Moreland Gap Shelter

[rpenczek]

I have a group of Scouts (and adults), 12 in all, that will be hiking from Roan High Knob to Kincora this coming week. The boys planned the trip using the Appalachian Pages 2008 guide.

Our Thrusday night camp spot was supose to be Jones Falls, which according to the guide should be about 1.8 miles South of Moreland Gap Shelter. Tenn viking brought to my attention that Jones Falls is actually South of Mountaineer Shelter and that my our guide is in error, I confirmed this on Appalachian Pages web site (the guide being in error).

TV was not sure of the camping at or near Moreland Gap (most preferred camp spot) and forwarded my question on to Mountain Squid, but, MS must be away, I have not herd from him. Since we will be departing tomorrow, I am hoping to get an answer. Are there tent sites enough for 6 2person tents at or near (within a 1/4 mile) of Moreland Gap Shelter?

On my map it looks like there is a flat spot just South (1/8 mile) and another with water about 1 mile north, but I am not certain, never having been on this secition.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

[Berserker]

I did this section earlier this year and am racking my brain trying to remember. I don't remember much South of Moreland Gap except for the tent site shown on the ATC map that is somewhere around 1 to 1 1/2 miles South of the shelter. There were some good flat spots there, can't remember if there was room for 6 tents though (and it was snow covered when I saw it). So maybe someone else can comment on that site. There was also water there. I dont' specifically remember anything North that would accomodate 6 tents close to the shelter.

[Skyline]

Last time I was at MGS I'm pretty sure you could find spots for six tents accommodating two people each. Maybe not all together in a tent ghetto, but nearby.

A good person to ask for the Final Word would be Bob Peoples at Kincora Hostel. MGS is almost in his backyard, and he's very active with the maintaining club in that area. His number is 423-725-4409. I see you're planning to end at Kincora, so you may already have a working relationship with Bob.

[Tennessee Viking]

I did this section earlier this year and am racking my brain trying to remember. I don't remember much South of Moreland Gap except for the tent site shown on the ATC map that is somewhere around 1 to 1 1/2 miles South of the shelter. There were some good flat spots there, can't remember if there was room for 6 tents though (and it was snow covered when I saw it). So maybe someone else can comment on that site. There was also water there. I dont' specifically remember anything North that would accomodate 6 tents close to the shelter.

Now I am remembering. That campsite was the old Whiterocks Mtn shelter. You could spot 2-3 tents there. Then put everyone else at the shelter (at or tented around).

Then the last possibility is Canute Place. That would definitely be enough room there.

But the terrian is not that hard north of Elk River to Dennis Cove.

I also remember a couple flat places just north of crossing USFS 293 at Bitter End.

[rpenczek]

Just got back from our Trip and there were plenty of tent sites and Moreland Gap shelter. We put up 7 two person tents and there was a father/daughter there in a tent as well. I am certain 4 or 5 more tents could have been packed in if necessary.

Water on the other hand was very slow coming from the spring below the shelter.

[Tennessee Viking]

Just got back from our Trip and there were plenty of tent sites and Moreland Gap shelter. We put up 7 two person tents and there was a father/daughter there in a tent as well. I am certain 4 or 5 more tents could have been packed in if necessary.

Water on the other hand was very slow coming from the spring below the shelter.
Thanks for the report back. Sorry I couldn't given exact info, I just never got up to Moreland a whole lot.