View Full Version : Smokies in the summer
ChrisEdgington
06-09-2009, 22:05
My boys and I are doing a first-time section hike this summer (none of us have been on the AT). We're planning on doing Fontana to Newfound Gap - giving ourselves 7 days to get it done. The boys are both 9 and very active (they're training with me right now - 2.5 miles three times a week).
A lot of my questions were answered when I posted a few weeks ago in the safety forum, but I have some more questions that I didn't find direct answers to.
Our hike will begin at Fontana on July 19.
1) What kind of daytime / nighttime weather should we expect in the smokies at the end of July?
2) Give the timeframe, do we need sleeping bags, or just sleeping pads and sheets / blankets?
3) Is tent camping really forbidden on the AT in the smokies? If we're not thru-hikers, is there any time its ok to tent camp in the smokies on the AT?
4) Should we expect a lot of bugs - and therefore, are there specific bug-related things we should prepare for? (Should we get head bug-nets, or anything else to help?)
5) Is there any danger of water supplies not being available?
Thanks,
-Chris
bigcranky
06-09-2009, 23:07
1. Warm and muggy during the day, cool at night. Maybe 80 over 50 on average, depending on exactly where you are. It could get colder than that if a front comes through.
2. A sleeping bag is generally lighter and packs smaller than a sheet/blanket combo. I would bring bags.
3. Tent camping is allowed in official numbered campsites in the Smokies. There is one campsite that I recall on the AT in the Park, about 4-5 miles north of Fontana. Other than that you are required to have shelter reservations and stay in the shelters. (Call the park backcountry office for reservations and a permit 30 days in advance.)
4. Yes, you can expect bugs; gnats and mosquitoes and flies. I've never used a head net, but some bug juice with a low concentration of DEET helps a lot.
5. Water should be fine. It's been a wet year -- no part of NC is under drought conditions. That said, you are on a ridgeline and water is available in specific places; know where these are.
Question: is there any particular reason why you want to hike the AT through the Smokies and not, say, the 60 miles just south or just north of the park? I ask that because lots of people think "Smokies" when they think of hiking the AT in the South, because the park is so well-known.
The 60 miles south, from Fontana to Winding Stair Gap, is one of the best stretches of trail in North Carolina. There are no camping restrictions, no reservations needed, shuttles are easy to get, you'll get great views from the balds, and you can resupply and eat well at the Nantahala Outdoor Center exactly halfway through the hike.
No matter where you go, enjoy it.
ChrisEdgington
06-11-2009, 12:28
2. A sleeping bag is generally lighter and packs smaller than a sheet/blanket combo. I would bring bags.
There are a ton of sleeping bag options ... any advice on what to get? All we have right now are $20 walmart bags that I don't think are going to work. But, I'd rather not spend $200 x 3 if a $85 bag (x 3) will work.
I was looking at this for me ...
http://www.backcountry.com/store/LAF0159/Lafuma-X650-Pro-Sleeping-Bag-40-Degree-Synthetic.html
And this for the boys ...
http://www.backcountry.com/store/MHW1206/Mountain-Hardwear-Mountain-Goat-40-Sleeping-Bag-40-Degree-Synthetic-Kids.html
Are pads going to be necessary?
Question: is there any particular reason why you want to hike the AT through the Smokies and not, say, the 60 miles just south or just north of the park? I ask that because lots of people think "Smokies" when they think of hiking the AT in the South, because the park is so well-known.
The 60 miles south, from Fontana to Winding Stair Gap, is one of the best stretches of trail in North Carolina. There are no camping restrictions, no reservations needed, shuttles are easy to get, you'll get great views from the balds, and you can resupply and eat well at the Nantahala Outdoor Center exactly halfway through the hike.
The trip started back in April as a, "Let's go hiking in the smokies" - just to do something big and kinda "dangerous". Doing some reading online and talking to friends I decided to eliminate some of the "danger" by going to the AT. So our focus as been AT in the Smokies, and after looking at maps, etc., it seems that the 40 mile section from Fontana to Gap is a reasonable one for us to do in a week. I appreciate the suggestion - I can honestly say I'm not totally settled on the route. I want the trip to be challenging and most of all fun for the boys.
Thanks,
-Chris
1) What kind of daytime / nighttime weather should we expect in the smokies at the end of July?
Daytime temps could reach up to the 80's but 70's are more likely. If it is rainy and misty, temps may not get out of the 50's on the ridge above 5000 feet. Nightime lows in the upper 50's are common, but it could dip into the 40's. Remember at 5000 feet, the climate of the Smokies is similar to low country Vermont.
2) Give the timeframe, do we need sleeping bags, or just sleeping pads and sheets / blankets?
A light sleeping bag would be worth it. A military poncho liner may be good enough (and they are cheap if used, from a surplus store, maybe $25). You may sleep a bit cool on the high ridge, but it will be a lot lighter than a blanket and sheet.
3) Is tent camping really forbidden on the AT in the smokies? If we're not thru-hikers, is there any time its ok to tent camp in the smokies on the AT?
The only tentsite on your section is Campsite 113. The only other options are shelters. That late in the year, there are no thru-hiker slots in the shelters. EVERYONE up there is supposed to have a reservation and stay in a shelter. Is it possible someone without a reservation will show up and fill the shelter and require you to camp? Yes, but it's not very likely in July.
4) Should we expect a lot of bugs - and therefore, are there specific bug-related things we should prepare for? (Should we get head bug-nets, or anything else to help?)
There are some mosquitoes, but they're not bad. Carry some DEET or Picaridin and you should be fine.
5) Is there any danger of water supplies not being available?
Mollies Ridge and Spence Field have had issues with the springs drying up in the past, but this year has yielded a bumper crop of rain. It definitely should not be a problem.
Be sure to call on June 19 to get your reservations (http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm) for the shelters. That's the earliest you can call and it will help ensure you get your choices.
bigcranky
06-11-2009, 14:20
There are a ton of sleeping bag options ... any advice on what to get? All we have right now are $20 walmart bags that I don't think are going to work. But, I'd rather not spend $200 x 3 if a $85 bag (x 3) will work.
The bags you linked to are likely to be fine. Understood on the cost. Just make sure you all have some dry clothes to wear to bed.
The trip started back in April as a, "Let's go hiking in the smokies" - just to do something big and kinda "dangerous". Doing some reading online and talking to friends I decided to eliminate some of the "danger" by going to the AT. So our focus as been AT in the Smokies, and after looking at maps, etc., it seems that the 40 mile section from Fontana to Gap is a reasonable one for us to do in a week. I appreciate the suggestion - I can honestly say I'm not totally settled on the route. I want the trip to be challenging and most of all fun for the boys.
Right, I understand that too. The park is beautiful any time of year. Just understand that you are required to stay in shelters, and reserve your spots in advance. (That's why I was suggesting other possible routes -- to provide more options for your hike. The Nantahala section (Fontana > Winding Stair Gap) is very challenging and a lot of fun.)
Plodderman
06-11-2009, 14:43
A group of of did the entire GSMNP a few years ago in June. We started on Monday and came out on Saturday morning. Going from Fontana to Newfound Gap will be a nice hike for the kids, there are some pretty good elevation changes but if you take your time you should have no problem.
You can only use tents in campsite or designated areas and shelters must be reserved. High 70 or low 80's but you can get some pretty bad humidity and afternoon and evening showers so you must be prepared for trying to stay dry and putting on a nd taking off rain gear.
I would go ahead and try to make reservations for shelters if you are going to use them they can get quite crowded then. I can not remember if you must be waiting 30 days of your hike or not but there is a time limitation.
Sounds like a great plan but the views can be somewhat limited at times because of foliage but I recommend it highly. The only caution I have is there is a stretch after the first day when water can be a problem so you will have to coordinate that if the water is low.
I got a 1.5lb 35$ 50F bag from sportsman guide runs narrow but ok for kids if you do not find something else I would sell it cheep, for an adult I tried a fleece rectangle bag that I would call 60F but I sleep cold, both shipped to IN for say 40$
the great thing about the smokies is so many loop options with various loops if you get off the AT most campsites are non reserved, you can self register more than one itinerary as long as the campsites are non-reserve then you are legal if you change plans, you do get caught at the wrong place for your permit and they decide to push it + ticket you think of it as a donation to a park that can not collect entrance fees, I never did get fined in the smokies just yelled at
bigcranky
06-12-2009, 09:31
The trip started back in April as a, "Let's go hiking in the smokies" - just to do something big and kinda "dangerous". Doing some reading online and talking to friends I decided to eliminate some of the "danger" by going to the AT.
Hey, Chris,
Just to follow up, this morning I wrote a post to another hiker looking for a week long hike in the South. It might provide some additional ideas for your hike.
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showpost.php?p=852862&postcount=2
Cheers.
earlyriser26
06-12-2009, 09:44
A first time hike for anyone, let alone a nine year old, should probably not be attempted in the smokies. It may not be what your expecting. The hike up from Fontana alone might be too much. If you have a chance for a day hike with full packs on a similar part of the trail it may be worth while. As everyone has stated, camping is at shelters only. Many people take the "risk" of tent camping. The fines are large if caught. I've done it over a dozen times on 7 hikes of the smokies and have escaped the long are of the law.
ChrisEdgington
06-12-2009, 11:22
A first time hike for anyone, let alone a nine year old, should probably not be attempted in the smokies.Well - lots of other folks in these forums seem to disagree. I have no AT experience with which to back it up. However, I have been planning / thinking about this since April, and trying to make sure we're prepared. The boys have been running 8-10 miles per week with me - and they did their first 5K run last weekend non-stop in 29m30s. So, they are both in excellent physical condition. There are two adults going - we're planning on carrying everything and keeping the load on the boys light. Also, next weekend (and probably once more before the AT) we're going on a 2-day 10 mile hike here locally.
So, appreciate the feedback, and if you have more explanation for why this shouldn't be done, I want to hear it.
Thanks,
-Chris
double j
06-12-2009, 11:43
i just done from fontana to clingmans dome.......not a hard hike but not easy. the last mile up to clingmans is pretty good climb...... and up to thunderhead mt. was a good climb all the rest was easy. but thats me and my pack only weighed around 27pounds i think........just take it easy and enjoy its nice up there. and i didnt see any bears just a wild pig and a flock of turkeys that wouldnt move off the trail........have a great hike . DOUBLE J
LockJaww
06-12-2009, 12:11
Chris Ive hiked in the Smokies a bunch, though it's been ten years or so since Ive been there. I started taking my son with me on some trips when he was about 10 years old or so. We had some great times. My two cents are as follows...
The GSMNP is a beautiful place with lots of great trails. There are trails within the park far nicer IMO than the AT as it runs through the park. Get a good map of the Parks trails...The best one used to be known as the " fifty cent map". Pick a base camp at one of the parking areas such as Cosby or Twentymile for example and devise a "loop" trip. This eliminates the need to even worry about sleeping in shelters( which aint fun search for related posts) You can hike trails that surpass the AT ( again IMO ) and if the attention spans or legs of the young ones give out....You have an easy bail back to the car for a day spent in Cherokee or Gatlinburg doing the tourist stuff. It's very easy to put together a loop which involves some hiking on the AT as well.
What others have mention about sleeping bags is correct. Sleeping pads? Im fifty and my old body does just fine without one in the summer time. Couldnt imagine a spry yougster even needing one.
Enjoy....
Oh yes..TREAT YOUR WATER ALWAYS AND WELL....And be smart with your food.
ChrisEdgington
06-22-2009, 16:51
Ok, we're preparing our trip plan ... thought I'd run it by you folks ...
Starting at Fontana ...
10.3 Fontana to Mollies Ridge
6.0 to Spence Field
6.3 to Derrick Knob
<side hike day to Indian flats falls>
7.2 to Double Spring Gab
6.3 to Mount Collins
4.5 to Newfound Gap - pickup point
Our plan is 7 days - so the <side hike> in the middle could be replaced with just a resting day. I was thinking that the hike to Indian Flats Falls might be worth it in the middle for a nice swim day. Any comments on that location / hike to the falls?
Thanks,
-Chris
ChrisEdgington
06-22-2009, 17:36
FYI - I called to reserve these shelter days and was informed that we are only allowed one night in a shelter, so our plan for staying at Derrick Knob for two night and hiking to Indian flats falls isn't going to work. So, I've reworked our plan - please comment ...
10.3 Fontana to Mollies Ridge
5.7 to Spence Field
6.3 to Derrick Knob
5.5 to Silars Bald
<side hike day to Hazel Creek cascade>
1.7 to Double Spring Gap
6.3 to Mount Collins
4.5 to Newfound Gap - pickup point
This puts our potential easy day at the small hike between Silars Bald and Double Spring Gap - where we could potentially hike down to the Hazel Creek Cascade.
Thanks for reviewing.
-Chris
ChinMusic
06-22-2009, 17:43
Ok, we're preparing our trip plan ... thought I'd run it by you folks ...
Starting at Fontana ...
10.3 Fontana to Mollies Ridge
6.0 to Spence Field
6.3 to Derrick Knob
<side hike day to Indian flats falls>
7.2 to Double Spring Gab
6.3 to Mount Collins
4.5 to Newfound Gap - pickup point
Our plan is 7 days - so the <side hike> in the middle could be replaced with just a resting day. I was thinking that the hike to Indian Flats Falls might be worth it in the middle for a nice swim day. Any comments on that location / hike to the falls?
Thanks,
-Chris
Your first day will be your hardest. You may consider a first night at site 113 (instead of Mollies). That first day will be like 2 compared to the rest of your itinerary. 113 does not have a shelter so you would have to tent. That is the downside.
I'd seriously consider hiking downhill (SOBO) with the young boys.
The first day from Fontana to Mollies Ridge will be a real kill joy :(
ChinMusic
06-22-2009, 18:53
I'd seriously consider hiking downhill (SOBO) with the young boys.
The first day from Fontana to Mollies Ridge will be a real kill joy :(
I like this suggestion. I just did NFG to Fontana in early May. The climb up Clingmans and Thunderhead will get their attention. There is no need to put them through Fontana to Mollies as an early backpacking experience. You can EASILY do Mollies to Fontana in one day. Going SOBO your hardest day will be the climb (especially the second leg) up Thunderhead.
LockJaww
06-22-2009, 21:39
For a " swim day " I'd suggest looping down to the Eagle Creek Trail...lots...and I mean LOTS of great pools along that trail. A moderate / semi difficult but not to long hike back up to the AT. One of the nicest trails in the entire GSMNP IMHO....
sheldonII
06-22-2009, 22:05
:sunI am the AT section maintainer for a section of the trail about a days hike North of the GSM park (top of Snowbird Mt. to the Groundhog Creek shelter), and can't tell you the number of shelter log entries, and personal contacts, who have said " thank God we are out of the Smokes". The trail is not in good shape, you are restricted on where you have to stay, finding water, except at shelters, can be a problem, and there are a bunch of folks wanting to share it with you, epically during the summer.
I would suggest starting your trip at Davenport Gap (where the AT comes out of the park, or even at Standing Bear Hostel and hiking North toward Erwin Tenn. You will pass though Hot Springs NC on about day 4 (doing 10 miles a day), so you can resupply there (the trail goes right down Main Street) and only have to carry 1/2 your food supply with you. There are 4 shelters between Davenport Gap and Hot Springs, and 2 major balds (Snowbird and Max Patch). 40 miles beyond Hot Springs, you reach Sams Gap, which is where the trail crosses the new I-26 between Asheville NC and Johnson City Tenn. which would be a good pick-up point. There are 5 shelters in this section, and you pass over some great views at Camp Creek Bald. The trail in this section is in much better shape than you will find in the Smokes, you can camp where ever you want (if you don't like shelters), or plan to stay in the shelters and avoid carrying a tent (no reservations needed). There is plenty of water all along this section. I have hiked this section with Boy Scouts and think you will find it a much better hike than doing the Smokes. If you pick up a copy of the AT guide book for North Carolina, you will find a complete breakdown of this section of the trail including maps.
Ox97GaMe
06-22-2009, 23:49
Chris,
The first 3 miles out of Fontana are pretty steep uphill to Shuckstack fire tower. From there, you have gradual up and down the rest of the way to Mollies Ridge shelter. Although 10 miles doesnt seem that far, it is a LONG way when uphill and first day out. I would seriously advise against putting your 9 yr old boys through that, especially during the hot July days.
That would leave an option of only going to Campsite #113 (Old Birch Spring Shelter site) the first day. This however would mean carrying a tent, which would only be used that first night.
the rest of the trip looked manageable. There are lots of side trips that could be coordinated from the AT. I like your idea of hitting the waterfalls. Also consider perhaps taking the side trail down to Forney Creek Cascades. There is an old logging train wreck not too far from the cascades that the boys might enjoy also.
If you dont mind carrying a tent in the Smokies, I would suggest taking a different route. Taking the Lakeshore trail out of Fontana over to Bryson City is a very nice walk. This would allow you to camp near the lake most nights and the boys could go swimming. This route also would allow them to see some of the old Model T and Model A cars that are still back there, the old town of Proctor, and the tunnel on the Road to Nowhere. If you are making good time along that route, there are also side trips that could be planned in for Bone Valley, High Rocks, and Forney Creek.
Ox97GaMe
06-22-2009, 23:58
if you stay with your AT plan, you may want to take some sort of sleeping pad. Sleeping on the flat, hardwood plank floors of the shelters isnt all that comfortable.
As for sleeping bags, a 30 or 40 degree bag would be sufficient. you want one that will compress, not what we term the 'jellyroll' kind used for car camping. It should compress to about the size of a volleyball/soccerball or smaller. You can find these type of sleeping bags at most sporting goods stores for around $60-80 each.
I have fairly extensive experience hiking with kids. I have done yearly week long trips with my own two son's as well as many trips with the Boy Scouts. I did a lot day hiking on the AT with my son's when they were 7 to 9 years old. We did an occasional overnighter and I carried 90% of the gear. They started backpacking at around 11 years old. Both of them could do a solid 10 plus mile day on an AT on a day hike before they did their first backpacking trip. The toughest issue with the under 14 age group is with the very limited amount of weight they can carry. I never like to exceed much over 25% of their lean body weight in their packs. It requires buying decent gear to keep their weight reasonable. If not the hike will be miserable for them on a hot summer day and they will never want to go again. The weight of their pack, clothing, sleeping bag, rain gear, and water will max them out on pack weight. I always had to carry the tent, stove, food, and other gear until they got a little older. I would stop packing their gear when they hit their weight limit on pack weight and I carried the remainder. I spent a lot of money on good gear that they out grew quickly to keep their pack weights reasonable. If you stay in shelters, you can avoid carrying a tent. I would carry emergency foil bivy sacks in case you do not get to the shelter each night.
9 to 13 year olds, especially if they have low percentage body fat, crash when their suger levels drop. If they are out of shape and do not have a low percentage body fat, then that is another hurdle to overcome. You will need around 1.5 lbs of food per day per person to include plenty of snacks. You will need to feed them something about every two hours. My son's would burn up the trail, then they would crash. After the first couple trips I learned not to push them and just take a break and feed them or give them Gatorade. 5 minutes later they would be moving down the trail again. 7 days is a lot of food and will be around 30lbs of food weight. Without a resupply, it will be difficult for one adult and two kids to carry enough weight to sustain a 7 day trip.
Water is another issue. A strong hiker doing 12 to 15 miles per day, water is usually not a problem. They are moving fast enough to find water sources at reasonable intervals without having to carry more than a couple liters. When you are hiking with kids and doing lower miles, the water sources are a longer time apart. Which requires greater detail in your planning. depending on where the next water source is, you may have to carry enough water for most of a day. It once again makes for a very heavy pack for the single adult.
If I were hiking with two 9 year olds, I would want at least two adults that are strong hikers to spread out the weight. When I was in college, I would do week longs hikes with my former boy scout troop. It was a cheap vacation for me as a poor college student and I was a pack mule for the troop. A couple of 20 year old's that could haul heavy loads, helped get the younger scouts down the trail with reasonable pack weights.
I south bounded from Davenport Gap to Fontana Dam back in April. The trail is moderate by AT standards. I averaged 15 miles per day and completed the section in 5 days. But, I also live near the trail and hike it on a regular basis. Walking on flat ground or even running is poor conditioning for an AT hike. There is no substitute for actual backpacking.
If you have not hiked the trail before, I would recommend that you set up a base camp at one of the campgrounds in the park and spend the week day hiking. It would be a great introduction to the GSMNP. We do the same thing with our younger Boy Scouts. We camp in the National Forest just like we are backpacking, but leave the heavy gear in camp and day hike. If not the GSMNP, Grayson Highlands State Park offers good very scenic hiking with a campground close to the trail. You could even do overnight trips out of Massey Gap without having to make shelter reservations and return to base camp for resupply.
Good luck, but I think your hike is overly ambitious for your experience level and the age of your kids.
ChrisEdgington
06-24-2009, 00:07
Thanks for the thorough response. A few comments that I've probably mentioned in other threads but not this one ...
1) My brother - who just returned from a year in Iraq - is going with us. So there will be two adults.
2) We've decided that the boys are not carrying packs - my brother and I will carry all the gear / food. We bought them some nice lumbar packs with two half-liter bottles. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OZAPMO/ref=ox_ya_oh_product
3) My boys are in great shape physically. They started running with me back in May - getting up 3 days a week at 6A before school to run 2.5m. Three weeks ago they completed a 5K with me (non-stop) in under 30m. Last week they ran a 2mile in 15:02. We're doing another 5K this weekend.
I'm not saying all this to argue your points - I think your advice is sound, given your level of experience. I'm just wanting to make sure you have all the info. Given what I've stated above - do you still think its too ambitious?
We've been talking about / planning this trip for months - looked at the maps, looked at the elevation changes, talked about the hike up to clingaman's dome, etc., so I'm hesitant to change the plans, because I've been hyping it up so much. But - I also don't want to risk catastrophe just for the sake of not changing plans. So - the honest / wise counsel is much appreciated.
Thanks,
-Chris
Let the kids decide when it's break time
I still think you would be better off hiking from the gap to the dam
The second adult makes a big difference. 7 days of food makes for a heavy pack even for a solo adult hiker. I would get everything together and figure up the total weight, including water. I use a set of digital fish scales. Decide what the kids can carry and how much the adults will then have to carry. The two adults will have heavy packs. But, if your mileage is reasonable that should not be a problem. If you stay in shelters, you can leave the tents at home. That will save some of the weight. Make sure you have a good map of the park. If you have to bail out part way through the trip, the map will give you your options. I would consider going southbound from Newfound Gap to Fontana. Due to the lack of a shelter south of Mollie's. I initially planned my Smokies Hike Northbound, then changed it to southbound for the same reason. Once I shuttled the first day, I did not have enough time to make it to Mollie's with a heavy pack. I did not want to have to carry tent or hammock for 5 days to use it only the first night at the 113 campsite. If you can make it work, it will be a trip of a life-time that your kids will never forget. Keep planning. If you decide at the last minute that 7 days is too much food to carry, there are plenty of other options on the AT in regard to places to hike. If you pick a section with town in the middle of the trip, then you only have to carry 3 days of food between re-supplies. You could also do two 3 day loop hikes in the park on trails other than the AT. There is a way to do it. You will just have to work out the logistics.
9 to 13 year olds, especially if they have low percentage body fat, crash when their suger levels drop.
I don't think this point can be stressed enough. My boys were very thin when they were that age and, if they became hungry, also became cranky and unreasonable. The problem was that, right up to the crash point, they were running fill tilt. The other problem was that they were not perceptive enough to realize that their hunger/tiredness was the problem, and would be absolutely furious at whatever sibling/parent/situation they fastened on as the reason for their unhappiness. I would definitely bring way more snacks that you would normally have around the house, and see if you can tempt them into eating something every hour or two, at the most.
I think your whole project is really, really cool. I do think you'd be better off going downhill. The climb up Shuckstack is a booger.
Best of luck to you and the boys!
ChrisEdgington
06-24-2009, 13:23
Once I shuttled the first day, I did not have enough time to make it to Mollie's with a heavy pack.
We were thinking of parking our car at Fontana, then shuttling to go get it once we're down - this would allow us more control over our start time at Fontana. Is this not a good idea (ie: is there a significant risk of vandalism to the car or significant benefit to leaving the car in Gatlinburg)?
Thanks,
-Chris
I would leave the car at Fontana and shuttle before the hike to Newfound Gap. Then you can hike south back to your car. I have never heard of anyone having problems leaving a car at Fontana. It is easier to hook up with a shuttle service before a hike than after. You just don't know exactly what time (or day) you will get to the terminus of your hike. It is better to have the car waiting for you. Leave a change of clothes in the car for the ride home. There are showers at the Fontana Dam Shelter that you can use for free, before the drive home.
ChrisEdgington
06-26-2009, 13:55
I would leave the car at Fontana and shuttle before the hike to Newfound Gap. Then you can hike south back to your car. I have never heard of anyone having problems leaving a car at Fontana. It is easier to hook up with a shuttle service before a hike than after. You just don't know exactly what time (or day) you will get to the terminus of your hike. It is better to have the car waiting for you. Leave a change of clothes in the car for the ride home. There are showers at the Fontana Dam Shelter that you can use for free, before the drive home.
RoanDog - thanks for the advice. What you're saying makes sense, so we've switched directions and will park the car at Fontana. So, now we've got to figure out the timing and method of that. If we park the car at Fontana on the evening of the 18th, is there a way to get a shuttle back into Gatlinburg? Or should we park the car the morning of the 19th and find a shuttle that will take us from Fontana to Newfound? I'm sure I can find info about this through internet searching - but figured I'd ask here first in case there's and quick and easy answer from you guys.
Thanks,
-Chris
Ox97GaMe
06-26-2009, 15:36
Chris,
also take into account that the shuttle from Fontana to Newfound Gap will take 2.5-3 hrs, depending on traffic in the park. The first 10-12 miles out of Fontana are pretty crooked, and you have speed limit of 30-35 mph in the park in most places. You will also have to go through a busy Cherokee tourist town. The drive/ride from Stecoah to Cherokee is mostly 4 lane highway, so you will make good time there.
I say all this so that you can calculate that into your plans. Not sure if you were planning to stay at Collins Shelter the first night, or push to Double Springs. The trail to Clingman's Dome will be 6 miles of gradual uphill with a few small climbs to get over Mt Collins and Love Mtn. From Clingman's is is gradual downhill to Double Springs.
From Double Springs, you have a climb over Mt Buckley to get over to Silers Bald. This wont be too bad, due to the SMHC having put in several new steps during the NTD work trip June 6th.
Also note that the weeds are bad this year due to all the rain in the area the past few weeks. Maintainers have been asked to get out on their sections during the month of July, so hopefully it wont be too bad when you go through there. I do know that weed control was done between Newfound Gap and Double Springs and between Russell Field and Mollies Ridge this past month, so those areas wont be too bad.
Have a great hike. Maybe I will see you out there.
bigcranky
06-26-2009, 23:47
The folks at The Hike Inn will do that shuttle for you. Parking at the dam is safe and convenient.
ChrisEdgington
07-18-2009, 10:01
We've arrived here in TN to begin our hike tomorrow.
Problem - we forgot replacement water filter cartridge.
We are in Pigeon Forge ... Anyone in this area know of a store where we can find the cartridge? I've called Dicks Sporting Goods and they don't carry them.
The MSR website store finder doesn't work on my phone or I would just use that.
Thanks,
-Chris
Ox97GaMe
07-18-2009, 11:26
Chris,
You can go into Gatlinburg and get a replacement cartridge. Call over to 'The Happy Hiker' outfitter to see if they have it in stock. They are located on the south side of the city, turn right at last traffic light before you head into the park. Best way to get there is to take the bypass, and come in from the far side of Gatlinburg, then it would be a left at the first light and down a block.
There is another outfitter in Gatlinburg, but I dont know the name of it. If Happy Hiker doesnt have the cartridge, then ask if they can give you info about other outfitteer.
As a last resort, you could pick one up at NOC when you head over to Fontana. It is about 6 miles out of your way, but worth the detour if you need the cartridge.
Also, I am assuming you are still hiking Fontana to Newfound. If this is the case, I will probably see you somewhere between Mollies Ridge and Russell Field. I will be up there Monday and Tues to do trail maintenance.
ChrisEdgington
07-29-2009, 15:56
Thanks for all the input, advice, etc., we finished our adventure a day early on Friday. We ended up hiking 16 miles to finish on Friday instead of Saturday. The hike was great - no major injuries, excellent weather (some chilly nights though). Biggest mistake was pack weight - I had not considered the weight of water (2.2lbs per liter) - and I was carrying 10 liters of water - so my total pack weight ended up being 68 pounds. Made for quite the trip up Thunderhead ;)
Jeff at Hike Inn shuttled us Sunday morning, I would highly recommend his service. The AT maintenance crew was great - invited us to join them for smores around the fire - my boys loved it! The maintenance on the trail is much appreciated - we could tell that the weeds in some sections would have been overbearing without the work.
Only bad experience on the trail was the sign at the top of Thunderhead. We were gathering around to take a group picture and the sign fell over and conked one of my boys in the head (heavy sign - probably 50lbs). It seemed to have come untied - its only real support is a clothesline-type rope tying it to one of the bushes. We tied it back up real good ... but seems that it would be better to have a X-shaped base or something like that to keep it stable.
-Chris
cbost2678
07-29-2009, 16:12
That is awesome!!! Glad you all had a great time building some memories they will tell their kids one day as well!!!!
Plodderman
07-29-2009, 19:13
Glad you had a great hike. I did the hike a few years ago with a group and ran into a few parents with children hiking. Sounds like you had fun.