View Full Version : Need advice.
Hello, my son and I are planning to hike from Neels Gap to Dick's Creek Gap this June. We hiked Springer Mountain to Neel's Gap last year and were finished in three days, is the hike from Neel's to Dick's Creek doable in three days? Also, is transportation available from Dick's Creek Gap back to Mountain Crossings?
Thanks, any input would be helpful we're still pretty new to this as it will only be our second backpacking trip.
Mike.
Very easy in 3 days 2 nights about 35 miles total. Take a peek at the AT shuttle list http://www.appalachiantrail.org/atf/cf/{D25B4747-42A3-4302-8D48-EF35C0B0D9F1}/ATShuttleWeb_Feb-4-09.pdf (http://www.appalachiantrail.org/atf/cf/%7BD25B4747-42A3-4302-8D48-EF35C0B0D9F1%7D/ATShuttleWeb_Feb-4-09.pdf)
Thank you, I need all the advice I can get.
Blissful
04-01-2009, 14:04
Be sure you read up on the bear problem north of Neel Gap (in different threads right now) and be careful when you do go as the bear there seems to be pretty hungry.
max patch
04-01-2009, 15:24
Your first hike was about 10 miles per day. This hike is about 12 miles per day. So we're talking about hiking an extra hour a day. With this in mind you shoud know if you can complete your hike in the time you want to do it.
I've heard that this section is not as tough as Springer to Neels is that true?
It has a few challenges of its own, the 1st day wont be too bad, but you have to work a little harder from Unicoi Gap all the way to Dicks Creek Gap. A couple of the highlights will be the clime up to Tray Mnt. and Kelly Knob. Elevation is from 2949 ft at Unicoi Gap up to over 4400 at Tray Mnt. and back down to Dick's at 2675 with severeal moderat climes along the way. I think its consitered "easer" because alot of folks that started at Springer made their gear adjustments at Neel's and are bettter prepaired for the next streach. No worries, pick the right pace for you and your son will have a great time!
drdewrag
04-06-2009, 18:49
Kelly Knob is a sneaky climb and a butt-kicker at the end of the day if you have climbed Rocky and Tray the same day. Neels to Dick's has always seemed to me to be the more difficult of the two you mentioned, but VERY doable in 3 days... Enjoy!
Mongoose2
04-06-2009, 19:23
As a guy who has hiked with his son and daughter, I guess the key question is how old is your son? What are his capabilities? If you go beyond that you may spoil his experiance. But looking at the section you did from Springer to Neels, you should be fine
Mongoose2
04-06-2009, 19:33
I've heard that this section is not as tough as Springer to Neels is that true?
I think this is correct