View Full Version : Lookin for a little help
Jimbo0104
05-05-2005, 21:55
I'm trying to help one of my friends out. He's looking to hike a section in the TN/NC/VA area early June. He is wanting to hike about 50 miles in around 4 days. I suggested around either Grayson Highlands, Hot Springs, or Roan because these are all areas Ive done sections in the past. Problem is, it has been a while since I've been home so I'm having trouble remembering distances and shelter names. Anyone have suggestions that would fit this discription or favorite hikes in this area? My friends in the Navy so hes pretty fit and the elevation changes shouldnt be too big of an ordeal as long as he packs right. Thanks for the help
Jimbo
Alligator
05-05-2005, 22:08
When I don't have my maps handy, I use this link http://www.thebackpacker.com/trails/at.php
to calculate distances. I think it uses year 2000 data, but it is a reasonable.
It will also show the shelters in between.
If you're looking for distances another good site is http://www.ragtag.org/atdist.html It says it uses the 2005 data so it should be accurate for what you are needing. Hope this helps.
TakeABreak
05-05-2005, 23:37
The Kincora (hampton) to Demascus is about 50 miles isn't. Thats a nice hike.
The section from hot springs to erwin or erwin to hampton, do n't the mileage right off, but they are all nice hikes in that area.
I did Dennis Cove (next to Kincora Hostel) to the Nolichucky River next to Erwin in October of 2003. It is about 80 Miles. It goes across the Roan High Knob and was, I think, one the best section hikes I’ve taken. I did it in 5 days and it felt more like a 50-mile hike. The big challenge was getting over Roan so I really took my time the 1st 2 days. I stayed at the Roan High Knob Shelter the 2nd night. I believe it’s the highest shelter on the AT at 6,285 feet. It still has a couple of climes left, but is a great hike with several balds (view from Hump Mt area http://www.whiteblaze.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2965/sort/1/cat/500/page/1) along the way to Erwin. I also liked the last section, Jones Branch, the last few miles down to the river. The towering hemlocks made it a spectacular 2-3 mile section as it has never been logged and has the primeval forest look. Logistically you could spot a car at Uncle Jonnies, or Miss Janet’s in Erwin and get a ride up to Dennis Cove. You could also cut off the 1st 20 by getting shuttled up to Roan Mountain.
The Kincora (hampton) to Demascus is about 50 miles isn't. Thats a nice hike.
. I think it is about 50 miles. Very nice hike...part of it runs across Iron Mountain, which is about an 18 mile long unbroken ridge, the southern end running above Watauga Lake. Could be a good spot for a swim on a summer hike! :p Very easy 3-4 day hike to Dennis Cove from Damascus or visa verva.
Alligator
05-06-2005, 00:33
The above two are both very nice sections, I also did these. And I shuttled myself each leg with my bike:D . I thought I was going to die riding up the hill that leads to Kincora, after riding from Damascus. I must've stopped 4-5 times. But I treated myself right by picking up two 24 oz Icehouses before the climb. They fit just right into my water bottle holders.:clap
I think a hike from Newfound Gap in the GSMNP to MaxPatch would be a good one. Miles should be about right. hikerwife
The Solemates
05-06-2005, 10:43
I think it is about 50 miles. Very nice hike...part of it runs across Iron Mountain, which is about an 18 mile long unbroken ridge, the southern end running above Watauga Lake. Could be a good spot for a swim on a summer hike! :p Very easy 3-4 day hike to Dennis Cove from Damascus or visa verva.
i plan on doing kincorra to damascus in 2.5 days trail days week, so i can walk into trail days. it is something like 50.6 miles. relatively easy section once you get out of laurel gorge.