bag, but I'm a cold sleeper. As far as hot showers, less will be open that time of year, especially hostels. The Hike Inn at the south end of the Smokies is nice enough. There's Helen, GA if you can get a hitch. Have fun but be safe.

- MM.

[Peaks]

Right on about the New England perception of the south.

I'd suggest that you need to be prepared to hunker down for a day or two, either in a shelter or in a town.

The folks I hiked with that started early told of a snow storm a week that dumped on them.

[The Solemates]

Did each of those three storms drop 12+" individually, or all together? How long was the trail impassable? I know that it varies hugely from year to year, and region to region, but should I get big snow, I assume the conditions will be similiar.

While i'll be glued to weather forcasts every chance I get, I'm trying to figure out if i have to bring extra food through the smokies in case of getting stranded.

Do you recommend anything heavier-duty than a four-point insole crampon?

Thanks very much!


Actually, it was more like 6-8" with storm 1, 14-16" with storm 2, and 10-12" with storm 3. But snowdrifts across the trail in some places were in excess of 24-30 inches, with no way around them except through them. The trail was not impassable at any time. We did not have crampons at all. Walking in snow just gets your feet wet; it doesnt make it impassable (at least not in the South). You do not need crampons for snow in the South. Some say they need crampons for ice, but we always found a way around icy patches with no problem.