newfound gap to davenport gap info

[kodiak42]

hey yall , i am planning a hike with a couple of my friends on april 13 thru 16, newfound to davenport and was needing some up to date info on what to expect. this is our first a.t trip so any info would be great.. info on what to expect as far as weather , terrian, points of interest, water avail. at the shelters , clothing etc........ just trying to make sure we have everything we need. i have done alot of reading on this site and gained alot of good info. feel free to make suggestions and thanx in advance....

[Slo-go'en]

That is the best streach of the AT in the Smokies IMOHO. Some nice "knife edge" like sections and great views. The short detoure to Charlies bunion is well worth it if the weather is clear. Stock up on water at the shelters, as there is none along the ridge line. Watch the weather carefully, as in mid April you could get anything from nice, warm sunny days to blinding snow storms. Some warm clothes and rain shells would be approperate.

[Hikes in Rain]

The side trail to Cammerer fire tower is well worth the trip, as well. Hint! leave your pack by the horse rail; you'll thank yourself later! Bring your winter sleeping bag, just in case. You'll be up high, and weather can change in a heartbeat.

[Ox97GaMe]

As was stated in both responses... be prepared for winter weather. Get the Smoky Mountain weather forecast before you head out there. You might get 3 decent days that time of year, but more likely you will get rain and cold. Very few of the AT thru hikers get more than 2 or 3 days of sunny weather during their hike through the Smokies.

Also be aware that you will be in the middle of the thru hiker hoard. All the shelters are likely to be full at that time. You may need to have tents, unless you get your reservations and get to the shelter early.

The water sources at all the shelters are running pretty good currently. We have had a good amount of rain and snow over the past couple months. I expect that to continue for the next couple weeks as well.

[kodiak42]

thanx for all the replys, great info keep it coming!!!!

[drdewrag]

Great section of the trail! Go ahead and take the side trips as you probably won't need all four days unless you do. Even if you have a reservation for a shelter be advised if you get to it late (after it is filled to over capacity with thru's) good luck convincing them to move out so you can have your spot. LOL If it's full, just tent close to the shelter and you'll be fine. Have fun!

[Bearbait]

If you guys plan on taking two vehicles, I would not park at Davenport Gap. It is safer to park one of the vehicles at Big Creek Ranger Station. The parking at Newfound Gap is fairly safe, just don't leave any valuables in the car. Also, You will need a reservation at each shelter as there is no tent camping along the trail. You can make a reservation up to one month prior to your trip. There will definitely be a hord of NOBO's in the Smokies during that time, but if you have reservations at the shelter, they are supposed to move outside if the shelter is full. That is the only time the Rangers will allow tent camping. Most folks are very cooperative and will do what they have to. All the shelter have cables to hang your food to protect from mice and Bears (the mice are everywhere in the shelters) they will chew your stuff if you leave any food or smell on your bag.

[headonkey]

Sorry to hijack your thread but I have a question about this route. I'll be doing it in the middle of May. Would you guys suggest turning left at Maddron Bald and Gabes Mountain Trails to end at Cosby or would just heading to Davenport Gap be better? Which shelters are the best (I don't mind averaging 10+ miles per day). What will the bugs be like that time of the year? Also, is the parking safe at Cosby and Davenport? Last, which shuttle service would you guys suggest for a pickup at Cosby or Davenport and drop-off at Newfound Gap.

[chelko]

Go to Davenport Gap! Great section of the trail between Maddron bald and Davenport. Don't want to miss .6 mile side trip to Mt Cammerer one of the best spots on the trail in the park. (try to schedule lunch stop here) All the shelters are nice along the AT in the park, they all sleep atleast 12 and have good water and privies. parking is safe at the Big Creek Ranger Station. For a shuttle i would call Curtis at Standing Bear Farm 423-487-0014. As far as bugs go, Not any worse than anyplace else that I can remember. The only downside is Mountain Mama's is closed...miss those cheeseburgers! yummy.

You can see photos of the shelters here on whiteblaze in the photo section under shelters, they are sorted by state.

Enjoy your hike!