View Full Version : Blue Blazes between Springer and Erwin
RedneckRye
02-09-2006, 23:49
Next month I'm headed down to Amicalola and then hiking up to Erwin as sort of a warm up before heading out to the PCT. This will be my third time for that stretch, so I have no real concern or overriding interest in being a white blaze following purist this time. I'm looking for suggestions of some alternate routes, long cuts, short cuts, side trips, etc. Let's hear 'em......
Lone Wolf
02-09-2006, 23:58
Walk Hightower Gap to Gooch Gap on FS42. The Freeman Trail just before Blood Mtn. Kimsey Creek Trail. Wesser Creek Trail.
Dances with Mice
02-10-2006, 00:04
Next month I'm headed down to Amicalola and then hiking up to Erwin as sort of a warm up before heading out to the PCT. This will be my third time for that stretch, so I have no real concern or overriding interest in being a white blaze following purist this time. I'm looking for suggestions of some alternate routes, long cuts, short cuts, side trips, etc. Let's hear 'em......Amicalola to Springer, then the Benton Mac to Davenport Gap. http://www.bmta.org/OverviewMap.htm
One more of LW's, the Low Gap Trail to the Big Creek Trail to Mountain Moma's after the Cosby Knob Shelter.
BTW, once you're on the PCT make sure to take the Crater Lake Rim Trail and Eagle Creek Trail (Tunnel Falls) in OR. Neither are "official" PCT but most thru-hikers take them.
Skidsteer
02-10-2006, 07:38
Amicalola to Springer, then the Benton Mac to Davenport Gap. http://www.bmta.org/OverviewMap.htm
Or Benton Mac, cutoff on the Duncan Ridge/Coosa backcountry and back on the A.T. on the south side of Blood Mtn. Dances has a good description of the Duncan ridge trail posted here on WB.
halibut15
02-10-2006, 16:20
Amicalola to Springer, then the Benton Mac to Davenport Gap. http://www.bmta.org/OverviewMap.htm
Heck yes.:banana
i want to do the pinhoti in alabama and georgia then hike the bmt to spring in 2008:cool: neo
http://www.alabamatrail.org/hikingAL/Pinhoti/PinhotiI.htm
http://www.georgiapinhoti.org/index.shtml
http://www.bmta.org/index.htm
BTW, once you're on the PCT make sure to take the Crater Lake Rim Trail and Eagle Creek Trail (Tunnel Falls) in OR. Neither are "official" PCT but most thru-hikers take them.
Indeed. Also, PCT'rs aren't nearly as caught up on the whole "purist" stuff, mainly because the weather more often than not forces them to reroute, and snow often obscures the trail entirely. I remember a good 10 mile stretch in the High Sierras where I didn't follow any trail, but just struck out towards the gap I knew I had to cross, using the good ol' compass.
RedneckRye
02-10-2006, 21:37
Indeed. Also, PCT'rs aren't nearly as caught up on the whole "purist" stuff, mainly because the weather more often than not forces them to reroute, and snow often obscures the trail entirely. I remember a good 10 mile stretch in the High Sierras where I didn't follow any trail, but just struck out towards the gap I knew I had to cross, using the good ol' compass.
A bit less "judgemental" scene is one of the things I am looking forward to on the PCT. Plus a whole lot of nicer views, was anyone else as inspired as I was by WeatherCarrots DVD at The Gathering??
At Low gap In NC, take the Kimsey creek trail to Standing Indian campground, then a easy road walk to Rock Gap. If it hasnt been clear cut, (last time I was on it was in 2000) the Kimsey creek trail is wonderful. BUT, it do miss the views atop Standing Indian, & Albert mountains. BTW, there are a number of GREAT campsites along KC.
Doctari.