Carvers to Damascus

[bonnermc]

In May, my sister and I are planning on hiking from Carvers to Damascus (for trail days). We have done Carvers to 19E in the past and I have done Shady Valley to Damascus last year. I have a few questions about this section and plan.

Our plan is to take two cars, leave one at Mountain Harbour and the other at Shady Valley with basic supplies to resupply in. I accept a limited risk of leaving a car in a parking lot (Shady Valley) for a week or so. Does anyone think this is this a really bad idea, beyond a limited risk?

Second it says it is 89 miles for this section. We are both pretty active hikers. I work out every day and did 25 miles into Damascus last year in a day. My sister, albiet significantly older, hikes at least 2-3 days or more a week. Is it unrealistic to plan this section for a week?

I know I need to get a trail guide, but my crappy National Geographic maps make it appear that the Iron Mountains section from Lake Watchuga to Shady Valey appears pretty easy terrain. Is this a bad assumption?

Fourth, water? Are there any extended sections without water?

Is there anything else to consider on this section?

Thanks in advance for any answers.

Matt

[Lone Wolf]

1. the parking lot at Tn. 91 is safe
2. not unrealistic to do it in a week
3. the Nat Geo map is damn good and the terrain is easy all the way to damascus
4. plenty of water in this section

[bonnermc]

Appreciate the response LoneWolf. I know some have slammed the Nat Geo maps. From my experience, at least in Pisgah, is they can be a little off, but regardless of how I put it, I haven't personally been led wrong by them. The main thing I was looking at was the vertical and it appeared that there is a long section over the iron mountain that you are staying roughly around 3300 feet with little ups and downs.

Again thanks,

Matt

[Tennessee Viking]

All except for the Nobo climbs up Pond Mountain and from Wilbur Dam (aka Watauga Dam) Road. Its pretty smooth sailing. Once you hit Ab Gap Shelter, its all down hill to Damascus. I would suggest topping off your water before hitting the Iron Mountain ridge line. The Vandaventer spring is the hardest one to get to. But the springs at IMS and Grindstaff will be flowing.

You will probably be one of the last groups of people to hike the climb up from Wilbur Dam Road. The Hardcore Crew is going to put in switchbacks there after Trail Days.