View Full Version : NC: how many shortcut from Deep Gap to Glassmine Gap
Just wondering:
When I studied the AT map of the southern half of North Carolina, I noticed the AT heads southeast from Deep Gap to Carter Gap Shelter, before heading NE to Mooney Gap and then NW up to Glassmine Gap (18 miles).
Alternately a hiker can cut across from Deep Gap to Glassmine Gap along some other trails for a distance of some 9-10 miles.
Not trying to get into the debate over what a hiker might miss by making this shortcut, does anyone know what percentage of hikers will take the short cut over the longer way?
thanks.
springerfever
10-18-2009, 15:18
Sure, you can do it, but you will miss two great mountains with great views....i.e. Standing Indian and Mt Albert. This is one of my favorite areas to backpack. You can leave your car down in the Standing Indian campground and do numerous loops which will avoid backtracking.
And if it's early spring, if you miss Mt. Albert you might miss Fishing Fred, Gatoraid, and Keith, doing super TM.
Ron Haven
10-18-2009, 19:06
Yushan,
if you are looking for the shortest distance it is to leave Deep Gap and walk one tenth mile on FS71 to the 1st gravel parking lot on the right.Turn in and walk 20 ft and turn left on the Kimsey Creek Trail which doesn't have a blue blaze for about 50 ft.
You will stay on kimsey creek trail til you come upon the 2nd bridge and cross the creek.This will put you on the left side of the creek and walk straight until you enter the Standing Indian Camp Ground.You will have to wade a shallow 20ft wide creek.
As you enter the camp ground continue straight to the main driveway out about 250 ft and turn left.As you cross the next bridge turn right and 300ft you come to the back country info center and FS67.As you cross FS67 you will see the Long Branch Trail and it is 2.1 miles to Glassmine Gap.It is 2.7 miles from Deep Gap to the camp ground making a total from Deep Gap to Glassmine Gap 4.8 miles.
For these directions do not follow maps because some of this info I gave you must be top government secret because it isn't all marked.Any questions don't hesitate to to ask me.My e-mail is tiamalle@aol.com
Most AT hikers don't carry a map it seems. I'd be surprised if most hikers even knew of this shortcut.
MintakaCat
10-18-2009, 20:46
Yushan,
if you are looking for the shortest distance it is to leave Deep Gap and walk one tenth mile on FS71 to the 1st gravel parking lot on the right.Turn in and walk 20 ft and turn left on the Kimsey Creek Trail which doesn't have a blue blaze for about 50 ft.
You will stay on kimsey creek trail til you come upon the 2nd bridge and cross the creek.This will put you on the left side of the creek and walk straight until you enter the Standing Indian Camp Ground.You will have to wade a shallow 20ft wide creek.
As you enter the camp ground continue straight to the main driveway out about 250 ft and turn left.As you cross the next bridge turn right and 300ft you come to the back country info center and FS67.As you cross FS67 you will see the Long Branch Trail and it is 2.1 miles to Glassmine Gap.It is 2.7 miles from Deep Gap to the camp ground making a total from Deep Gap to Glassmine Gap 4.8 miles.
For these directions do not follow maps because some of this info I gave you must be top government secret because it isn't all marked.Any questions don't hesitate to to ask me.My e-mail is tiamalle@aol.com
Ah, you forgot the most important reason anyone would want that shortcut.....Taking a hot shower at the camground before continuing up the Long Branch Trail. :D
I took the Kimsey Creek Trail northbound back in March, 1999 to avoid a snow storm and get to Franklin and a nice warm motel room. No regrets here!
Doughnut
10-18-2009, 21:32
I took the cut off during a section hike (Shake down hike) because the shower was calling my name!
Went back in spring and did the loop, have since done it a few times.
I guess the choice is yours.
DoughNut