View Full Version : BMT Oct 14-20, 2007
Hey folks!
GeneRoll and I are in the planning stages of a section hike of the BMT.
For sure, it will be Oct 14-20th.
The tentative section will be from 20Mile to Smokemont campground.
20mile is the southwestern entrance to GSMNP and Smokemont is a little over 60 miles.
If you cant stay the whole week, there are bail out points at fontana and bryson city.
More info to come!
Hikerhead
07-05-2007, 14:26
That will be a very enjoyable hike. Two nights will be camping out alongside Fontana Lake I imagine. DebW, Mowgli and I did the section from 20mile to Big Creek a few months ago. Hiked 2 miles on sat and finished Friday afternoon. I think we all agreed it was a long hike, it would have been better to hike fewer miles/day. Have fun!!
generoll
07-05-2007, 14:47
Bring your fishing pole. This is going to be a "kinder, gentler" hike. We'll be camped by some nice trout streams on two, maybe three nights of the trip.
AlHikergal, wish I could join you and GeneRoll but I won't have any vacation time left :(
That sounds like a nice trip. If the invitation is open to all I may see if I can make it down there. I've suddenly found myself with some free time.
Tom
generoll
07-07-2007, 08:46
it's a come one, come all kind of invitation. Wendi put the invite here for just that purpose. As the date gets closer we will need to coordinate shuttling and so on to make sure we have transportation to and at each end of the hike. It seems early now I know, but it's sometime easy to get so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of life that you don't give yourself time for things like hiking unless you budget the time accordingly. Or that's the way it is with me.
AlHikerGirl planned a Veterans DAy hike last year that went very well and we're hoping for as congenial a group and as pleasant a hike again.
***BUMP***
This hike is still on! GeneRoll and I are planning about 60 miles of the BMT thru GSMNP.
Jump in!
Frolicking Dinosaurs
08-18-2007, 20:03
::: Wistful Dino seen wishing she could hike 12 miles a day with a pack :::
Scrollner
08-18-2007, 20:24
:-? I was planning on taking some vacation time in October - Hmmmmmmmm
SawnieRobertson
08-18-2007, 21:14
::: Wistful Dino seen wishing she could hike 12 miles a day with a pack :::
Well, it is possible that Wistful Dino might not be the only hiker who can't hike 12 (much less 6) miles/day. And it would be fun. How 'bout it?--Kinnickinic
gollwoods
08-18-2007, 22:41
I'm going to plan on joining up, if it happens maybe t-dubs and i can share a ride down there,I've got alot of space in my vehicle.
I'm going to plan on joining up, if it happens maybe t-dubs and i can share a ride down there,I've got alot of space in my vehicle.
Sounds like a plan to me and thank you for the invite. I still have that hike on my schedule of 'things-to-do-when-I'm-retired-and-have-all-the-time-in-the-world' list. I just have to get my BlackCat tarp and overquilt done. I've not got a lot of sewing experience so my expectations are somewhat lessened.
Tom
::: Wistful Dino seen wishing she could hike 12 miles a day with a pack :::
FD! I think our biggest (longest) day is still less than 10 miles... You can do it! If not, we'll be thinking fondly of you!
I am encouraged to see others hikers into enjoyment, and less distance like myself. Sounds like a nice trip, I was thinking of doing some of the BMT but most likely just after the hammock gathering (sept 14ish) since I come all the way from Ohio. Have a good trip.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
08-20-2007, 10:17
As I have told a few folks privately, the Dino's Dad will turn 85 during this trip. I may try to do part of the trip. Cuffs, would you PM me the plans for various road crossings. The he-dino and I need to get out more :D
Is this trip still on?
I'm supposed to do the AT thru the Smokies about a week before but it seems there is an entire section not recommended because there is no water. Something like 18 miles and several shelters.
Would this trip have the same problem?
generoll
09-04-2007, 09:08
Most of the campsites which we have tentatively selected are on major creeks or on the shore of Lake Fontana. There's a lot more shoreline or beach if you prefer on Lake Fontana, but water is only "iffy" for the last night.
I dayhiked the section from Twenty Mile to Shuckstack and then down to Fontana on Sunday. There was plenty of water in Twenty Mile Creek and I met a group of dayhikers on Shuckstack that were camped at our planned campsite in the backcountry. They said the campsite was great and of course had plenty of water.
The AT through the Smokies pretty well sticks to the ridgeline whereas the BMT tends to stay lower, although with perhaps a few more climbs. Come join us if you can get your schedule rearranged. We'd love to have the company.
Actually, the hike from Shuckstack to Derrick Knob thru the Smokies is listed as the 18 miles with little or no water. as well as Ice Water, Silers Bald, Double Spring, and a host of other sites. Unless higher powers intervene, I doubt that will get any better.
This trip is looking pretty good to me.
Thanks.
Tipi Walter
09-04-2007, 09:38
I sure wish I could go but my fully packed dog ain't allowed, sob.
generoll
09-04-2007, 09:51
I met a couple of hikers at the BMT/AT junction that were finishing up a hike from Big Creek to Fontana. My impression from talking with them was that water was always available, although not always of the highest quality. Rock and Wolf just finished a Newfound Gap to Davenport Gap hike if I'm not mistaken. They could tell you about water on that section. I met a Park Ranger at Fontana as I was finishing my hike and she said that she thought water was getting marginally better since a few recent rains, but was still poor. The one creek which I crossed on my way down Shuckstack was just mud so I guess you just take your chances on the AT.
Which is to say, come along with us.
Nice hike there. I've done the section from Twentymile and dropped off in Bryson City. At the time there was plenty of water, enough so that I was never out of water, always had at least one liter that I was hiking with. Very enjoyable hike, though I discovered there weren't as many views of the lake as I was hoping for...
chiefdaddy
09-04-2007, 10:39
just got back from that area and the water is not dependable, on sunday we found ourselves at mollie's ridge shelter with no water and only a mud puddle 20 yards below the dry spring. Same thing at two other springs, don't count on springs unless there is a lot of rain in the next month.
We hiked 6 miles with a third of a liter each just to find a good spring.
Have a great hike. As Hikerhead said, we rocked that section over Memorial Day weekend. I bailed at Smokemont and Hikerhead & Deb continued on to Davenport Gap.
Enjoy yourselves! The Smokies in October should be sweet!
Stan Ritter
09-07-2007, 21:44
Gene,
My name is Stan Ritter. I had planned on hiking in the AT with treknngirl
but she has found out she has a problem witha recurring illness. I was told that Eric and you guys were hiking the Smokies on the following week and wondered what the chance of getting involved on this trip. I have been raising my grand-daughter for the last 2 years and am finally getting to the point where I can backpack regularly. I would appreciate it if I could taf along. I am 57 and in pretty good shape.
Thanks,
Stan Ritter
TnWarEagle
SGT Rock
09-07-2007, 21:46
I met a couple of hikers at the BMT/AT junction that were finishing up a hike from Big Creek to Fontana. My impression from talking with them was that water was always available, although not always of the highest quality. Rock and Wolf just finished a Newfound Gap to Davenport Gap hike if I'm not mistaken. They could tell you about water on that section. I met a Park Ranger at Fontana as I was finishing my hike and she said that she thought water was getting marginally better since a few recent rains, but was still poor. The one creek which I crossed on my way down Shuckstack was just mud so I guess you just take your chances on the AT.
Which is to say, come along with us.
We went from Clingman's Dome to Big Creek. Water was available at all shelters but a lot of the listed springs on the AT were dry.
generoll
09-07-2007, 22:21
We went from Clingman's Dome to Big Creek. Water was available at all shelters but a lot of the listed springs on the AT were dry.
Did you stop by Laurel Gap by any chance? What did you think of it if so?
generoll
09-07-2007, 22:21
Stan:
By all means join us. Sent you an email with more particulars.
SGT Rock
09-07-2007, 22:27
Did you stop by Laurel Gap by any chance? What did you think of it if so?
I don't remeber stopping at a Laurel Gap.
generoll
09-08-2007, 08:07
Laurel Gap is one of the two Shelters on the BMT. When you mentioned finishing at Big Creek I thought you might have shifted over to the BMT at Tricorner Knob.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
09-08-2007, 08:46
Looks like I may not make this trip after all. My mother's health has taken a dramatic turn and I need to be there to help with her care and support my grieving Dad.
You'll be with us in our thoughts FD!!!
Okey doke...I am officially in on this trip if'n y'all are still OK with that. I know it's still down the road a ways but are details available? Pretty excited about a long trip. Haven't been out more than a weekend since Glacier last fall. I have lost over 50 lbs since then and I have a new pack that needs seriously muddied so it'll stop freakin' glowing in the dark.
Skidsteer
09-08-2007, 21:42
Okey doke...I am officially in on this trip if'n y'all are still OK with that. I know it's still down the road a ways but are details available? Pretty excited about a long trip. Haven't been out more than a weekend since Glacier last fall. I have lost over 50 lbs since then and I have a new pack that needs seriously muddied so it'll stop freakin' glowing in the dark.
50 pounds?
Way to Go EMAN! Outstanding!
SGT Rock
09-08-2007, 21:49
Laurel Gap is one of the two Shelters on the BMT. When you mentioned finishing at Big Creek I thought you might have shifted over to the BMT at Tricorner Knob.
Ohhh, OK. Now I am tracking. I only hiked the AT on this last trip. I wasn't thinking of Laurel Gap shelter - I had my guidebook out trying to find Laurel Gap on the AT thinking I must have been hiking so fast I went right by it.
I'll be there around the third week of February.;)
generoll
09-08-2007, 22:08
By all means, Eman. Come join us. Wendi (Cuffs) has the planned itinerary. Send her an email and she'll fill you in. Once we get a bit closer we'll figure out who meets where and how we'll handle the cars.
Yea Erich!!! Wish I could just drop 5 pounds! Thats awesome work!
Email sent regarding itinerary...
mweinstone
09-09-2007, 05:47
prayers for grannydino
Frolicking Dinosaurs
09-09-2007, 09:32
::: teary dino blows kisses to Matt :::
Survivor Dave
09-09-2007, 20:32
Cuffs,
I see that you offered an itinerary to EMAN. Can I get one as well please? Would appreciate it.
To all:
I spoke with Generoll and he mentioned an idea as far as a cache in Bryson City where someone might volunteer their vehicle to use for it. What do y'all think?
Maybe we might be able to talk Generoll into another round of that story he told last year with the "flying pants" thing!
I've been in touch with Mountain Man and trying to get him to come along if he can get away for a few.
I'm looking forward to hiking with the crew again, as I have lost a s**tload of weight as well. Around 100 pound in a year and a half. Way to go EEEEEEE-Man! I know how good it feels. Knees are very happy for sure.
I have put a few pics of last weekends hike with Hikernutt, her husband Tim, and one of their friends in the photo section. A great time was had from Springer to Hightower Gap.
We helped a scout troup carry some lumber to build a bridge on the way to Long Creek Falls. A few 4"x4"x8' wooden beams with our packs. They were thankful as we continued on.
Hike on,
Survivor Dave......formerly Big Maguro
Itinerary will be on its way to you shortly.
Some concerns arose earlier this week about the numbers of persons that can occupy one campsite. I spoke with the back county office at GSMNP today and while they dont like a large amount of people in one site (8+) as long as the group is "managable" (his words) and orderly and all fit into the site, there usually isnt a problem and there is no set figure for capacity. They state that they are just trying to curb the partier/campers in large numbers.
Hey Cuffs can you send me an itinerary too, or post it? How many do you expect to hike?
Scrollner
09-10-2007, 22:45
Well, I have good news and bad news. I just got a promotion, which means alot more $$$$$$ :banana :banana :banana Bad news is I'll be in
Chicago for training from the 10th to the 24th of October, so i won't be able to go this time around:(
i won't be able to go this time around:(
Bummer. I mean congratulations! ;)
Hey Cuffs can you send me an itinerary too, or post it? How many do you expect to hike?Could I get one, also? Thanks...
Just checking in to make sure this trip was still on. Everyone's still OK with water potentials and all?
generoll
09-26-2007, 09:03
The planned hike will have us camping close to the lake on most nights and by the larger streams in the Smokies (Eagle Creek, Hazel Creek, Noland Creek, Deep Creek) and so on. The last night is on Newton Bald which may very well be dry so we would need to load up on water for the hike on Sunkota Ridge and the last nights camp. The final day is about a five mile descent into Smokemont so even if it's dry, water will be close at hand.
I'm not sure what the head count is, but I'm still planning on going and bringing one or two family members and I think Cuffs is still planning on coming so come on and join us. I think the backcountry burn ban is still in effect which has put a damper on my plan to bring fishing gear. I'm not catching them if I can't cook them.
SGT Rock
09-26-2007, 09:48
I'm doing a BMT work trip with the group that weekend.
generoll
09-26-2007, 10:30
Which weekend, Rock? We have a bail out/join up option by Bryson City so if you have the time and the inclination you're more then welcome to hook up with us. Whoever "us" turns out to be.
SGT Rock
09-26-2007, 12:12
Work Trip is October 13 near Tellico Plains. Looks like it is mostly weed wacking and brush clearing.
SGT Rock
09-26-2007, 12:52
Where is that itenerary? Maybe the night of the 13th we could hike into the site and stay overnight with you guys and then hike out on the 14th.
SGT Rock
09-26-2007, 17:15
Thanks - we are discussing it now.
Alright, Ive only seen GeneRoll, EMan and myself respond. If you are intending to go on this hike and want to be part of the shuttle program (this is an point to point hike) you need to get on board, otherwise you are on your own for getting your transportation organized.
SGT Rock
09-30-2007, 15:31
Well if we come we will take care of our own shuttle. We are thinking of coming in on the night of the 13th after finishing trail maintenance (it isn't far from there) then yo-yo back out the way we came in. I've got to be at work and the boys have school that week.
Thats great Rock! Looking forward to meeting you in person! Will the family be with you?
SGT Rock
09-30-2007, 17:40
That is the plan.
Alright, Ive only seen GeneRoll, EMan and myself respond. If you are intending to go on this hike and want to be part of the shuttle program (this is an point to point hike) you need to get on board, otherwise you are on your own for getting your transportation organized.
I would like to hike with this group for some of this trip, if possible. I have a conflict on that last Saturday (OSU Football!) and need to back home on Friday night. I hope to hike out for a couple of days, find a side trail and loop back to the start.
How many hikers are going on this trip? Send me the itinerary if you would, please--assuming I can tag along for awhile. (-:
Thanks,
Tom
TD, it may cut your hike even shorter, but there is definately places to "bail out." Bryson City is one and I think Noland Creek junction/Road to Nowhere. Itinerary is on its way via PM.
Alright, Ive only seen GeneRoll, EMan and myself respond. If you are intending to go on this hike and want to be part of the shuttle program (this is an point to point hike) you need to get on board, otherwise you are on your own for getting your transportation organized.With great regret, I'm going to miss this one. I'm saving up the $$$ for a thruhike attempt next March. Have a good hike and watch out for the Screaming Meamie, or whatever the hell that thing was on the Pinhoti :D
SGT Rock
10-02-2007, 07:23
We may have to bail on this one due to a family visit that just got put on the schedule last night.
If it winds up that you can still make it, please do! Have a great family visit otherwise!
Frosty, Keep me posted on your thru attempt! Would love to see you off from Springer!!
trekkngirl
10-11-2007, 17:19
Hi guys!! I am interested in doing the last part of this hike..you got mail cuffs. :)
Have a blast all. No longish hikes for me until 2008. :(
Have a blast all. No longish hikes for me until 2008. :(
Hm, sucks to be you right now dont it!?!?:D
We are out the door! Well, I am anyways. Hope to have some great fall color photos to share upon return. Happy Hiking everyone! (going thru WB withdrawals already!)
Anyone have the planned itinerary for this hike? I may try to get out for a couple days.
We are out the door! Well, I am anyways. Hope to have some great fall color photos to share upon return. Happy Hiking everyone! (going thru WB withdrawals already!)How'd the hike go? Inquiring minds want to know!
Ramble~On
10-21-2007, 03:59
I hate having to carry a bunch of water up and down mountains.
The drought has made it a fact of life.
The FHT has tons of water and I'm thinking about hiking it again so I'd like to hear what the water situation is...
Been thinking about a hike of the Art Loeb Trail the weekend after Thanksgiving. Due to the drought, I'm now thinking about the BMT in the Smokies from Davenport Gap to Smokemont. That'll finish the trail in the park for me.
Looking forwrd to hearing a trip report too.
generoll
10-21-2007, 08:47
The hikers got back yesterday and reported water at all campsites between Twenty Mile and Smokemont. Even #52 on Newton Bald had water.
WOW! What a hike!
Still exhausted and trying to assimilate back to civilization even tho I was only gone 8 days!
Didnt realize it until later, but took over 300 photos! Some serious editing is going to have to take place!
The full report will be up on TJ some time next week.
Short report:
Water sources for the BMT from 20 Mile to Smokemont are all good. Campsite #52, on Newton Bald could be questionable if it hasnt rained in a while.
Weather for the first part of the week was great, low 70's for the highs and high 50's at night. The rains came on Thursday and the temps dropped and the winds howled. 7 nights in a hammock, my longest contunious hang time, and 1 night on the ground (hammock was not inusulated enough for the real cold night) and I have to say, MAN I love my Hammock!! Being on the ground even for 1 night sucked!
MOWGLI: I too will only have Smokemont to Davenport left, keep me in mind if you decide to tackle this section!
Jounal is up http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=210383
Photos still being edited...
Cuffs, nice report, now where are the pics :p
SGT Rock
10-23-2007, 13:14
Nice. I wish I would have made it.
Hikerhead
10-23-2007, 13:56
You didn't see any rattle snakes or boars?
I saw a snake... unknown kind, he (she?) was moving too fast to tell.
I did see one wild hog. But again, moving way to fast to get a photo...
Some photos are going up as I type, so check them out!
Hikerhead
10-23-2007, 14:17
Pictures look nice so far. I'll check them all out later. Looks like you had a nice hike.
Nice. I wish I would have made it.
Same here. That looks like it was a great trip.
Maybe next time...
TWS
trekkngirl
10-23-2007, 16:09
Great meeting you Wendi and you also Linda..and seeing EMAN and Wareagle my long time hiking buddies.. I really enjoyed the part of the hike that I got to do,a good challenge for me but it felt great getting back into the groove again after my recent surgeries.Hike on!!!
Hi Trekkn!!
Was great to meet you! Keep on hiking!!
The basic photos are up on TJ, and the rest will be posted to webshots soon. (all the miscellany photos that arent on TJ will be there.)
Hikerhead
10-23-2007, 20:03
Excellent pictures. Did you jump in the lake any? We got two good swims in. I tried getting in Eagle Creek but it was way too cold. We took a good long swim at CS 76 (i think that was it) I learned that I can still swim here. Then another swim at Forney Creek but still the creek was too cold but 15 yards farther down where the water slowed where it hit the lake, the water was perfect. So I'm glad to say that non of us had a stinking problem. Well at least Jeff and Deb didn't, maybe I did.
What was the hardest part for you in this section. I thought all the little up and downs before the Tunnel were the killer. The first climb up to shockshack was a good one but we were fresh so it didn't seem too bad.
Id have to say the hardest day was the first full day of hiking. I had not done any real hiking over the summer and paid dearly for it in leg soreness!
The other hardest day was Friday, it was all uphill from #56 to #52 and Newton Bald. first climb was 900' in 1.5 miles. On top of that it was raining!
I was surprised how well I felt getting into #52,, considering the climb, but I guess after 6 days on the trail, the body finally caught up!
Hikerhead
10-24-2007, 19:25
We stayed at 56 also and hiked to 48 above Smokemont the next day. Yes that climb up to 52 was hard, we took a good long pack off lay on the ground break there. But I really liked that down hill to Smokemont even though my feet were killing me.
I think the hardest day for me was that little extra trek to 74. It did make for a shorter day following though. By the time I got to that freakin' uphill to 52, except for the the big toes and constantly having to adjust one sock, I was feeling pretty good.
For the most part, I had a blast!
Still working on my pics but geez....after EMAN with draws dropped 'rounds de fire...how can I top that? Hahahaha.....wooohooo....Thanks to Wendi and Gene for their efforts. Nice to meet Linda. Stan was...Stan...and Trekkngirl....love ya babe!
FINALLY!! With nothing better to do, I finally have all my photos up!
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/561152811DXCzmc
FINALLY!! With nothing better to do, I finally have all my photos up!
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/561152811DXCzmcMy favorite was ODD BEETLES IN POO
Well, I did not post all the poo pics I took ( and I took many!) I wanted to go back later to identify all the scat... and left by whom... yea, odd, but interesting!
FINALLY!! With nothing better to do, I finally have all my photos up!
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/561152811DXCzmc
Awesome pics!! Looks like you guys had an awesome time. Maybe next time there's a group trip we can take time off to tag along!:banana
Hikerhead
11-08-2007, 22:32
Nice pics. We have a few of same things like the forgotten animal trap.
Water is not a problem on the BMT in the Smokies, that's for sure.
Cuffs, very nice pics. Glad you had a good time
Looks like a great trip. Thanks for sharing those photos.
Tom