View Full Version : Davenport Gap to Fontana Dam
wright975
08-18-2009, 00:40
Can anyone tell me the trail condition between Davenpot Gap and Fontana Dam?
Tennessee Viking
08-18-2009, 01:00
Check the Smokies website.
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm
There are some strange closures right now. And lots of bear warnings. Mollies Ridge is reported to be dry.
Lots ups and downs and its 71 miles or so. Hope ya got your permits/reservations as there are plenty of rangers up there due to many parts of the trail and sidetrails being closed due to heavy bear activity. Water should be fair due to plenty of rains this year. Have fun if ya get to go.
RAT
Ox97GaMe
08-18-2009, 10:40
trail is in pretty good shape the entire distance. Crews have been busy since early July cutting weeds and putting in new steps along a lot of that area. Water is very plentiful. The only shelter that has reported shortages has been Mollies Ridge. I was there this past weekend and it is running pretty good at the moment.
While you are out there, consider taking time for the following short side trail hikes as well.
a) Mt Cammer Fire Tower
b) Charlies Bunyon
c) The Jump Off
d) Spence Field (not the shelter, but the actual field)
e) Gregory Bald (about a mile off trail at Doe Knob)
Dang, they let just about anyone post on here now don't they ? lol Welcome back OX !
Hairnt !
wright975
08-19-2009, 10:28
Thanks alot, we are headed out in a couple of weeks. Looking forward to it.
hey, don't forget the 0.1 mi. side trail to the shuckstack fire tower a couple miles before descending to fontana dam. it's not signed, but if hiking southbound it will be a side trail on the left about a quarter mile beyond the twentmille ridge trail and lost cove trail (these are also marked as the benton mackaye trail, too) intersection at sassafras gap.
gregory bald is a nice side trip, but it's a lot further than a mile beyond doe knob. i don't have a map handy, but i'd guess it's about 4 miles beyond, with a few ups and downs along the ridgeline. worth the side trip, but that's about 8 extra miles total...
jorhawle
10-12-2009, 19:58
Just hiked half of that trip about 3 weeks ago. BEWARE OF BEARS! We saw 8 bears in 2 days! They never bothered us...most ran or came jumping out of trees. If you see a mother bear and cubs...just back away and go around even if you have to leave the trail. ALWAYS HANG YOUR FOOD at night and don't eat in the shelter. Also, we ran into two yellowjacket nests right on the trail, so watch your step! It should be absolutely beautiful this time of year...I'm jealous...not much color 3 weeks ago...have fun and be careful!
dreamsoftrails
10-12-2009, 21:12
Can anyone tell me the trail condition between Davenpot Gap and Fontana Dam?
its very smoky thru there.....
dreamsoftrails
10-12-2009, 22:31
Best blue-blaze? Best side adventure (ie tourist attraction, whitewater rafting, etc.)?
Best moonshine?
dreamsoftrails
10-12-2009, 22:32
^^^^LOL sorry wrong thread^^^^^