View Full Version : Springer Mountain to....?
tville_hiker
10-08-2005, 18:27
Hello
Where would you go if you wanted to do approximately 150-175(maybe more) miles and you were starting at Springer Mountain?
What is a good town to stop at at about half way?
and who would you use for a shuttle to and from the trail and your car..?
thanx!!
Lone Wolf
10-08-2005, 18:35
Springer to Fontana Dam. Stop in Hiawassee, Ga. and use Jeff & Nancy Hoch for a shuttle.828-479-3677
tville_hiker
10-08-2005, 18:36
can you tell me approximately how many miles that is?
are there any good online maps that show all the places along the trail?
thank you!!
Lone Wolf
10-08-2005, 18:38
It is 163 miles. 70 more will take you thru the Smokys.
tville_hiker
10-08-2005, 18:57
thanks again =D
tville_hiker
10-08-2005, 21:59
how long would you say this would generally take in the winter?
titeloops
10-08-2005, 23:03
Springer to NOC. The climb down to NOC is a little rough but climbing up out of the Nantahala gorge is brutal. The NOC is a great place to stop and get picked up. At least stop there to rest before heading onto Fontana. The view from the wesser tower is one you won't forget.
Titeloops
tville_hiker
10-08-2005, 23:09
what does NOC stand for?
titeloops
10-08-2005, 23:10
Nantahala outdoor center
Titeloops
ATSeamstress
10-08-2005, 23:19
I would agree, Jeff & Nancy are the best. I also would take a day or 1/2 day at NOC, treat yourself to a good meal, get rested up as the last stretch to Fontana is a doozy.
Springer to Fontana Dam. Stop in Hiawassee, Ga. and use Jeff & Nancy Hoch for a shuttle.828-479-3677
Kerosene
10-08-2005, 23:27
are there any good online maps that show all the places along the trail?Here is an on-line database of AT mileage (http://www.thebackpacker.com/trails/at.php) between shelters and major towns that is accurate enough for high-level planning, but I recommend that you purchase guidebooks and maps (usually available at larger retail outfitters or from the ATC (http://www.atctrailstore.org/catalog/index.cfm?compid=1&pcatid=45)). You could also go with one of the AT Companion formats (http://www.aldha.org/companyn.htm) offered by the ALDHA.
The Solemates
10-10-2005, 15:38
how long would you say this would generally take in the winter?
2 weeks....
Rain Man
10-11-2005, 11:38
what does NOC stand for?
A lot of people mistakenly say "NOC" when they really mean Wesser, NC. You'll have to learn to overlook their imprecision.
:dance
Rain:sunMan
.
Youngblood
10-11-2005, 11:50
NOC stands for Nantahala Outdoor Center.
D'Artagnan
10-11-2005, 13:06
Or "Nitpicky Obstreperous Curmudgeons" -- not that you'd find any of those here. :rolleyes:
Seriously, though, the NOC is a great place to rest and grab a "Wesser burger" before climbing to Cheoah Bald en route to Fontana Dam. Hope you make it.
tville_hiker
10-11-2005, 14:01
not sure if we are going to make it...we only have 7 days for hiking..we shall see
Speer Carrier
10-12-2005, 20:24
You mentioned having only 7 days. I know Titeloops who I met on the trail this summer could travel from Springer to Fontana ( the 150 miles of which you spoke) in about 7days, but not many of us mere mortals could. If you have only 7 days, I start at Amicalola and go as far as Diks Creek Gap, with a stay at Neels Gap.
Skink
tville_hiker
10-14-2005, 00:20
we might be able to do the whole 150..depends on how in shape i get by the time..i have 2 months..so hopefully i'll be able to build myself up to it
my brother is a marine so he's more than ready lol, he only gets 18 days of leave in december(if he gets it) so our time is limited
I think that 150 miles in 7 days is way too ambitious for that time of year. Sun comes up late, and you'll want to stop by 4pm to have time set up, cook and be done with chores before it gets dark. You'll be getting up in the dark and finishing up your day in the dark if you're doing 20 to 25 miles a day. Don't discount the extra time it'll take to get going in the morning it it's cold and/or raining or snowing.
Just my .02. It can be a great time of year to be in the woods. Just don't kill yourself.
tville_hiker
10-14-2005, 07:09
we plan to start hiking at 4 am anywayz no matter how many miles we do
tville_hiker
10-19-2005, 16:09
ok well we've decided to cut it alot shorter, only going to do about 50-60 miles..so where can we park our car that is near the trail about 50-60 miles into the trail?
ok well we've decided to cut it alot shorter, only going to do about 50-60 miles..so where can we park our car that is near the trail about 50-60 miles into the trail?Try the Hiawassee Inn. Owners Ron and Sam are very hiker friendly. You can probably get a shuttle to springer from there. If all goes well, you can hike from Springer to Dicks Creek Gap (about 65 miles from Springer) and easily hitch to Hiawassee to get your vehicle. If the weather gets bad or you need to b for any reason, you can hitch easily from Unicoi Gap, also, which is about 50 miles from Springer.