View Full Version : Max Patch to Hot Springs...camping
Alive Adventure Gear
04-06-2010, 18:58
Planning on going from Max Patch to Hot Springs starting at daybreak this Friday and arriving sometime Saturday. We're hammocking. Looks like if we stay near a shelter we're gonna have to do like 14 miles the first day then 6 the next or 7 the first day and 13 the next. According to my Appalachian Pages there's no camping other than these areas. Any insights? Is it okay to camp in an undesignated area?
One more thing...is Elmer the best guy for a shuttle?
I'd appreciate any help you can offer.
thanks.
Cabin Fever
04-06-2010, 19:14
It's National Forest so you can camp anywhere. Elmer can shuttle. Bluff Mountain Outfitters in Hot Spring shuttles as well. I've had good luck using them.
I am doing this section in 3 weeks.
Shooting Star
04-06-2010, 22:12
I hiked through this section last fall. Around the top
of Bluff Mtn is about half way to Hot Springs. The forest
is open enough to provide some decent camping spots.
You'd want to carry water in from the spring at the
Walnut Mtn shelter. I've arranged shuttles through
Bluff Mtn outfitter that worked out well.
You can do this in 1 long day if your in good shape. Take my advise, don't camp in the parking area of trail head in Hot Springs...the local police don't like this. If your hammocking, you will have a lot of options. Must check out Smoky Mountain Diner in Hot Springs, great breakfast! Have fun!
Just walked from Davenport Gap to Hot Springs this past weekend. Plenty of places to camp through there. There is a really nice spot next to a cascade right before you get to Garenflo Gap. I used Bluff Mountain Outfitters for the shuttle.
Big Dawg
04-07-2010, 07:42
don't camp near/at Catpen Gap,,,,, long story,, just don't.:eek:
Dobie Swift
04-08-2010, 09:05
Just walked from Davenport Gap to Hot Springs this past weekend. Plenty of places to camp through there. There is a really nice spot next to a cascade right before you get to Garenflo Gap. I used Bluff Mountain Outfitters for the shuttle.
I camped here on the evening of April 1st. Best campsite I ever had. It's about half way down Bluff Mtn.
For a shuttle, call Wild Bill Holcombe: 828-712-8083
Johnny Thunder
04-08-2010, 12:05
about a 1/4 mile from the top of bluff mt there is a marked spring that was reliable both times I've past it. the camping there is a little tilted but usable. another mile or so past is a great spot next to a creek.
try to stay away from camping at the shelters...they've had bear problems both places over the past 2 spring seasons.
Chaco Taco
04-08-2010, 15:48
about a 1/4 mile from the top of bluff mt there is a marked spring that was reliable both times I've past it. the camping there is a little tilted but usable. another mile or so past is a great spot next to a creek.
try to stay away from camping at the shelters...they've had bear problems both places over the past 2 spring seasons.
and they are already starting to become an issue. Talked to a guy yesterday that said some hikers had started to spot bears around walnut mountain and around the north end of Max Patch. Same stories coming in from hikers at Bluff Mtn Outfitters as well