Resupply at Standing Indian?

[gregp]

I'm planning a trip from Neel gap to Fontana Dam and am considering my resupply options. Obviously, NOC is a good resupply point, but I'd like to split the difference with another resupply between Neel gap and NOC if at all possible.

Being that Standing Indian campground is right in the middle, I was wondering if it were possible to do a drop here? Anyone ever tried it? Any other options? Should I just plan on carrying 6 days worth of supplies and forget resupply until reaching the NOC?

I'm going to be limited to 8 days to do this section so I'd rather not attempt a hitch into town due to time constraints.

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for listening.

[Tagless]

I'm not aware of anyone that has sent a mail drop there, but it may be possible. I suggest you give them a call. My AT guide show two Standing Indian Campground access points - the first is near mile 83.3, 3.7 miles off the trail following the Kimsey Creek Trail. The second is at mile 104, 1.5 miles from Rock Gap. Neither sounds very convenient.

A better option might be to go into Hiawassee for the night. If you do that, I suggest that you stay at The Hiawassee Inn. They will accept your mail drop. There is convenient shopping nearby. Ronnie, the owner, will take you to the trail the following morning. It's not a difficult hitch getting into Hiawassee for the (Dicks Creek) road crossing. The Blueberry Patch, down the road 4 miles toward Hiawassee, is another great stay. They accept mail drops and should supply a town run.

Unless things have changed, NOC is not a good resupply point, as far as food supplies that they keep on hand. They will hold your mail drop. It would be safest to mail most everything you need for resupply, rather than hoping to find it there.

Hope this provides some useful help.

[Praha4]

the easiest resupply points between Neels Gap and Fontana Dam are Hiawassee, GA and Franklin, NC.

It's usually very easy to hitch a ride at Dicks Creek Gap into Hiawassee, GA, where there's plenty of stores and motels, (but you can't buy a fuel canister in Hiawassee, they don't sell them there)

To get into Franklin, NC, just call Ronnie Haven in Franklin, NC to get a shuttle from Rock Gap, Wallace Gap, or Winding Stair Gap. He can pick you up and shuttle you back to the trail. Recommend staying at one of his motels like the Budget Inn, he gives great rates to hikers.

And actually NOC has a decent outfitter, they sell hiking gear, dehydrated meals and energy gels and bars. They also have a restaurant with one of the best burgers on the AT, a hostel, and a small general store that sells drinks and snacks.

There is vehicle access near Standing Indian Mtn at Deep Gap, it is possible to have a friend meet you there along the trail, but I could not get a cellphone signal on Verizon or AT&T in the vicinity of Standing Indian Mtn.

Easiest resupply is at Hiawassee, Franklin, and NOC.

[Anumber1]

Agreed.

Stay at the Hiawasee Inn, or meet the legendary Ron Haven in Franklin. Actually, do both. Its worth the time spent.