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Ankle Bone
07-14-2017, 14:27
Any thoughts on NOBO vs SOBO for this section?

10-K
07-14-2017, 14:57
SOBO has more elevation loss (lots more). The hardest climb is at the very beginning. The only other climb of note going SOBO is up Unaka.

Going NOBO you start at the river in Erwin (1750') and spend the next 35 miles mostly walking uphill to get over Roan (6200').

Ankle Bone
07-14-2017, 15:25
SOBO has more elevation loss (lots more). The hardest climb is at the very beginning. The only other climb of note going SOBO is up Unaka.

Going NOBO you start at the river in Erwin (1750') and spend the next 35 miles mostly walking uphill to get over Roan (6200').

Thanks! Just what I needed; and I'll be calling you and J-Walker for a shuttle!

Tennessee Viking
07-14-2017, 16:19
I go at a huff and puff pace so I personally like Erwin to 19E better. The relos on Roan and Unaka within the last 10 years have helped a lot for the NOBO direction. The climb up from Erwin is pretty steady. Where 19E and up is a bit more of a workout starting right off the bat with some big steps in places.

More conditioned hikers probably like SOBO better.

saltysack
07-14-2017, 18:44
I'm thinking about iron mtn gap to hot springs for a dec/Jan hike this winter....hoping to take the wife on my favorite section mid October...the 40 miles north of Damascus....


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