View Full Version : Bmt
Hammock Hanger
11-22-2007, 18:51
I'm heading out soon to do the last 100 miles of the BMT, 20-mile Ranger Station to Davenport gap.
Any comments ...
I'm thinking we can stash food at Smokemount RS.
I read and hear that this is the most rugged section of the 300 mile BMT. Hope I'm up for it... I can hear the knees now!!
20 Mile to Smokemont was my first hike of this years fall season... I made it!
From looking at the map, Smokemont to Davenport has the steepest climbs... thats why I didnt do it this trip.
There is a good climb between campsites 56 and 52 (Newton Bald).
Water was great for this 60 miles.
generoll
11-22-2007, 19:00
What are your dates, Sue? I'm planning on the Smokemont to Big Creek section in December. If we can work out the dates you can cache some food in my car.
Gene! I was just going to post that you were wanting to hike some of that too!
I'm planning on the Smokemont to Big Creek section in December.
Deep Creek?
Now that I think about it, I sure would like to finish up Smokemont to Davenport... hmmmm
generoll
11-22-2007, 19:16
Yeah, Big Creek, Deep Creek, I never can keep them straight. Guess I should just say Davenport Gap. Even if HH isn't hiking the same section at the same time, we might be able to help each other with car shuttles and such.
Think you can get over your aversion to cold long enough to do the Smokemont leg with me?
How does the BMT end at Davenport? Do you go through Big Creek and walk the road to Davenport Gap via Chestnut Branch Trail to the AT to DG? Or walk the road?
It seems like it should just end at Big Creek campground.
You were right, its Big Creek over there... Deep Creek is Bryson City...
I could do it... I'd have to tent it. I dont want to tempt hypothermia until I get a better hanging setup...
generoll
11-22-2007, 19:27
Yeah it does end at Big Creek. I keep confusing Big Creek and Deep Creek that's why I said I'll just call it Davenport Gap. Or at least I think that's where it ends, one off those creek places. I hiked there in March and even if I can't get the name right I did find my car.
Cant find my map when I need it!!!
Theres a ranger station at Mt Sterling, is there parking?
generoll
11-22-2007, 19:39
Yes, there's a campground and good parking. Rangers and volunteers on duty.
generoll
11-22-2007, 19:41
by the way, the ranger station is at Big Creek. The fact that it appears to be so close to Mt. Sterling oughta give you an idea of the elevation change.
I was looking at the dot on the map that says Mt Sterling, the town/area... not the "real" Mount!
So, how many days? Which direction?
Hammock Hanger
11-22-2007, 20:38
My calendar is really tight... I'm hoping to be out on the trail by 12/3. I told Stumpy I really wasn't concerned about direction. He hasn't gotten back to me on that yet. I think we are leaving a car at Standing Bear Hostel, so we will need to hike up to Davenport Gap and get on the AT for a short piece. I am out of shape but am hoping to get in 15 m/p/d. I would really like to be home by the 13th.
Hikerhead
11-22-2007, 21:12
How does the BMT end at Davenport? Do you go through Big Creek and walk the road to Davenport Gap via Chestnut Branch Trail to the AT to DG? Or walk the road?
It seems like it should just end at Big Creek campground.
The BMT ends or begins at Davenport Gap. Heading south you road walk down to the 4/way intersection and turn right. Walk past the ranger station for about another mile to the picnic area. Go across the foot bridge to begin the Baxter Creek Trail up Mt Sterling.
The BMT ends or begins at Davenport Gap. Heading south you road walk down to the 4/way intersection and turn right. Walk past the ranger station for about another mile to the picnic area. Go across the foot bridge to begin the Baxter Creek Trail up Mt Sterling.
I'll probably never complete the entire trail then. But since I've already walked that "section" maybe I will. :D
Hikerhead
11-22-2007, 21:22
I'll probably never complete the entire trail then. But since I've already walked that "section" maybe I will. :D
It is a screwy place to end the trail.... This last two miles from the ranger station to Davenport was the last two miles I had to do. I came back and did it as a 6 mile loop from the RS by using the Chestnut Branch trail and the AT and the road walk (BMT). I was trying to post my pic of the last/first BMT marker at Davenport Gap but it was too large to upload.
Yeah, I'm not sure why they ended it there. Davenport Gap is NOT a good place to leave a vehicle. Big Creek ranger station is much better.
Hikerhead
11-22-2007, 21:44
Here's the last BMT marker at Davenport Gap heading North. Of course it would be the first one heading south.
generoll
11-22-2007, 21:58
sounds like we won't be able to help each other, HH. I've got the week of Dec 9-15 off and will probably use part of that to go north from Smokemont. Good luck on your Mt. Sterling climb. I think that's the highest point on the BMT.
Yeah, I'm not sure why they ended it there. Davenport Gap is NOT a good place to leave a vehicle. Big Creek ranger station is much better.
To rejoin with the AT.
To rejoin with the AT.
Ah, that makes sense... but it's not like you couldnt connect the dots.
Ah, that makes sense... but it's not like you couldnt connect the dots.
As far as I'm concerned, when I reach my car at Deep Creek Ranger Station, I'm done.
I currently have from the Hiwasse River to 20 Mile Ranger Station, and from Smokemont to Davenport Gap left to hike on the BMT.
A good test for purist. One I would I fail.
generoll
11-23-2007, 13:10
:D good to see that I'm not the only one to confuse Big Creek with Deep Creek. or whatever.
:D good to see that I'm not the only one to confuse Big Creek with Deep Creek. or whatever.
LOL.. I didn't notice in responding to Mowgli. Big Creek is a favorite spot of mine so I doubt I'll ever make the same mistake.
:D good to see that I'm not the only one to confuse Big Creek with Deep Creek. or whatever.
Yup. You started it though. ;)