conditions north of Franklin

[HeartWalker]

I just got off at winding stair gap. Does anyone know the report to NOC? It has been very rough up to this point. HeartWalker

[Jack Tarlin]

I'd call Ronnie Haven who lives in Franklin, or better yet, call the Nantahala Outdoor Center, which is just North of Franklin.

[Thrasher]

Not too bad about 2 weeks ago, there was snow but manageable. I would think even better now, but it wasn't very rough for me before that point, so I don't know... Only took 2 days from Franklin to NOC.

[Chaco Taco]

Not too bad about 2 weeks ago, there was snow but manageable. I would think even better now, but it wasn't very rough for me before that point, so I don't know... Only took 2 days from Franklin to NOC.

Most of the snow is gone by now. Trail is really soupy. Lots of rain in the past 24. Should be good minus a few blowdowns.

[MJN]

im at the library in franklin right now. hopefully its not too bad but theres a calling for some snow mabe tonight in the mountains.

[Ramble~On]

It has been warmer during the days and there's been tons of rain. Night temps could bring fresh snow up higher and that'll add to a muddy, slushy trail.

[bmwsmity]

I crossed over Wayah on 3/10... was still knee-deep postholing hell then...but it hadn't rained yet so it may be a little better now...this was from just past Silers Bald (some postholing there) to the Wayah Shelter... about a 4 mi section.

From about the Cold Springs shelter to Tellico Gap, it was off and on snow, but totally manageable... made it from Wayah Shelter to NOC (16.3 mi) in 6:25... all in the rain on 3/11... most others made it around 8:00 (those who value their knees, lol)

[Chaco Taco]

Heard a a guy at the Dam yesterday saying the Rangers told him there is still 4 feet of snow at 4-5000 feet and even more on the 6000 footers.

[BrianLe]

I'm in Gatlinburg now. Franklin to NOC is entirely do-able; lots of blowdowns when we went through, more after NOC if I recall correctly (check my trail journal for some more details), but no one blowdown was all that bad --- more just the aggregate sometimes.

It's hard, though, to calibrate what one person says is "easy", or "hard" or "impassable", etc, but I think most folks contemplating a thru-hike should be able to get through there. I'm jazzed to read elsewhere that folks have made it through the Smokies now; hopefully just another couple of days of slogging through soft snow and we'll be walking on firm dirt! Note at this point, however, that folks in Gatlinburg all did the road bypass from Clingman's Dome, the alternative being to posthole hip deep breaking trail that way ...
Maybe (hopefully) that'll change by the time later folks get here, but it's the current reality.

[Chaco Taco]

CMC workday is coming up and they will start at Davenport Gap and work North. Ill be Hot Springs North over the next couple of days. Thanks for all of the updates. If you are Davenport Gap north, report to the Carolina Mountain Club any significant problems on the trail.

Good luck hikers:D

[HeartWalker]

Headed back today anybody have a report from the weekend?

[hellomolly]

Not sure if this helps, but the reports I've read have said conditions aren't bad if you have the right foot gear. Slippery mud in some spots and a good amount of blow-down, but nothing terrible.

[littledragon]

Question about current conditions from Fanklin to Wesser- what are the water sourcers like - anyone been out in that area lately who can fill me in?

[Kerosene]

My daughter and I did Franklin to Fontana two weeks ago. Published water sources were fine, especially at Wesser Shelter. Beyond that the unadvertised sources were generally dry, and a few of the "intermittent" sources were dry also. I think that the longest stretch without good water on trail was perhaps 7 miles, so you should be fine.

[Ron Haven]

I have not been on it but from hiker reports it is good and water is available.

[littledragon]

Thanks for the information! I greatly appreciate your help.