View Full Version : Sams Gap
How safe would a car be at Sams Gap for 12 days or so? Planning a section from Clingmans dome to Sams Gap any recommendatoions for a shuttle from sams gap to clingmans?:sun
Hikes in Rain
04-19-2009, 13:22
No experience personally, but I've read that it's reasonably safe
Cabin Fever
04-19-2009, 14:09
I have never heard of any damage being done there. It's a very visible parking area and doesn't look to be prone to vandalism.
Another option would be to push on to Erwin and leave your car there.
I've parked there overnight a number of times, without problem. Twelve days is a long time, though. For that long a period of time, I'd probably choose to park someplace with more supervision, for instance, at the other end of your hike, where there will be periodic drive-throughs by Park rangers.
Chaco Taco
04-20-2009, 21:48
When are you planning on leaving a car there?
Tennessee Viking
04-21-2009, 00:55
I would just park your car in Erwin at Johnny's since its going to be more than a couple nights.
ranfreem
04-21-2009, 10:28
you might call Wolf Laurel gate and inquire they might know someone to shuttle and bring car back
Chaco Taco
04-21-2009, 17:04
Probably around May 2
I may be able to transport you car to a safe place here at my place and bring it back to you when you are finished. Let me look at a couple of things.
If I had to leave a car at a trailhead around there for 12 days I'd consider parking 8 miles further south at Devil's Fork Gap.
peakbagger
04-25-2009, 21:30
A monor comment, When we sectioned the area a few years back, a local suggested parking at the truck inspection station on the highway rather than at the actual parking area. We luckilly ended up doing a short slackpack and came back to find a big orange sticker on the back window indicating our car was abandoned. The car was not in the way of anything, so it was obvious that the local state troopers like to keep things tidy.
Park at the designated parking area!
Tennessee Viking
04-25-2009, 23:46
A monor comment, When we sectioned the area a few years back, a local suggested parking at the truck inspection station on the highway rather than at the actual parking area. We luckilly ended up doing a short slackpack and came back to find a big orange sticker on the back window indicating our car was abandoned. The car was not in the way of anything, so it was obvious that the local state troopers like to keep things tidy.
Park at the designated parking area!I have friends in on the TN Highway Patrol. They do not like cars parking in the truck inspection lot. Shuttles will drop people off at the Overlook and the inspection turnout. But your car will be towed if you park there. So go for the maintained parking lot on the old highway.
Madison County Owl
04-26-2009, 00:15
Parking at Sams gap is much better than in years ago. but any place remote is a probable problem. but now that I-26 crosses over there is a nice parking area with a weight staion on both sides of the State Line. this is a good thing because state Troopers from both Tn and NC frequent the Area.
The general rule is that you should always walk in the direction of where your car is Parked, not away from your parking spot. that way it's there when you arrive.
now if you asked about 19-E I could tell you for sure don't parl there.
But sams gap has had an improved reputation.