View Full Version : Parking at Newfound Gap now iffy?
Midway Sam
03-04-2008, 10:38
I have read here that longterm parking at Newfound Gap was relatively safe. However, while trying to arrange a shuttle with Jeff & Nancy at the Hike Inn from the Newfound Gap parking area to NOC, they tell me "there's been numerous cases of break-ins and vandalism at Newfound, maybe consider parking at N.O.C. and shuttling to Newfound, then hiking south."
Is it really that bad of a problem now?
Lone Wolf
03-04-2008, 10:45
you can park at Sugarlands visitor center long term. no problems there
Midway Sam
03-04-2008, 11:39
you can park at Sugarlands visitor center long term. no problems there
Hitching ain't my thing. Thanks for the suggestion though. I just can't imagine anyone would bother my POS Kia up there...
DesertMTB
03-04-2008, 11:44
I'm doing the same hike March 15. Our dad might drop us off at the NOC and pick us up at I-40. But that's a hassle for him.
How much are they charging for the shuttle?
Midway Sam
03-04-2008, 11:47
I'm doing the same hike March 15. Our dad might drop us off at the NOC and pick us up at I-40. But that's a hassle for him.
How much are they charging for the shuttle?
They quoted $90 from Newfound to NOC for 1-2 hikers.
DesertMTB
03-04-2008, 11:58
They quoted $90 from Newfound to NOC for 1-2 hikers.
Wow. That isn't as bad as I thought.
Hopefully the weather will be a little nicer in mid March. Although hiking in the snow sounds fun.
Lone Wolf
03-04-2008, 12:02
Wow. That isn't as bad as I thought.
Hopefully the weather will be a little nicer in mid March. Although hiking in the snow sounds fun.
it's only 50 miles.
it's only 50 miles.
Inflation? 100 miles round trip, probably 3 hours, gas over $3 a gallon, wear/tear insurance.
DesertMTB
03-04-2008, 12:51
it's only 50 miles.
We paid about twice that to shuttle from the NOC to Dicks Creek.
DesertMTB
03-04-2008, 12:53
We paid about twice that to shuttle from the NOC to Dicks Creek.
No. Scratch that. We paid $80. My brain isn't working too good today.
Appalachian Tater
03-04-2008, 13:23
Your car is not even safe in Damascus, Virginia--there is a car theft ring operating in that area.
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=24790
Lone Wolf
03-04-2008, 13:42
tater is FOS. there is no more "ring" operating here :rolleyes:
valleyfire
03-08-2008, 15:04
what does NOC stand for?
Lone Wolf
03-08-2008, 15:05
nantahala outdoor center
Hikes in Rain
03-08-2008, 15:06
Nantahalla Outdoor Center. Also known as Wessor, where the Trail crosses the Nantahalla River. Good resupply, restaurant, hostel, motel, outfitter, whitewater, and a short hitch to Bryson City.
Lone Wolf
03-08-2008, 15:09
Nantahalla Outdoor Center. Also known as Wessor, where the Trail crosses the Nantahalla River. Good resupply, restaurant, hostel, motel, outfitter, whitewater, and a short hitch to Bryson City.
Nantahala, one L. Wesser with an E :)
Hikes in Rain
03-08-2008, 15:11
Hey, I can spell any given word at least three different ways. Sign of creativity. At least that's my story.
Tennessee Viking
06-02-2008, 23:43
There was a case of vandalism at the Alum Cave trailhead a couple months back.
sliderule
06-25-2008, 16:51
There was a case of vandalism at the Alum Cave trailhead a couple months back.
From the looks of all the broken auto glass on the pavement there, it must happen frequently.
I talked to a ranger the other day about the security of the Newfound Gap overnight parking, and he said it goes through phases, but recently, there have been few break ins.
Ramble~On
06-27-2008, 04:06
Newfound Gap isn't far from my house and there have been many reports of breakins in recent months...all throughout the park.
It happens. Don't leave valuables in your vehicle.
Odds are you won't have a problem but random breakins do happen.
I've never had a problem at any trailhead...anywhere..knock on wood.
Jason of the Woods
06-27-2008, 07:00
Try the lodge at Fontana Village. Plus the rooms are much nicer than a hostel.;)
Frolicking Dinosaurs
06-27-2008, 07:47
I also live in the area and know a couple of the GSMNP rangers. They are experiencing a rash of break-ins park-wide and, due to budget cuts and lay-offs, the lots are not patrolled as frequently as in past years.
I suggested a while back that the park service create a few legal 'primitive' campsites on the edge of every large parking area. The presence of people camping would greatly reduce the vandalism associated with these parking areas without increasing the need for extra services except a few portapotties for parking areas where restrooms do not already exist and some sort of enclosure for food or a bear cable. All of these already have bear-proofed trash bins and most have flushing toilets and running water on site. Many have picnic tables and lighting.
I always clean out my car entirely and leave the console, glove compartment, etc, open. The only thing I leave in (and rather attempt to strew around the car) is trash: crumpled up paper, napkins, etc. Basically I try to make my car look as poor, empty, and trashy as possible. I've stayed for a week or more at highly vandalized trailheads and never had a problem. That doesn't mean I've necessarily avoided being vandalized because of that strategy, though.
I didn't have any problems leaving my car there over this past weekend, but maybe I was just lucky.