This was going to be a Dick's Creek Gap to Winding Stair Gap trip but a fall cut it short. Started the walk in the rain on the 11th. Lots of water on the trail. Finding water was not a problem. Lots of people on the trail heading both north and south. Sighted a bear as we decended into Cowart gap..about 100 yds off the trail and moving away from us. Stopped for lunch at Plumorchard Shelter..good water. Stopped for the evening at campsite just south of Bly Gap. Plenty of water. One tent when we arrived, by dark there were at least 10 tents....and my hammock. Temps down to 44 degrees. Broke camp at first light and hit the trail. The climb up Sharp Top and then Courthouse Bald got my attention. Hiking friend fell as we came down Courthouse Bald and hurt his knee. We limped into Muskrat Creek shelter for lunch and to asses knee. Made decision to exit at Deep Gap. Took us over 6 hours to get to Deep Gap...slow going. Saw deer, wild turkey and grouse on this section. Although we left early, the walk was great...weather was ideal once it stopped raining. Plenty of water on this section. Already planning our return trip.

This was going to be a Dick's Creek Gap to Winding Stair Gap trip but a fall cut it short. Started the walk in the rain on the 11th. Lots of water on the trail. Finding water was not a problem. Lots of people on the trail heading both north and south. Sighted a bear as we decended into Cowart gap..about 100 yds off the trail and moving away from us. Stopped for lunch at Plumorchard Shelter..good water. Stopped for the evening at campsite just south of Bly Gap. Plenty of water. One tent when we arrived, by dark there were at least 10 tents....and my hammock. Temps down to 44 degrees. Broke camp at first light and hit the trail. The climb up Sharp Top and then Courthouse Bald got my attention. Hiking friend fell as we came down Courthouse Bald and hurt his knee. We limped into Muskrat Creek shelter for lunch and to asses knee. Made decision to exit at Deep Gap. Took us over 6 hours to get to Deep Gap...slow going. Saw deer, wild turkey and grouse on this section. Although we left early, the walk was great...weather was ideal once it stopped raining. Plenty of water on this section. Already planning our return trip.
CowPoke if you had thought to call me I could have gave you direction at water oak gap that would have saved you a couple of hours or so.

Thanks Ron. Your folks took good care of us at the motel and David did an excellent job of getting us from Franklin down to Dick's Creek Gap. Everything worked great. Looking forward to getting back up your way. Thanks again. Bill

Did this section from Tues. (5-19) to Thurs. (5-22) with an exit down Kimsey Creek Trail. As reported, water was available just about everywhere. I have been up and down Kimsey Creek Trail several times over the last few years. There seemed to be more blowdowns (nothing major) and very muddy this time...obviously from the wet spring. :)

Anyone ever thought about the name of that hike....location to location I mean.....seriously...no one:D:D:D:D