View Full Version : Devil Fork Gap/NC 212
Anyone know a good way to get to Devil Fork Gap/NC 212 to access the AT without paying out the wazoo for a shuttle? How about a reasonable priced shuttle? I'm thinking of taking a 3 day hike in June right after I move to NC to celebrate. I plan to hike back in to Hot Springs, where my car will be waiting. Any ideas, volunteers, etc?
SGT Rock
05-01-2008, 18:11
I cannot predict if I will have to be working on that day yet - still job hunting. But you can count on me if I am not.
I cannot predict if I will have to be working on that day yet - still job hunting. But you can count on me if I am not.
Thanks, Rock. I'll definitely keep you in mind. I was also thinking about possibly going from Devil Fork Gap/NC-212 NOBO to Erwin. Maybe I can get Uncle Johnny's folks to shuttle me. I'll give them a shout.
SGT Rock
05-01-2008, 18:47
Just let me know if you need help. I remember someone throwing in when I needed it.
Just let me know if you need help. I remember someone throwing in when I needed it.Thanks. :)
Flush2wice
05-01-2008, 19:24
Gimme a shout if Sgt. Rock doesn't work out.
little bear
05-01-2008, 19:28
hey call the people at Hemlock Hollow, they only charge 75 cents a mile, and they are at Allen gap, which is only a couple of miles from Devils Fork Gap. they shuttled me to Sams gap, and were really nice.
LB
Gimme a shout if Sgt. Rock doesn't work out.
Awesome, thanks Flush2wice!
hey call the people at Hemlock Hollow, they only charge 75 cents a mile, and they are at Allen gap, which is only a couple of miles from Devils Fork Gap. they shuttled me to Sams gap, and were really nice.
LBThanks, LB. Congrats again on the pregnancy! :banana
Ok, so if I go SOBO from Devil Fork Gap back to Hot Springs, I've got some mileage figured out. I'm looking at a first day of 8.6 miles to Jerry Cabin Shelter. Next day, take a longer day and go 15.4 miles to Spring Mountain Shelter. Last day, do the remaining 11 miles in to Hot Springs. Does this sound reasonable? Other ideas, better suggestions, etc? Anyone have any intel on the water situation between Devil Fork Gap and Hot Springs? Any ideas, suggestions, information is greatly appreciated. :D
SGT Rock
05-01-2008, 20:55
If it were me I would do this:
8.6 to Jerry Cabin is cool, although I might go a little longer.
That next section I planned a 15+ mile day as well, but Firescald bald in bad weather kicked my butt. I wouldn't plan that long a day in case the weather slows you down. I would look at a short end day at about Deep Gap with a possibility of going on to Spring Mountain if you are still feeling froggy.
On the third day either location to Hot Springs will take about half a day.
If it were me I would do this:
8.6 to Jerry Cabin is cool, although I might go a little longer.
That next section I planned a 15+ mile day as well, but Firescald bald in bad weather kicked my butt. I wouldn't plan that long a day in case the weather slows you down. I would look at a short end day at about Deep Gap with a possibility of going on to Spring Mountain if you are still feeling froggy.
On the third day either location to Hot Springs will take about half a day.Thanks for all the advice, Rock. I appreciate any intel from someone who has "been there, done that", so to speak. Thanks again!
CrumbSnatcher
05-01-2008, 21:25
sweet hike! have fun,love the frozen knob all the way to the chucky...
Is Firescald that ridgline just after Jerry Cabin going south bound? It kicked my butt, but it was absolutely gorgeous for views. It was hot up there too.
Why not try Bluff Mtn Outfitters in Hot Springs (828-622-7162)? They have shuttled me around a couple of times and are real nice folks!
Just my 2 cents worth but Devil's Fork to Jerry's Cabin is a pretty good climb, especially up Cold Spring Mtn. From Jerry's to Allen's Gap (Tn Hwy 70S) is pretty easy with Fire Scald and Little Laurel Shelter in between. Allen's Gap to Spring Mtn Shelter is a good climb too. From Sprint Mtn Shelter to Taynard Gap (25/70) is pretty easy with a small uphill at Rich Mtn.
Tanyard Gap to Hot Springs is not bad with a pretty good uphill to Mill Ridge then pretty easy down to Hot Springs.
Overall I think the hardest part will be the climb up Cold Spring Mtn to Jerry's Cabin. Second hardest is from Allen's Gap to Spring Mtn Shelter.
We have had quite a bit of rain this year so water shouldn't be a problem. I actually live in Greeneville TN and the area you're hiking is practically in my back yard! (well 15 miles as a crow flies). This is a beautiful area and you'll have a ball!
Good Luck
Tripod
CrumbSnatcher
05-01-2008, 23:58
sorry i miss read again. i thought you were going north. have a great time!!!
I just got an e-mail back from Wayne at Bluff Mountain Outfitters. They're charging $43 for a shuttle from Hot Springs to Devil Fork Gap. I may just go with that. If I can get someone to hike with me, we can split the cost. Still got a month to prepare for it. :D
Ok, I need some intel from the troops out there. In the section from Devil Fork Gap to Hot springs, there are 4 shelters:
Flint Mountain Shelter
Jerry Cabin Shelter
Little Laurel Shelter
Spring Mountain Shelter
Of the 4, does anyone know how the water supplies are looking as of late? Any of them have privvies?
Short Term
08-25-2008, 10:23
How was your hike? I am planning a trip north bound from Hot Springs to Devils Fork Gap in 3 weeks. Anything unusual I should be prepared for? Thanks for any info....
Tennessee Viking
08-25-2008, 15:04
I was just at Rich Mountain last week & it was completely dry. Ran into a couple sectioners coming up from Hot Springs. The only water they saw was at the pond.
Reports I have heard say Little Laurel was barely flowing, and Jerry Cabin was getting low. And most of the water was found on the bad weather routes on CampCreek and Firescald.
I have seen the Flint Mtn source still flowing during the high point of last summers drought.