View Full Version : How is terrain from cheoah bald to fontana dam?
saltysack
10-08-2014, 07:20
This will be last day of my 4 day hike...it will be my longest to date @ 21 miles....I'm planning to start mid after noon Monday and finish Thursday evening....thoughts.. I'm in good shape & will be solo with my Jack Russell who is used to doing 15-17 mpd.
Day 1. Afternoon start
Glassmine gap to siler bald inc long branch 12.5 miles.
Day 2
Siler bald to Wesser shelter
17.4 miles
Day 3
Wesser shelter to cheoah bald
13.7 miles
Day 4
Cheoah bald to fontana visitors center
21 miles
Thought?
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From Cheoah Bald it is down hill to Stecoah Gap, then up Jacob's Ladder. After that it is rolling hills to Fontana.
https://web.archive.org/web/20120927094612/http://premium.fileden.com/premium/2008/8/25/2065958/profilesFolder/AT_seg_2_TN_NC.pdf
Tipi Walter
10-08-2014, 09:46
The trail profile link doesn't do Jacob's Ladder justice---it's one tough climb. But short.
Profiles in general don't do the trail justice IMO. Climbs are more about me than the physical characteristics of the trail.
If I'm rested, have a bit of energy, etc. a climb labeled "really tough" may seem fairly tame. If I'm tired, or just not into it even a modest climb can seem really hard.
Kerosene
10-08-2014, 10:08
I concur, elevation profiles are only one element of trail difficulty. I actually prefer climbing to descents, but a smooth trail is much, much preferable to the ankle-breaking rocks and roots you tend to encounter around lakes and creeks.
Kerosene
10-08-2014, 10:13
As for the suggested trail mileages, think about camping at Locust Cove Gap Tentsite, 2.4 miles north of Cheoah Bald and 1,000 vertical feet lower. From there you will have a climb before your descent to Stecoah Gap. There's a pretty good climb out of Stecoah, with a really steep ascent out of Sweetwater Gap that could be bad on a hot, humid day. Even so, my newbie 20-year old daughter did just fine on that section, although we were only doing 10-12-mile days. I would have been very comfortable with 15-20 milers.
saltysack
10-08-2014, 10:38
Thx all for input...
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Rueben the Cobbler
10-08-2014, 11:17
This was my first 20+ mile day. It was long and tough but the elevation wasn't terrible other than Jacob's Ladder. Rest before it and push through.
saltysack
10-08-2014, 11:33
This was my first 20+ mile day. It was long and tough but the elevation wasn't terrible other than Jacob's Ladder. Rest before it and push through.
That's the plan...rest at cheoah
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Tipi Walter
10-08-2014, 12:20
That's the plan...rest at cheoah
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Better yet, camp on top---
http://tipiwalter.smugmug.com/Backpacking2006/With-Amy-Willow-On-The/i-MTcLtPq/0/L/57-21%20%20Willow%20on%20Cheoah%20Bald-L.jpg
saltysack
10-08-2014, 13:11
That's the plan
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atraildreamer
10-08-2014, 14:04
This may help:
(http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/content.php?839-Appalachian-Trail-Elevations-by-States-and-Sections-Georgia-and-North-Carolina)http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/content.php?839-Appalachian-Trail-Elevations-by-States-and-Sections-Georgia-and-North-Carolina
The attachment didn't transfer over properly. Just follow the link.
(http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/content.php?839-Appalachian-Trail-Elevations-by-States-and-Sections-Georgia-and-North-Carolina)
saltysack
10-08-2014, 19:17
This was my first 20+ mile day. It was long and tough but the elevation wasn't terrible other than Jacob's Ladder. Rest before it and push through.
How long did it take? Just curious as I avg 2.5-3 mph
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MuddyWaters
10-08-2014, 20:40
Not bad . Jacobs ladder isn't switchbacked, so its fun, but over before you know it. Rest at Stecoah, eat a snack, drink up, and it goes quick.
The way I think i did it the last time w/ kid was winding stair gap to wayah, wayah to just before NOC, hit NOC for bkfast and to brown fork gap area, then last 12 mi half day to Fontana in the rain.
I'm a sucker for breakfast at NOC.
saltysack
10-08-2014, 20:50
Y that's plan wesser to NOC eat then to cheoah
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daddytwosticks
10-09-2014, 07:15
Don't fill your gut too much before climbing Jacob's Ladder. Started a section hike at Stecoah Gap a long time ago after eating lunch at the NOC. I left my Wesser Burger besides the trail while climbing Jacob's Ladder. Didn't taste so well the second time. :)
saltysack
10-09-2014, 10:13
Don't fill your gut too much before climbing Jacob's Ladder. Started a section hike at Stecoah Gap a long time ago after eating lunch at the NOC. I left my Wesser Burger besides the trail while climbing Jacob's Ladder. Didn't taste so well the second time. :)
Haaa I did plan to hit NOC for late bfast.....will be tough after a few days out..[emoji1]
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If you are in shape it is manageable. The dog will have no prob. That climb out of Wesser is a haul so carb up at that restaurant by the river. The Nantahalas are steep and beautiful
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Looked at your walk schedule again. You shouldn't have a problem. I am 59 and walked from Winding Stair Gap to Fontana Dam in 3 days last June. Worst part for me was going downhill into Fontana. That burger and beer in Wesser were wonderful
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saltysack
10-10-2014, 10:11
Looked at your walk schedule again. You shouldn't have a problem. I am 59 and walked from Winding Stair Gap to Fontana Dam in 3 days last June. Worst part for me was going downhill into Fontana. That burger and beer in Wesser were wonderful
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Thx...good to hear...looking forward to trip...
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