View Full Version : Iron Mountain Gap, TN to Damascus, VA
I'm thinking about re-hiking this section during my April vacation.
What's the closest airport to each end of the section?
Any other logistics I need to know for this section?
Kirby
CrumbSnatcher
10-21-2008, 21:40
i'd ask lone wolf. i like to fly in and out of the tri-cities TN. airport when im in that area
Lone Wolf
10-21-2008, 21:46
i'd ask lone wolf. i like to fly in and out of the tri-cities TN. airport when im in that area
correct. tri-cities airport. no other logistics you need to know
Would I use tri-cities to fly home as well?
Kirby
Jack Tarlin
10-21-2008, 21:48
Um, yeah.
In most parts of the world, this is called using a round trip ticket. :D
Lone Wolf
10-21-2008, 21:50
Would I use tri-cities to fly home as well?
Kirby
yes. it's only 45 miles from damascus
Hey Jack, you sarcastic a$$:D, I was not sure if there was a different airport for the Damascus area of VA. I did not know I could use the same airport to fly in and out of a section.:rolleyes:
Thanks for the help, Jack.:D
You gonna be in this area next year around mid-April?
Kirby
PS:Thanks Wolf
Kerosene
10-21-2008, 21:52
Tri-cities Regional Airport (TRI) is about an hour from Damascus, and less than that from Iron Mountain Gap as best I can tell. This weekend I'm staying at the Sleep Inn just outside the airport, and they've promised to hold onto my duffel and a change of clothes until I return a week and 120 AT miles later.
Jack Tarlin
10-21-2008, 21:55
Seriously, Kirby, Wolf is right. Tri Cities is the way to go, and it'll almost certainly be cheaper to use a round-trip ticket than purchasing two one-way flights. Wolf or Miss Janet could pick you up down there, and then Wolf could easily get you back to the airport when you're done with your trip. Last advice is dress warm, it can still be real cold in the Roan Highlands area in April; I've been snowed on in SW Virginia as late as 23 May, so don't take for granted you'll get "springlike" weather. Have a great trip.
The overall plan and intent, by the way, is to re-hike the humps, my favorite section of the trail.
I also want to take a day and volunteer with Bob Peoples, something I did not get to do this year.
Kirby
Tennessee Viking
10-21-2008, 23:31
I'm thinking about re-hiking this section during my April vacation.
What's the closest airport to each end of the section?
Any other logistics I need to know for this section?
Kirby
Yup Tricities is the closest airport. I am only 20 minutes away from it, and I can help with shuttling if available. Then I am about 30-40 minutes from IMG.
Just be prepared for the climb from Hughes Gap. 2000 feet in 2.5 miles of rugged and rooted trail to to the top of Roan.
You can get down to 19E in about 2-3 days from IMG. 9 miles from IMG to Hughes. You can probably camp at atop of Hughes Gap or at Ashe Gap. I would definitely hit the Barn for the views.
The town of Roan Mtn is getting a new market, should be open already in the same place as the old Roan Mtn market.
Mtn Harbour, Braemar, & Kincora Bob Peoples will take you into town. Bob will even ask you to come along for maintenance.
Thanks Buliwf, I'll keep in touch with you as I start to seriously lay the groundwork for the trip.
Give an holler anyone if you'll be in the area.
Kirby
Jan LiteShoe
10-23-2008, 09:48
The overall plan and intent, by the way, is to re-hike the humps, my favorite section of the trail.
I also want to take a day and volunteer with Bob Peoples, something I did not get to do this year.
Kirby
I did that in 2004.
It was an equally good experience, esp. the time with Bob.
You may not have seasonal flexibility, but hiking this area in early June is truly magnificent - the rhodies and flame azaleas are out, the skies very often clear. Extraordinary on the Humps (you could camp atop Grassy Knob, for example, in the secret campsite up there, on a clear night.).
But you won't have the thru-buzz. I know I still missed that the year after my hike.