water conditions Max Patch to Allen Gap?

[Parkie Man]

Any info would be greatly appreciated

[Morpheus]

I can only comment on 35 miles. Hot springs to Devil Fork Gap.
Rich Mtn: small puddle big enough to pump, but too shallow for submerging a bottle.
Spring Mtn to Laurel Shelter (9miles): 2 piped springs dry, Allen gap contaminated.
Jerry Cabin to Flint: O.k.

[Mocs123]

Was Allen Gap marked contaminated?

[Morpheus]

Yes, there was an official looking plastic coated billing attached to a post on the trail next to the water.
I wish when things were contaminated there would be a mention of what the contaminant is. I won't filter diesel fuel or e-coli, but I'd filter Giardia. Big, fat parasites.

[Parkie Man]

I can only comment on 35 miles. Hot springs to Devil Fork Gap.
Rich Mtn: small puddle big enough to pump, but too shallow for submerging a bottle.
Spring Mtn to Laurel Shelter (9miles): 2 piped springs dry, Allen gap contaminated.
Jerry Cabin to Flint: O.k.

Doesn't sound like I'll find much water fom Hot Springs to Allen Gap

Thanks for info

Dean

[Marta]

Last weekend (April 26th) the spring near Rich Mountain was just a puddle, but about a quarter mile north of that there was a decent creek crossing the Trail. It was close enough to the Rich Mountain campsite that you could use it as the water source, if you were planning to camp there.

But I concur that there is a nine-mile dry stretch from Spring Mtn. Shelter to Little Laurel Shelter.

[Parkie Man]

Last weekend (April 26th) the spring near Rich Mountain was just a puddle, but about a quarter mile north of that there was a decent creek crossing the Trail. It was close enough to the Rich Mountain campsite that you could use it as the water source, if you were planning to camp there.

But I concur that there is a nine-mile dry stretch from Spring Mtn. Shelter to Little Laurel Shelter.

Was there water between Hot springs and Rich Mountain? Also is there water at Spring Mountain?

thanks

[Morpheus]

Well.. Rich Mtn. is only 5+ miles past Hot Springs, so that wasn't a problem; but yes, the spring @ Spring Mtn. is good.

[Mocs123]

Was there water at Little Laurel Shelter? I am thinking of doing Sams Gap to Hot Springs next weekend.

[Marta]

There was water at Little Laurel Shelter, and lots of water between there and Devil's Fork Gap. It was the stretch between Little Laurel and Spring Mtn. Shelter that was the problem. It was a problem for me because I had counted on filling up at Allen Gap; and the temperature was in the high 80s. I was fine, of course--it was just interesting that, after seeing so many water sources in the previous 10 miles, to suddenly come to such a dry stretch.

[Mocs123]

Thanks for the info. So far this year, I have had no problems with water so I wouldn't have given it a second thought if it wasn't for this post.

[Parkie Man]

Was there water at Little Laurel Shelter? I am thinking of doing Sams Gap to Hot Springs next weekend.

What weekend are you going. I leave tomorrow to do Max patch to Allen gap so I can let you know that stretch at least.

[Mocs123]

I am planning on May 15-17.

[ChinMusic]

Mocs - With the torrents of rain this week, I can't imagine water being an issue for awhile for any place near the Smokies.

[eagleJ]

Hey Mocs, what's your plan going solo?

[Mocs123]

I am thinking...

Day 1

17ish miles to Jerry Cabin Shelter or close campsite

Day 2

15ish miles to Spring Mountain Shelter or close campsite

Day 3

Hike 11ish miles into Hot Springs

[eagleJ]

I'll keep that in mind, I did that section last year. I'm signed up for Trail Days, but I don't know about that big of a crowd. I might try to hike from Iron Mtn. Gap over Roan Mtn. to Carver Gap. You done it, you think it doable in two days?

[Hikes in Rain]

Had to cancel my trip. Y'all are making me jealous!

Please, keep it up.

[Mocs123]

It is only around 14 miles from Iron Mountain Gap to Carvers Gap so it should be easily doable in 2 days. The climb up Roan Mountain is one of the toughest in the southeast though.

[Marta]

I am thinking...

Day 1

17ish miles to Jerry Cabin Shelter or close campsite

Day 2

15ish miles to Spring Mountain Shelter or close campsite

Day 3

Hike 11ish miles into Hot Springs

That seems like a reasonable schedule. Every time I've done this section, I'm struck that it's more difficult than I expected. There is quite a bit of elevation gain and loss. On a hot day those climbs seem never-ending.

There are quite a few alternative campsites along the Trail, if you want to go shorter or longer on any given day.