View Full Version : Parking at or near Newfound Gap
EarlyBird2007
11-27-2007, 14:39
Around next April I plan to do a section from Newfound Gap to Erwin, TN. I need to park my pickup truck either at the NG parking lot or close by for the approximately ten days it will take me. Does anyone know if it is ok to park a vehicle there for that long? If so, is it fairly safe? If not, is there another place close by? Thanks in advance.
You could probably park there for that long without getting towed, but it may not be the safest thing to do.
A better bet would be to park in Erwin, maybe at the Nolichucky Hostel, and get a shuttle back to Newfound Gap. Barring that, the other best safe option would be to park at Standing Bear Hostel 3 miles north of Davenport Gap and get shuttled from there to Newfound. The folks there offer reasonable rates for such a shuttle, and you could place a resupply right there in your truck since it would only be about a 1/4 mile off the trail, just north of I-40.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-27-2007, 16:42
Direct your question about how long you may park to the GSMNP's Backcountry Information Office at (865) 436-1297 (open daily from 9:00 a.m. until noon Eastern Standard Time)
You will need to obtain a backcountry permit for the GSMNP portion of the hike. I would let the rangers know of your plan and when you should arrive to retrieve the truck. I say this because if file for the backcountry permit and then do not show up to get the truck for many days afterward, they may assume you are missing or lost.
The NFG parking area is heavily patrolled and has very little vandalism. The ranger on overnight patrol often stays in or near the parking area because it has the only open bathroom facilities at night - and there is a small office for the rangers there.
I had this same situation. I contacted GSMNP as well and asked if it was alright. They said it was fine, but to park far from the road. I put all my valuables out of site or in the trunk. It sat there for about 6 days, it was fine. You might want to give them a call as Dino suggested to make sure which spots are okay to park in.