View Full Version : need help with trip just north of GSMNP
Hey everyone, I am from florida and have done a lot of the AT south of Fontana, but want to plan a trip a little farther north soon. From around may 5-10 some friends and I will be looking to do about 60 -70 miles of hiking, probably in the section just north of GSMNP, davenport and north i guess. Any helpful tips or recommendations for shuttle service, exact starting and ending locations, or anything else that we should consider when planning this trip? Thanks
Go to Hot Springs and get Bluff Mountain Outfitters to take you to I40 (north edge of GSMNP). Hike back into Hot Springs, have a bath and meal and then have Bluff Mountain take you out (north) to Devils Fork Gap, and hike back into Hot Springs. It is approx 70 miles and you get a resupply/break in the middle.
SGT Rock
04-08-2008, 18:09
You may also want to contact Curtis at Standing Bear which is just north of the Smokies. I think he may do you a good deal - 423-487-0014
I hear Ronnie McGaha (http://www.bellsouthpwp2.net/m/d/mdron/mcgahahome.htm) runs a pretty good shuttle service with resonable rates. Try contacting him as well.
SGT Rock
04-08-2008, 18:31
You could park your cars at Standing Bear and get a shuttle to Sams Gap. It would be 80 miles, or you could get to NC Rte 212 which would be about 67 miles. Those are the best put-in options for that section you want. The next closest shorter mileage would be Allen Gap which would only be about 50 miles. But with that plan there is a place to park and a shower waiting for you at Standing Bear when you get done. If you finish on the right day too, you could go over to Maria's resturaunt in Cosby.
Or you could go to the Bean Tree Cafe in Hartford.
Go to Hot Springs and get Bluff Mountain Outfitters to take you to I40 (north edge of GSMNP). Hike back into Hot Springs, have a bath and meal and then have Bluff Mountain take you out (north) to Devils Fork Gap, and hike back into Hot Springs. It is approx 70 miles and you get a resupply/break in the middle.
Joe -- that is a great idea. It'd be a chance to walk over Max Patch on the southern side of HS and the views going from Devil's Fork Gap back to HS are fantastic.
I hear Ronnie McGaha (http://www.bellsouthpwp2.net/m/d/mdron/mcgahahome.htm) runs a pretty good shuttle service with resonable rates. Try contacting him as well.
Sure enough - I used him and everything worked great. Good prices, right on time, good conversation - heck of a nice guy.
Even took a photo of me and sent a copy to me in the mail a few weeks later.
thanks a lot guys. appreciate it.
Hot Springs to Erwin is a nice section of trail, no idea how long it is though.
Kirby
SGT Rock
04-09-2008, 12:58
68 miles