View Full Version : Drought in NC
I hiked the AT this past week from Winding Stair Gap near Franklin, NC to Fontana Dam. Finding adequate water was a serious problem. There was absolutely no water at the new shelter near Wayah Bald or at Brown Fork Gap Shelter(even after the big rain). A small drip was at Sassafras Shelter, again despite the big rain and I suspect that drip is dry now. A good supply of water was found at Siler Bald Shelter, Wesser Bald Shelter and Cable Gap Shelter.
Jeff at The Hike Inn Hostel at Fontana said his well is close to being dry, so if in the area plan carefully.
Tipi Walter
09-19-2007, 17:00
Just think, ultralighters might now have to carry more weight in water. The future of southern backpacking could be carrying much more liquid and filling up infrequently, perhaps just once every two days. That's about an extra 8-10 pounds to the standard load. Or more.
I tried to do that section a couple of weeks ago and ended up bailing out. I didn't want to put myself in danger.
Thank You Ron Haven for answering your phone :)
Ron Haven
09-19-2007, 22:57
I tried to do that section a couple of weeks ago and ended up bailing out. I didn't want to put myself in danger.
Thank You Ron Haven for answering your phone :)You are sure welcome.Someday when wate comes back you can try it again:D
Ron Haven
09-19-2007, 22:59
Just think, ultralighters might now have to carry more weight in water. The future of southern backpacking could be carrying much more liquid and filling up infrequently, perhaps just once every two days. That's about an extra 8-10 pounds to the standard load. Or more.In the spring I see many ultralighters.They are always cold and hungry,Sounds like now thirsty will have to be added.
Speer Carrier
09-20-2007, 09:07
Anyone know the water availability between Devil Fork and Hot Springs? A group of us is planning on including this stretch in our Hike around the second week of October.
Daddy Longlegs
09-20-2007, 12:51
I've been wanting to plan a trip for awhile but the water thing scares me especially since I am such a water hog. So instead I've been car camping and doing a lot of day hikes. Let it rain let it rain!
I can tell you that springs and creeks are at very low levels, from eastern PA to central Virginia. I just returned from a section hike through that territory. Finding (and carrying) water was a major issue.
rainmaker
09-20-2007, 22:04
I can tell you that springs and creeks are at very low levels, from eastern PA to central Virginia. I just returned from a section hike through that territory. Finding (and carrying) water was a major issue.
Can you be a little more specific about the water situation in Pennsylvania? I'm planning to hike from HF to DWG starting next week. Did you have to carry extra water, more than two liters? Thanks.
Bare Bear
09-20-2007, 23:12
And that is another reason I like doing Trail Magic at Stecoah Gap. Thanks Ron Haven and Crutch for suggesting it last year. We had a blast this year and hope to go back next year if the Parks folks let us.
Can you be a little more specific about the water situation in Pennsylvania? I'm planning to hike from HF to DWG starting next week. Did you have to carry extra water, more than two liters? Thanks.
Well, for example... at Eagles Nest shelter, there's a stream that runs across the access trail. It was completely dry. I managed to salvage a couple of quarts from a muddy pool up the stream bed a few dozen yards. At Allentown Shelter: "Yellow" spring (the one way down the mountain) was OK, the one above, no. Peters Mtn: spring just barely functional, it took 20 minutes to scoop up a gallon's worth. Etc. I generally started each day with at least two quarts, preferably more in the Platy.
OTOH, Yuengling supply was plentiful at the Doyle. ;)
mostevents
09-21-2007, 10:07
Ya, I walked the yellow blaze for water at the Allentown shelter. was not a pleasant expereince after a long day. Water is always runnig at Eckville.