19E (Roan Mountain) to Hot Springs or Fontana to Springer?

[volleypc]

As a government worker im going to have a little free time and am looking for a trip. I am thinking of driving to Hot Springs and then getting a shuttle to 19E and hiking south to HS. I am considering Fontana to Springer as well. Which of these two are more scenic? It seems the Roan to Hot Springs has more road crossings so it wil be easier to catch a shuttle in case the shutdown ends before I reach my destination. It also seems to be an easier shuttle. Think the weather from the storm will be too rough to start Monday? Thanks for your input.

[lush242000]

I vote Fontana to Springer.


Sent from somewhere.

[SipseyFreak]

Check and see where Karen is predicted to go ...

[Slo-go'en]

I vote 19E to Hot Springs.

I belive that is one of the top 5 sections of the AT to hike.

[10-K]

19E to Hot Springs.. definitely.

[illabelle]

19E to Hot Springs.. definitely.

yep, this is a good 'un

[Kerosene]

I'd vote for the 19E to Hot Springs section. The Roan Balds are noteworthy, and then you have Beauty Spot, Erwin, Bald Mountain, Big Firescald Knob, and a few fire towers. Ideally you'd extend your hike 2-3 days further and get down to Max Patch, but perhaps you can drive up and catch it on your way home if it's a nice day.

[Knee Deep]

Top of Roan Mountain is closed so if you go there you'll have to hike across. Went there yesterday and couldn't drive up. Just a thought in case you need to get out there gates locked to traffic. Both sections are great.

[wren again]

Our very first section hike was from Hot Springs to Kincora. We definitely caught the bug along the way and have returned every summer since for more. For us it was scenic and challenging.

[TNhiker]

another vote for the 19 E route....

this time of year is going to be absolutely great along that stretch.....

[Kerosene]

Note that it was 10F with 40 mph sustained winds with 6" of freshly fallen snow when I trekked the Balds in late October 2009! Quite beautiful, but I was wearing every stitch of clothing I had.

[Duramax22]

hot springs

[MuddyWaters]

Roan and the grassy balds are great, Id save them for June if youve never seen them in bloom though.

The GA/NC section has awesome panoramic views of fog filled valleys in NC, Wayah bald, Siler bald, Cheoah, Albert mtn, as well.

Comes down to preference. No shortage of easy shuttle opportunities, resupply, lodging, and bail out points in GA/NC.

2 weeks and the colors should be peaking. Its changing fast, though its going to be a poor year due to the wetness, leaves are dropping too fast.

[Sunshine82]

19E to Hotsprings for sure that whole section is AMAZING!

[The Roundabouts]

Since I usually go to Shenandoah National Park in October, I had to come up with another plan and will be camping at Roan Mountain State Park. I will be day hiking parking at 19E and hiking out and back and another couple days at Carver Gap hiking out and back. I hope there are no problems with the parking areas there. Any information would be helpful. Thanks.

[Venchka]

19E to Hot Springs! The Diner in Hot Springs is worth hiking to Hot Springs from any direction! Spending the night in or near the highest shelter on the trail is a bonus.
Karen? What is Karen? There may be some followup weather from Karen's fallout later this week along much of the AT. Keep a sharp eye on the forecast.
Have fun! Visit The Diner! Just follow the bronze AT markers on the sidewalk in Hot Springs. Resist stopping at the adult beverage emporiums first. Come back to them.

Wayne

[Tennessee Viking]

You can get to Carvers Gap since its a state highway. You can't get into the Smokies right now, so StandingBear, I40, or TN 32/ Mt Sterling Rd is your farthest point.

[58starter]

Hot Springs