Water at Big Flat Campsite?

[Hikes in Rain]

I'm trying to resurrect this years section hike from the ashes of prior planning gone awry. The plan was to drive up from Florida, leave my vehicle at Standing Bear, shuttle to Sams Gap and hike in on the first day. As I see it, I have two choices for a campsite, Hogback Ridge Shelter (2.4 miles) or the campsite at Big Flat ( 4.6 miles). All things being equal (which they never are due to weather, long distance travel, and the like), I'd prefer Big Flat since it's farther along the trail. Water would be the big decider, as well. It's there at the shelter, albeit at quite a distance, but I can't get a handle on it at Big Flat. The On-Line Companion and the ATC guidebook both indicate water is available, but without details. Other on-line sources I've found say no water there.

I thought about tanking up at Hogback Ridge and hiking on, but that would add about a mile, which after a 9 hour trip up, and a 2 hour shuttle, would certainly be undesirable, as would humping several liters of water the extra 2.4 miles. (Ugh!)

So, to the heart of the matter, to those who've actually been there, is water readily available at Big Flat? Near or far? Piped (!) or dip?

Thanks to everyone in advance.

[smak]

I have been to big flat and it is a very nice campsite - but I do not remember any water there. And you're right - the hike down to water at hogback ridge is a ways. I was there back in 2007, too, when it was very dry - it got down into the low 40s at night and there wasn't a drop of dew.

Enjoy your trip.

[joec]

I just did this a couple of weeks ago going from Devils Fork Gap to Erwin. I never was sure I had found Big Flat as I passed a couple of flat areas with some fire rings in them, but I would not call them big in any stretch. I kept going and finally stopped on a ridge line to camp. The water was plentiful on this whole hike and I never had to worry where the next source would be. d

[Gray Blazer]

Your big climb will be out of Sam's. It's not bad. Pretty water source at Hogback. Not a short walk but pretty level. You'll know when you are at Big Flat (it's not very big. It is flat). There will be a good view (if you are lucky) of Big Bald,No Business, Unaka, Beauty Spot and Roan. Camel up at the shelter. I am from FL and realize that the first day hiking in the mountains can be rough. I see you are the same age as me (I'll be a senior citizen in a few days). If I can make it, you can make it. Big Flat has no sunset view, but, the sunrise view is one of the best on the AT.

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/6/2/1/7/picture_333.jpg (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showimage.php?i=25638&original=1&c=member&imageuser=6217)

[Hikes in Rain]

Nice photo! A view like that would make waking up worth the effort! In fact, that decides me. One way or another, I need to get up there early enough to hike four and a half miles. The hike doesn't worry me, just the time. Nine hours drive, two hour shuttle, that's eleven hours, assuming they're waiting for me with the engine running.

But what am I whining about? You live in Gainesville, you have even farther to go!

Let's see, I'll need something for supper that doesn't take a lot of water...either in prep or cleanup.

Planning is half the fun. Curiously, my wife uses words like "obsession". Not sure why.

[smak]

when exactly are you doing this section? i'm thinking of heading up to this same area mid -sept.

[wakapak]

Nice photo! A view like that would make waking up worth the effort! In fact, that decides me. One way or another, I need to get up there early enough to hike four and a half miles. The hike doesn't worry me, just the time. Nine hours drive, two hour shuttle, that's eleven hours, assuming they're waiting for me with the engine running.

But what am I whining about? You live in Gainesville, you have even farther to go!

Let's see, I'll need something for supper that doesn't take a lot of water...either in prep or cleanup.

Planning is half the fun. Curiously, my wife uses words like "obsession". Not sure why.

Where are you getting a shuttle from that is 2 hours? just curious....

[Hikes in Rain]

Good question, smak. It was originally planned for early May, but my father-in-law passed away about three weeks before I was to leave. Wasn't about to leave for a while after that. My new program at work was to begin in July, but that start date was postponed by the Legislature, bless their black sordid hearts, and it's still up in the air! January 1 is now the best guess, but some of our beloved elected officials are suggesting July 2010 should be the earliest date, and perhaps beyond. *sigh* I'm teaching a couple of training classes in mid-September. So, the honest answer is I'm not real sure. Might get fed up with everything and head up for a sabbatical next week, or it could be pushed out until Spring. Would certainly like some company, though, and my wife would appreciate it, too, just in case I get eaten by a bear.

I'm planning to leave my truck at Standing Bear Farm by I-40, wakapak, and having Curtis shuttle me to Sam's Gap at I-26. He says to allow 2 hours, since he goes through Hot Springs where I can leave a resupply box. Might be less time, which would be great, but that's what I'm allowing for planning purposes.

[smak]

ahhh...well, i hear you on your frustrations. i was just wondering if there were anyway i could help out. if i ever move out that direction (i would love to live up in the NC mountains), i will definitely be connecting with those section hikers needing a ride back to their cars...because i know how priceless it is to get that help.

hope your hiking goes well. hyoh.

[Hikes in Rain]

That's where I plan to retire. Perhaps sooner rather than later! And I certainly plan to help with hiking folks, too. I keep joking about opening up a trail side brewery, thus combining two of my passions. At least the clientel won't be picky about the beer.

"Of course it's supposed to taste like that. It's Belgian!"

In the meantime, I continue to pay seven environmental scientists with nothing much to do. Hmmm....hiking partners!!

[Hikes in Rain]

I reread that, smak, and I apologize for not expressing my gratitude for your kind offer of help. I really do appreciate it, and if this week turns out like I'm expecting it, I just might take you up on it!

[Tennessee Viking]

The water source at Hogback is really not that far. Its just that the water trail goes the long way to reach it because the old trail used to go through a boggy area were spring makes the ground soft. You walk around the saddle next to the shelter then make a couple quick switchbacks down to the source. Like 0.1 miles. Some of the old blue blazes are still there.

For additional springs, there is one at the big rock just south of Frozen Knob. Then a stream south of Sugarloaf Gap.

I have only day hiked each end, and don't really know of any ones in between Hogback Ridge and Frozen Knob.

[Gray Blazer]

Nine hours drive, two hour shuttle, that's eleven hours, assuming they're waiting for me with the engine running.

But what am I whining about? You live in Gainesville, you have even farther to go!



When I go to NC/TN/GA mountains, I usually leave after work and drive all night. I am so psyched I don't need the sleep (although I might lie down and snooze that afternoon ifn I find a nice spot). I'll get to my launching spot, park the blazer and take off hiking usually by 10:00 AM. I'll hike a few days in one direction and then hike back to the truck. Things look different when you are going in the opposite direction (for me anyways) and I don't have to worry about a shuttle.

If I leave FL in the afternoon and get to the mountains by, say, midnight, I'll park at an AT crossing and sleep in the truck or set up my tent. It's only 8 or 9 hours to Rock Gap by Frankin, NC so I might park the Blazer there and walk a few hundred yards to the shelter with my sleeping bag and catch some shuteye.

[veteran]

Water source at Big Flat, use Amos Creek which starts downhill southwest of the campsite.

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=6774&d=1251555311

[Hikes in Rain]

veteran, thanks! I knew from maps that two creeks sort of ringed that little knob, but couldn't tell if either of them were accessible or usable. Southwest, huh, is it very far? Dowhhill both ways?

I'd hate it if I got there after sunset with an empty water bottle, and nothing but dried food! I'd survive, of course, but I wouldn't be as comfortable. :)

[veteran]

The contour lines on the map are 40 feet apart. It’s a bushwhack.

[Gray Blazer]

veteran, thanks! I knew from maps that two creeks sort of ringed that little knob, but couldn't tell if either of them were accessible or usable. Southwest, huh, is it very far? Dowhhill both ways?

I'd hate it if I got there after sunset with an empty water bottle, and nothing but dried food! I'd survive, of course, but I wouldn't be as comfortable. :)

If you got lost, you would just go back uphill till you find the trail.

[Hikes in Rain]

Curiously, GB, I've never been lost in the woods, although I can barely find my way across town where I live. Probably because I pay way more attention to detail when I'm there.

By the way, I like your way of hiking. Some years back, though, I set out to hike the whole trail, one little section at a time (at least until I retire!), and so tend to think of it linearly. That is, I must start where I left off and keep going north! Sometimes, that tends to blind me to other, better, options unless someone rubs my nose into them.

Hmm....if I did it your way, some fine day when I finally reach Katadin, I could legitimately (more or less) say I'd walked it twice, Northbound and Southbound.

[Gray Blazer]

Hmm....if I did it your way, some fine day when I finally reach Katadin, I could legitimately (more or less) say I'd walked it twice, Northbound and Southbound.

That's what I'm talkin' about. I'm not the only one who does it that way.

I've heard about others who will park campers at road crossings and ride their scooter to the next one and park it in the woods chained to a tree and walk back to their camper. (Man, that's a run on sentence if there ever was one.)

[Hikes in Rain]

I'm trying to convince my non-hiking wife that we HAVE to buy a camper or motorhome, soon. That way, she can drop me off, swing around to the next road crossing, pick me up, then set up a luxury "camp" for the night. Next morning, start all over again. (I think she's weakening! I discovered she's far more susceptable to pursuasion after a bad day at work!)

[Gray Blazer]

I'm trying to convince my non-hiking wife that we HAVE to buy a camper or motorhome, soon. That way, she can drop me off, swing around to the next road crossing, pick me up, then set up a luxury "camp" for the night. Next morning, start all over again. (I think she's weakening! I discovered she's far more susceptable to pursuasion after a bad day at work!)

Now I met a guy who was doing exactly that. His wife would meet him with the camper at the next road crossing. You can carry a lot less gear that way. My wife would be antique shopping all day. Luckily for me she doesn't always buy things every time. She has "saved" me money on numerous occasions though.

[veteran]

From the Companion: BIg Flat, Camping W/Water

Miles............Features......................... ..........Services.....Elev........Miles
from.............................................. .............................................from
Katahdin.......................................... ..........................................Springer
1,874.2.....Flint Mtn Shelter… 5.9mS; 8.9mN........S,.w.....3,570.......304.1
1,873.3.....Campsite.............................. .............C,.w....3,400........305.0
1,871.5.....Devil.Fork.Gap; N.C. 21.......................R........3,100.......306. 8
1,871.0.....Rector Laurel Rd.................................R.......2,960.. ......307.3
1,868.2.....Frozen Knob.............................................. ..4,579........310.1
1,867.6.....Big Flat............................................C, .w.....4,160........310.7
1,866.6.....Rice.Gap.............................. ..............R........3,800........311.7
1,865.4.....Hogback Ridge Shelter… 8.9mS;.10.2mN........4,255........312.9
.................................................. ..E–0.1m S; 0.3m w
1,864.8.....High Rock .................................................. ..4,460.......313.5
1,863.0.....Sams Gap,.U.S. 23, I-2.......................R.........3,850.......315. 3