View Full Version : No Business Knob shelter = creepy
This afternoon I hiked up to No Business Knob shelter, had lunch and packed out the trash.
Man, that's one gloomy shelter.... There was snow on the ground and it was foggy and windy. Even on a good day it's a dark, forlorn shelter but today was an especially creepy day at NBK.... I actually hurried up and got out of there... I felt like I was being watched or something...
Slo-go'en
12-22-2010, 18:58
Last time I was a NBK a "controlled burn" wasn't so controlled and we spent the night watching the fire line slowly climb up the hill towards the shelter. Thankfully, it never quite got there, but was a bit scarry.
I get the same feeling from chairback gap lean to in Maines 100 mile "wilderness". Just a feeling I got when I was there last. If walls could talk.
Chex Mix
12-22-2010, 19:08
I stayed there on my first backpacking trip. Creepy is definitly right.
Cookerhiker
12-22-2010, 23:07
I also felt like there were eyes on me - but maybe that's because I shared the shelter and area around it with about a dozen hikers since I was there in thruhiking season (May '05). (http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=97360)I was on a long section hike.
I remember 2 things about NBK:
1. All the thrus were bitching about having to go back down the hill for the water source.
2. I met Fishin Fred there for the first time. I think he and I were the only non-thru hikers.
Re. "creepy" feelings at shelters, I felt that way at Brink Road in NJ.
Serial 07
12-23-2010, 00:05
that's one of those shelters that sticks out in the memory banks...and i appreciate that No Business Shelter means there's No doin' Business at that shelter...if you know what i mean... ;) :D
Rain Man
12-23-2010, 13:05
... I felt like I was being watched or something...
Last I heard, NBK Shelter had its own nuisance bear, so maybe you were being watched?!
My wife and I stopped there for lunch on a FRIGID cold day, I think the day before Easter. We ate as fast as we could and hit the trail to warm up. Our water lines froze and we had to stuff our water bladders in our jackets. Ahhhhh... but the next day was a big Miss Janet Easter feast in Erwin with a big crowd of locals and thru's at the church there.
No Business Knob Shelter in the snow on April 7, 2007 (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=16033&c=member&orderby=title&direction=ASC&imageuser=1293&cutoffdate=-1)
Rain:sunMan
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sherrill
12-23-2010, 13:22
We camped near it last summer. Man, that place reeked of urine.
We were the only ones there and it definitely had the "creepy" vibe. But the woods are pretty thick there so I think it adds to the effect.
Last I heard, NBK Shelter had its own nuisance bear, so maybe you were being watched?!
My wife and I stopped there for lunch on a FRIGID cold day, I think the day before Easter. We ate as fast as we could and hit the trail to warm up. Our water lines froze and we had to stuff our water bladders in our jackets. Ahhhhh... but the next day was a big Miss Janet Easter feast in Erwin with a big crowd of locals and thru's at the church there.
No Business Knob Shelter in the snow on April 7, 2007 (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=16033&c=member&orderby=title&direction=ASC&imageuser=1293&cutoffdate=-1)
Rain:sunMan
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I just found out not too long ago that I could almost throw a rock and hit Miss Janet's house from where I live now. I hate I missed that.....
jerseydave
12-23-2010, 15:29
Re. "creepy" feelings at shelters, I felt that way at Brink Road in NJ.
That's just what NJ does to ya....... didn't have anything to do with the specific shelter...... I have to go through everyday life with that feeling! :D
maybe clem
12-23-2010, 16:00
No Business Knob Shelter in the snow on April 7, 2007 (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=16033&c=member&orderby=title&direction=ASC&imageuser=1293&cutoffdate=-1)
What's that poor yellow creature trying to escape out the side?
When I lived in Erwin, I would walk from Gay Street over to the Nolichucky River and then up the switch backs to No Business Knob Shelter. One afternoon I arrived to a very misty and foggy woods surrounding the shelter. I sat down and began eating the lunch I carried in. When all of a sudden 20 turkeys quietly walked out of the fog and began pecking away at the ground near the fire pit and close to me. I didn't make a sound until they had walked back into the foggy woods.
It may seem creepy there because of the spirits that still inhabit these historic Tennessee woods but I'm sure we are all welcome. We are just the future travelers passing through.
Going back down to the Nolichucky is always the fun part because the walk up was the work of the hike -- such views too. Then a Mountain Dew at Uncle Johnny's and 2 miles on the flats back into Erwin. But 9 times out of 10 someone will stop and give me a ride home.
When I lived in Erwin, I would walk from Gay Street over to the Nolichucky River and then up the switch backs to No Business Knob Shelter. One afternoon I arrived to a very misty and foggy woods surrounding the shelter. I sat down and began eating the lunch I carried in. When all of a sudden 20 turkeys quietly walked out of the fog and began pecking away at the ground near the fire pit and close to me. I didn't make a sound until they had walked back into the foggy woods.
It may seem creepy there because of the spirits that still inhabit these historic Tennessee woods but I'm sure we are all welcome. We are just the future travelers passing through.
Going back down to the Nolichucky is always the fun part because the walk up was the work of the hike -- such views too. Then a Mountain Dew at Uncle Johnny's and 2 miles on the flats back into Erwin. But 9 times out of 10 someone will stop and give me a ride home.
I've been taking the Temple Hill Trail up to Temple Hill Gap instead of walking up all those switchbacks. It's over a mile shorter and only the last .75 mile is uphill. :)
I can be at NBK shelter in less than 1.5 hours from Uncle Johnny's.
I've been taking the Temple Hill Trail up to Temple Hill Gap instead of walking up all those switchbacks. It's over a mile shorter and only the last .75 mile is uphill. :)
I can be at NBK shelter in less than 1.5 hours from Uncle Johnny's.
Yes, I know that route. I'm assuming you then must do the switch backs down to Uncle Johnny's for the views?
Ever go up behind the high school to Curley Maple Gap Shelter the next shelter north? Lots of roads, routes, and trails from centuries of travelers crisscross the woods all around there. North Carolina can be found with a little work.
I have a friend who is almost 100 years old and has lived in Erwin all his life and he has pointed me in many interesting directions in the area.
wornoutboots
12-23-2010, 18:27
I was thinking it was a little gloomy the other week as well, that block wall construction was just cold & grey looking, it may have a strange feel because the way it's situated on that little crest & you can look really far into a vast forest & you would never know if something deep in there was watching you??
Rain Man
12-23-2010, 18:34
What's that poor yellow creature trying to escape out the side?
That thar is whut you call "red neck in-sull-lay-shun," I reckon! Some old raincoat or piece of plastic stuffed in the gap between the block wall and the roof.
Rain:sunMan
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Babyface
12-23-2010, 18:48
I did my business at No Business Shelter
Tennessee Viking
12-23-2010, 22:42
10-K,
Wait until you start walking Holston Mountain....McQueens Knob Shelter. CREEPY. Its one of the oldest shelters on the trail. Its no longer official. No water source. And very dark and cramped.
Yes, I know that route. I'm assuming you then must do the switch backs down to Uncle Johnny's for the views?
Ever go up behind the high school to Curley Maple Gap Shelter the next shelter north? Lots of roads, routes, and trails from centuries of travelers crisscross the woods all around there. North Carolina can be found with a little work.
I have a friend who is almost 100 years old and has lived in Erwin all his life and he has pointed me in many interesting directions in the area.
Do you remember the trail behind the high school up to Curly Maple Gap shelter enough to tell me how to get there? I *thought* there had to be a route up there somewheres - from a mile north of the shelter you can look right down on the high school.
Rain Man
12-24-2010, 01:20
Wait until you start walking Holston Mountain....McQueens Knob Shelter. CREEPY.
THIS one? Tiny, holely, with a very low entrance you have to duck down to get into.
Rain Man
.
earlyriser26
12-24-2010, 01:35
THIS one? Tiny, holely, with a very low entrance you have to duck down to get into.
Rain Man
.
Once again, this is the only time I was on a hike on the AT where I took a different "official route". They were doing a controled burn and we did about 2 miles of the trail by jeep.
MedicineMan
12-24-2010, 01:55
IMHO NBK shelter is the worst of the worst and the worst I've seen anywhere on the AT.
Took a noob on her first overnight, telling about stealthing before the hike and on the way. When she saw NBK stealthing took on a new light.
mweinstone
12-24-2010, 02:08
the roof is louder than overmountain. chestnut knob is way creepyer.
Cherry Gap Shelter is the loudest. At least in a hurricane.
Do you remember the trail behind the high school up to Curly Maple Gap shelter enough to tell me how to get there? I *thought* there had to be a route up there somewheres - from a mile north of the shelter you can look right down on the high school.
Let's see. Go straight up the road behind the high school until you reach a forest service road with a gate. (sometimes it is gated and I just walk around) Keep going up this road until it takes a major left. (about a mile) It is soon after a pipe spring to the right and a stream goes under the road at the turn. From this corner, take a hard right through an open area with some fire pits. There used to be a small cabin there but someone pushed it over a couple of years ago. Keep to the right. You'll find a trail that has a small stream to the right. Keep going up this trail until you'll see an obvious turn to the left. You'll know you have missed that turn because the trail doesn't go much further. It should be easy this time of year with the leaves off the trees. Go up through this area and you should come to a big bend to the right on to a much wider road from a century or two ago. This road will go up to a point where you can only go to the left through a rodedentron tail that should bring you out on to the AT and about 200 yards north of Curley Maple Gap Shelter. In other words, take a right down to the shelter.
I know lots of other trails that run near the AT from the Connie's Greasy Creek Friendly back to Hot Springs. Lots of fun bushwhacking around.
Let's see. Go straight up the road behind the high school until you reach a forest service road with a gate. (sometimes it is gated and I just walk around) Keep going up this road until it takes a major left. (about a mile) It is soon after a pipe spring to the right and a stream goes under the road at the turn. From this corner, take a hard right through an open area with some fire pits. There used to be a small cabin there but someone pushed it over a couple of years ago. Keep to the right. You'll find a trail that has a small stream to the right. Keep going up this trail until you'll see an obvious turn to the left. You'll know you have missed that turn because the trail doesn't go much further. It should be easy this time of year with the leaves off the trees. Go up through this area and you should come to a big bend to the right on to a much wider road from a century or two ago. This road will go up to a point where you can only go to the left through a rodedentron tail that should bring you out on to the AT and about 200 yards north of Curley Maple Gap Shelter. In other words, take a right down to the shelter.
I know lots of other trails that run near the AT from the Connie's Greasy Creek Friendly back to Hot Springs. Lots of fun bushwhacking around.
Thanks! I will definitely check it out. By chance does this trail cross the AT where the foundation from that old civilian conservation corp building is?
Did you ever hike the Granny Lewis trail up to Temple Hill Gap? It's a hard one to follow because it hasn't been maintained but it's route to the south side of Temple Hill Gap and doesn't involve much climbing.
I've been concentrating on the Unaka Mt. Wilderness area the past few months and have hiked all the marked trails except Stamping Ground Ridge. I've looked unsucessfully a few times for Dick's Creek Falls as well... I've got some new info on where it is but haven't got around to checking them out yet.
All of these hikes are 5-10 miles and make great day hikes. This is a wonderful, wonderful place to live if you like to hike. It's like heaven. :)
Yes, the foundation is just to the right as you climb on to the AT.
Tennessee Viking
12-24-2010, 10:30
Do you remember the trail behind the high school up to Curly Maple Gap shelter enough to tell me how to get there? I *thought* there had to be a route up there somewheres - from a mile north of the shelter you can look right down on the high school.
There is no actual trail anymore. There is the Martins Creek Forest Road. The trail was closed years ago. I think it was because of ATV abuse. But the road is high clearance vehicle only. If I the description to the AT is right, head up the road to the top of the Martin Creek drainage. There should be a flag line leading to the trail. I have never walked it myself.
There is no actual trail anymore. There is the Martins Creek Forest Road. The trail was closed years ago. I think it was because of ATV abuse. But the road is high clearance vehicle only. If I the description to the AT is right, head up the road to the top of the Martin Creek drainage. There should be a flag line leading to the trail. I have never walked it myself.
It would probably be easier to start at the top and walk down, don't you think? I know where it intersects the AT...
There is no actual trail anymore. There is the Martins Creek Forest Road. The trail was closed years ago. I think it was because of ATV abuse. But the road is high clearance vehicle only. If I the description to the AT is right, head up the road to the top of the Martin Creek drainage. There should be a flag line leading to the trail. I have never walked it myself.
Your description to get to the AT works too. It is quit steep and with shale under footing. But deffinitely doable. Also my description of how to get to Curley Maple Gap Shelter is still doable as well. It's called bushwhacking where you walk through the woods from one point to another in a LNT way. I've done this route several dozen times.
Let's see. Go straight up the road behind the high school until you reach a forest service road with a gate. (sometimes it is gated and I just walk around) Keep going up this road until it takes a major left. (about a mile) It is soon after a pipe spring to the right and a stream goes under the road at the turn. From this corner, take a hard right through an open area with some fire pits. There used to be a small cabin there but someone pushed it over a couple of years ago. Keep to the right. You'll find a trail that has a small stream to the right. Keep going up this trail until you'll see an obvious turn to the left. You'll know you have missed that turn because the trail doesn't go much further. It should be easy this time of year with the leaves off the trees. Go up through this area and you should come to a big bend to the right on to a much wider road from a century or two ago. This road will go up to a point where you can only go to the left through a rodedentron tail that should bring you out on to the AT and about 200 yards north of Curley Maple Gap Shelter. In other words, take a right down to the shelter.
I know lots of other trails that run near the AT from the Connie's Greasy Creek Friendly back to Hot Springs. Lots of fun bushwhacking around.
There is no actual trail anymore. There is the Martins Creek Forest Road. The trail was closed years ago. I think it was because of ATV abuse. But the road is high clearance vehicle only. If I the description to the AT is right, head up the road to the top of the Martin Creek drainage. There should be a flag line leading to the trail. I have never walked it myself.
Ok, using Fehchet's directions I made it up to the AT from Martin's Creek Rd. It blows me away that the couch in my living room is exactly 4.65 miles from Curly Maple Shelter!
But, I have a question about the directions.... when I got to the rodedendron thicket at the end of the trail I bushwhacked the 200 or so yards up to another trail. According to your directions, this should have been the AT but it wasn't... I knew I needed to go up and south so I made a right onto an unknown trail and in .55 miles came out on the AT right at the stone foundation of that old CCC shelter (which is where I expected to come out.
According to my USGS quad, the trail from Martins Creek Rd is/was the same trail that runs all the way to the AT intersection where the CCC foundation but it wasn't, obviously, because of the bushwhacking segment.
Question: coming back from the AT if instead of making a left and bushwhacking back down to Martins Creek Rd. where would you go if you kept going straight on that trail? Is that an old AT relo? (don't think it is...)
Going back to town, take the obvious left just after the old foundation. That is the rhododendron trail that leads you to a point (about 200 yards or less) where you take a right onto the old road (Martins Creek?).
I'll look you up when I get to Erwin possibly in February and I'll show you. Oh, have you met Grey Wolf (Richard Riggs)? He lives on Gay Street and can lead you up there. Ask Miss Janet if you have to. I don't have his number.
THIS one? Tiny, holely, with a very low entrance you have to duck down to get into.
Rain Man
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Yikes...looks like it's about to fall over.
Going back to town, take the obvious left just after the old foundation. That is the rhododendron trail that leads you to a point (about 200 yards or less) where you take a right onto the old road (Martins Creek?).
I'll look you up when I get to Erwin possibly in February and I'll show you. Oh, have you met Grey Wolf (Richard Riggs)? He lives on Gay Street and can lead you up there. Ask Miss Janet if you have to. I don't have his number.
Ok, coming back, I took the left after the old foundation (the same way I came up)....
I went down this trail .55 of a mile and made a left and bushwhacked through some rhododendorn for a hundred or 200 yards and came back out on a very old road. The only way to go is right. I made the right and walked right back out to Martin Creek road where that piped spring is, approximately .65 of a mile.
Bottom line is that I was on the trail that cames out on the AT where the brick foundation is for .55 miles - not 200 yards.
What did I miss?
Going back to town, take the obvious left just after the old foundation. That is the rhododendron trail that leads you to a point (about 200 yards or less) where you take a right onto the old road (Martins Creek?).
I'll look you up when I get to Erwin possibly in February and I'll show you. Oh, have you met Grey Wolf (Richard Riggs)? He lives on Gay Street and can lead you up there. Ask Miss Janet if you have to. I don't have his number.
Definitely send me a PM when you get ready to head this way - I'd love to learn about some of the trails around here... We'll go to Clarences and I'll buy you supper. :)
I guess you didn't miss my way, you just took your way. Both worked. .55 is way too far for the rhododendrons. There is a right at some point.
Anyway, so you had the little stream on your left as you went up near the pipe spring I'm thinking, while I have it on my right going up.
Yes, hopefully things will gel enough for me to come down in a month or so and we can do a few "blue" blazes.
I guess you didn't miss my way, you just took your way. Both worked. .55 is way too far for the rhododendrons. There is a right at some point.
Anyway, so you had the little stream on your left as you went up near the pipe spring I'm thinking, while I have it on my right going up.
Yes, hopefully things will gel enough for me to come down in a month or so and we can do a few "blue" blazes.
Yes, I did get up there. :)
I followed your directions I thought... The piped spring on Martin's Creek Rd was on my right just as the road made a hard left.
I took a right off the road where the fire pits are and took the trail that went to the right in that clearing. I walked up a road/trail with a small stream on my right for quite a ways and came to a dead end in with a bunch of rhododendrons on my left. I cut throught the rhododendrons a few hundred yards and came to a very wide trail (might have been a road). I made a right on that trail and in .55 miles I came out at the rock foundation about 200 yards or so north of the shelter.
I guess my bigger question is how to make this jive with my USGS quad which shows an uninterrupted trail from Martin's Creek road up to the rock foundation.
Yes, I did get up there. :)
I followed your directions I thought... The piped spring on Martin's Creek Rd was on my right just as the road made a hard left.
I took a right off the road where the fire pits are and took the trail that went to the right in that clearing. I walked up a road/trail with a small stream on my right for quite a ways and came to a dead end in with a bunch of rhododendrons on my left. I cut throught the rhododendrons a few hundred yards and came to a very wide trail (might have been a road). I made a right on that trail and in .55 miles I came out at the rock foundation about 200 yards or so north of the shelter.
I guess my bigger question is how to make this jive with my USGS quad which shows an uninterrupted trail from Martin's Creek road up to the rock foundation.
Oh OK. Just before you came to the end of the trail that you bushwhacked from, there actually is a trail to the wide trail (old road). So you were close. Very good. Bushwhacking by dead reckoning is often a gray area. The whole area is crisscrossed with trails and roads some hundreds of years old. Good you like exploring.
Going back to town, take the obvious left just after the old foundation. That is the rhododendron trail that leads you to a point (about 200 yards or less) where you take a right onto the old road (Martins Creek?).
I'll look you up when I get to Erwin possibly in February and I'll show you. Oh, have you met Grey Wolf (Richard Riggs)? He lives on Gay Street and can lead you up there. Ask Miss Janet if you have to. I don't have his number.
I'll leave you alone about this after this but let me ask you one more thing...
Going back to town, making a left at the rock foundation, going down 200 yards and making a right on the old road - if I stayed on that road/trail where would I come out?
You will come out onto the trail that leads back to the forest serviced road. The one you went a few feet too far on.
Don't know if you're interested or not but I made a GPS track of the hike back from where the AT crosses at that rock foundation back to my house.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/61389589?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d1f421cb78a4f54%2C0
The track starts at the rock foundation - you can see where, going up, I made the hard left through the bushes and went up 200 or so yards to the AT and you can make out where I made the right off Martin's Creek Rd.
Old graymare
01-01-2011, 11:46
I was at NBK a couple of summers ago, and while I was down getting water, that bear raided my food supply and drug my food bag into that ravine in the woods in front of the
shelter. It did leave me some bits and pieces for supper and breakfast, but not much more.
And sleeping that night was definitely creepy.
Is No Business Knob shelter the one just north of Hogback Ridge shelter? If so, I stopped there for lunch and don't recall thinking it was creepy. What did I miss?
You want to talk creepy, there's nothing worse than Wapiti (or at least I think that's the name -- north of Dismal Creek Falls). Reminded me of the scene in "The Shining" when Scatman Cruthers is explaining the bad vibes in the Overlook -- lots of bad things have happened over the years; it's like when you burn toast, it leaves behind a smell.
Rain Man
01-01-2011, 12:55
Is No Business Knob shelter the one just north of Hogback Ridge shelter? If so, I stopped there for lunch and don't recall thinking it was creepy. What did I miss?
Hogback Ridge Shelter is a couple of shelters back, just south of Sam's Gap. Bald Mountain Shelter is between them.
You want to talk creepy, there's nothing worse than Wapiti (or at least I think that's the name -- north of Dismal Creek Falls).
I was there in November, but Wapiti seemed a very nice place to me. But too bad it's so close to easy access by ne'er-do-wells, that's true.
Rain:sunMan
.
You will come out onto the trail that leads back to the forest serviced road. The one you went a few feet too far on.
Yep!
I drove up to Indian Grave Gap this morning and hiked down to the turnoff and headed back down towards Martin's Creek Rd. When I got to the place where I bushwhacked instead of cutting off I stayed on the old road.
In less than 100 yards there was a switchback on the road that doubled back right to the point where I bushwhacked going up.
Anyway, your directions are perfect and now I can make it up there without bushwhacking at all.
Here's another question... When you get up to the rock foundation and the AT goes to the left and right - where do you go if you keep going straight? I walked down the hill about a quarter mile and it was apparent that it probably goes somewhere and doesn't just peter out.
Yes, that leads to a cornucopia of trails, mountain roads, private game clubs, swimming holes, the Nolichucky River, and North Carolina. I spent a whole winter once exploring that area. With no leaves on the trees, you can have an idea of the ridges as you walk along and fairly well keep yourself from becoming disoriented. Sometimes the trails are heavily overgrown and impassible but can be accessed from another direction by noting the ridges.
I'd say you can work out from the AT there at the foundation knowing that if you keep taking trails to the right, you actually will be walking away from the AT but if you circle to the left after a bit, you will be able to get back to the AT by simply walking WNW down hill. I always thought I could get back to the AT if I kept going right but soon discovered you will see that the land drops off down to the Nolichucky making it not worth bushwhacking. You can also get to the area by walking in on the road from Indian Grave Gap. The road runs just east along the ridge above the AT.
I have walked down the gravel road at Indian Grave Gap and took a fork to the left and hiked the 8 mile loop (Shinbone trail) and checked out the Eagles Nest vista - that view of the gorge was worth the walk.
I'm surprised at what good shape those old trails are in....the trails on the other side of the river are much more overgrown.
Amberchime
01-01-2011, 17:16
I have walked down the gravel road at Indian Grave Gap and took a fork to the left and hiked the 8 mile loop (Shinbone trail) and checked out the Eagles Nest vista - that view of the gorge was worth the walk.
I'm surprised at what good shape those old trails are in....the trails on the other side of the river are much more overgrown.
I forgot the name of the Shinbone Trail it takes a nice dip down as I recall and yes the views east are quite nice. I found the trail from Curley Maple several years ago. I had directions though. Erwin's a great area for 8 to 15 mile day hikes.
Today I parked my truck at Uncle Johnny's and walked down to the Temple Hill Trail and took it up to the AT. When I got to the AT, I went south to No Business Knob shelter. About 200 or so yards north of the shelter is an unmarked trail that I took about .5 mile down to forest road 107 and walked it 6 miles back to Uncle Johnny's.
The views from the top of the mountain all the way back to Uncle Johnny's were awesome and I was very surprised to find a road that close to the shelter.
Here a GPS track of the entire loop:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/61642725?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d20dd993dbacd9a%2C0
Great day to be outside and like was mentioned a few posts up - Erwin is paradise for 10-20 mile day hikes. I can't believe I live here............. In less than 4 hours I hiked 11.45 miles and was back home!
LoneRidgeRunner
01-02-2011, 16:26
Maybe it has a "booger"...I have read somewhere about some of the trail shelters being "haunted". Mollies Ridge is one I think...Supposed to be haunted by the ghost of a young maiden who froze to death up there looking for a lost hunter..Anyone believe in "boogers"? At the risk of being labeled a "nut" I do..lol...My house has a "booger"...
LoneRidgeRunner
01-02-2011, 16:27
Just remember that "boogers" can't hurt you..They are dead...
topshelf
01-02-2011, 16:43
You want to talk creepy, there's nothing worse than Wapiti (or at least I think that's the name -- north of Dismal Creek Falls). Reminded me of the scene in "The Shining" when Scatman Cruthers is explaining the bad vibes in the Overlook -- lots of bad things have happened over the years; it's like when you burn toast, it leaves behind a smell.
I second the Wapiti Shelter being creepy. I guess just because I know about the bad things that have gone on in the area. The last day I visited the falls, there were beer bottles smashed all over the place and two guys were up to something when I arrived. They were drinking and stopped whatever they were doing, they were also carrying handguns. As I was at the falls someone stopped at the pull off and tried to get into my car. I could see their hand prints where they pulled on my handles and leaned in to look in my windows. They eventually peeled out and left.
After this I went upstream to fish and the stream was a murky deep red tint from all of the iron oxides and low water levels. Heard gunshots all afternoon up the valley from the campground. You could also see on the trail where people had crapped in the middle of the trail and wiped themselves clean while camping out.
I never feel uneasy in the woods, but I was creeped out that entire day and left early. When I hike that section I stay up on the mountain a couple miles away from Wapiti and fly by to Jenny Knob in 1 day.
Too bad the guys at the store right near here are nice and make some good burgers.
Stumbler
04-16-2011, 21:51
Reading the notes from your adventures sounds great. I've been up Martin's Creek Road many times, mostly running, esp last summer. Great run to the top of the road, at a dead end, but I was hoping to get to Curly Maple Shelter. I know you guys like to hike alone, but I'd enjoy some company until I learn the way.
Send me a note, and I'll meet you there. Cheers.
PS: there is a nice little falls just off the trail on the right going up the road. Nice place to cool off during from a noon-time run up the mountain from the YMCA.
SouthMark
04-16-2011, 22:16
I get the same feeling from chairback gap lean to in Maines 100 mile "wilderness". Just a feeling I got when I was there last. If walls could talk.
Me too....
Stumbler
04-18-2011, 22:13
Correction, Martin Creek Falls is on the left as traveling up Martin Creek Road. Went up today and found the pipe spring on the right across from the 2nd trash barrel (and burn pit) and the side trail leading to the right into a clearing, just past the large pipe carrying stream water. Beautiful today! But I did not remember any more directions up to Curley Maple Shelter.
Sorry for my error on the falls' location.
It was probably just the Jersey Devil...
10791
I second the Wapiti Shelter being creepy. I guess just because I know about the bad things that have gone on in the area. The last day I visited the falls, there were beer bottles smashed all over the place and two guys were up to something when I arrived. They were drinking and stopped whatever they were doing, they were also carrying handguns. As I was at the falls someone stopped at the pull off and tried to get into my car. I could see their hand prints where they pulled on my handles and leaned in to look in my windows. They eventually peeled out and left.
After this I went upstream to fish and the stream was a murky deep red tint from all of the iron oxides and low water levels. Heard gunshots all afternoon up the valley from the campground. You could also see on the trail where people had crapped in the middle of the trail and wiped themselves clean while camping out.
I never feel uneasy in the woods, but I was creeped out that entire day and left early. When I hike that section I stay up on the mountain a couple miles away from Wapiti and fly by to Jenny Knob in 1 day.
Too bad the guys at the store right near here are nice and make some good burgers.
That's one of those situations where I don't know if I should put my pack cover on so people can see me or wish I had camo so I could stay under the radar. I've met some of the nicest hunters on the trail that know a lot about the area and are happy to give me weather updates, etc. Also I've seen moronic hicks engaging in jackassery such as shooting at random trees in the woods, while drinking. Didn't take me long to inform the proper authorities. That's the cost of a free trail open to the public, dealing with all flavors of people.
I also felt like there were eyes on me - but maybe that's because I shared the shelter and area around it with about a dozen hikers since I was there in thruhiking season.I was on a long section hike.
those people rent thru hikers till they finish they are just long section hikers.. just look back with the same im better than you look.
For those of you who felt you were being watched at NBK, I'll just say that you probably were. Yes, maybe by a bear and maybe by a bunch of other little furry creatures, but possibly also by something paranormal. I hesitate to tell this story because I realize people probably think I'm crazy, but here goes.
On my 2013 NOBO thru, one night I hiked into the darkness in the rain and the fog, ending at No Business Knob shelter after 10pm. First, I was definitely a little creeped out by the appearance of the shelter right off the bat, filthy, covered in graffiti. But I was even more creeped out by this dude that had been hiking with me. As we were hiking the last mile he kept telling me that he thought he was hearing voices in the woods. I didn't know this guy hardly at all and I thought he might be crazy and could possibly murder me in my sleep.
After I set up camp in the shelter and built a fire, I walked back into the woods to find a tree to hang my food on. I had to walk probably 50 yards back to find a good sturdy branch. As I walked back to the shelter, without my headlamp on, using the light of the distant fire to guide my direction, I stopped dead in my tracks, frozen in fear when I heard the terrifying sound. It was the sound of multiple female voices speaking in reverse (exactly like if you play a tape of someone talking backwards). It was all around me and circling around me for about 10-15 seconds. And then it just stopped.
I slowly walked back to my camp, shaking from what just happened. I asked the guy what he meant when he said he was hearing voices. He said, "I don't know dude, it was like a woman or something." I asked if it sounded like she was speaking in reverse. He said "YES, that's exactly what it sounded like."
We decided to stay at the shelter regardless of the sounds. We would have to hike another 7 miles to get to town and we'd already hiked 20 that day, mostly in the rain. We heard unexplained noises in the woods all night. I didn't sleep much.
The next day we hiked down to Uncle Johnnys. The caretaker there greeted us as we arrived. Without me telling him anything about my experience, he asked if I was familiar with the history of those woods. He then proceeded to tell me that the Cherokee never stepped foot in those woods because they believed "the spirit that makes you insane" dwelt there. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I told him what I had just experienced the night before. He just shrugged and said "yeah, that's not the first time I've heard that one. I'd tell you some other stories I've heard from hikers coming out of there but you probably wouldn't go back in the woods."
I took three days off of the trail after that as I was definitely a little freaked out. Anyway, enjoy, folks! If anyone else has a similar story, I'd love to hear it.
LoneRidgeRunner
10-27-2016, 16:31
I stayed at NBK shelter one night in March 8, 2015. I was too tired to let the somewhat creepy feeling bother me except there was mention of a persistent bear in the logbook and no food hang cables and it was after dark when I arrived so finding a suitable tree and limb to use for the food hang was difficult but I eventually found one. Also no privy but I'm used to poopin in the woods since I used to spend lottsa time in wilderness areas where privies are non-existent. No sign of the bear or "spooks, goblins, monsters or any other supernatural phenomenon.
LoneRidgeRunner
10-27-2016, 16:43
The first shelter north of Hogback Ridge is Bald Mountain. NBK is the next one north from Bald Mountain.
LoneRidgeRunner
10-27-2016, 16:46
No. That is Bald Mountain shelter. The next one north is NBK.
MuddyWaters
10-27-2016, 18:18
I thinks peoples imaginations run wild at night in da woods
Been there twice in daytime, like any other AT ratbox imo.
Starchild
10-27-2016, 18:39
I didn't like it either, I saw it and didn't stay, I didn't even stop (Mama didn't raise any fools). I describe it as it looks like a inner city park restroom.
The Cleaner
10-27-2016, 21:11
Many hikers aren't aware of the USFS road which is only about 200 yards from the shelter.Where the AT turns left just after heading north a faint trail used to go to the turnaround at the end of the road.I was there last in 2011 but did not check out the road.Once I hiked the road out and down to the AT near the river.It may be locked and gated by now.Local hunters used this and was the reason for some of the trash there.These days some hikers do a good job of trashing shelters.
Hikes in Rain
10-31-2016, 06:12
Passed by the shelter on October 18. As I left, the northbound trail had an short section that blurred my vision. Backed up a bit, could see clearly again, and couldn't see anything before me that would cause this, but moving forward again, my eyes couldn't focus. Not so bad I couldn't see, but certainly noticeable. Only lasted a few minutes hiking time, and I was out of it. At the time, I thought it was likely a faint patch of fog, not really visible but there nevertheless.
I walked through several hours of pouring rain, thunder and lighting before arriving at NBK so I wasn't quibbling over the architecture. It was empty when I arrived but two trail friends showed up later. Spirits were high because we knew we'd be in Erwin the next day.
Many hikers aren't aware of the USFS road which is only about 200 yards from the shelter.Where the AT turns left just after heading north a faint trail used to go to the turnaround at the end of the road.I was there last in 2011 but did not check out the road.Once I hiked the road out and down to the AT near the river.It may be locked and gated by now.Local hunters used this and was the reason for some of the trash there.These days some hikers do a good job of trashing shelters.
I flagged that route with tape a while back to make it easier to get through the woods - there are faint trails all the way from the AT to the road.
I don't think I've hiked the AT from NBK to Erwin in several years - I always take the dirt road. It's open all the way down but there are a few forks in the road along the way. It's a pretty walk with different views than the AT and it's almost all easy downhill with a lot fewer rocks - takes me around 2 hours from NBK to Uncle Johnnys.
p.s. I also take FR 278 to Devils Creek Gap to reconnect with the AT when I get to Spivey Gap. I've passed the white blazes enough thank you. :)
Durunner
10-31-2017, 22:48
Interesting. I came through on a beautiful sunny day. I stopped for lunch at the picnic table and thought it was a nice site. I stayed the night before near the road at Spivey Gap. Made it to Curley Maple Shelter after Uncle Johnny's saved me from exhaustion.
LittleRock
11-01-2017, 09:32
That shelter was one of the very few times where the graffiti made me laugh. There was one that simply said 'Some Business'.
Gambit McCrae
11-01-2017, 11:48
NBK shelter was my second coldest night on the trail so far. Its also when I learned there is a reason they call it emergency blanket bc however cold I was, it was not what I would call an emergency, had a 15* sleeping bag, snow on the ground. But used my blanket anyhow and woke up to a wet sleeping bag from 100% condensation. My coldest night on the trail was the next night at CM shelter north of NBK.
NBK
40836
Curley Maple
40837
rmitchell
11-01-2017, 21:43
October 1999 I was section hiking from Hot Springs to Erwin. My light was a mini mag light. It's batteries died when I walked 50 feet from the shelter to pee. It was pitch dark, no moon and no one else at the shelter. I turned off the light and waited a few minutes. It would glow dimly for a second then fad. It took five times to get back to the shelter.
During the night I heard something dragging an old tarp left behind the shelter. I picked up a shoe a dropped it on the floor and the dragging stopped.
Hiker greg
12-18-2021, 00:06
I spent the night of June 26 2017 at NBS by myself. As soon as it turned dark I noticed an odd moving light south of the shelter. It did not appear to be from a firefly and I saw no other hikers in the area. I built a fire in front of the shelter and tried to get some sleep but all night long I could hear LARGE limbs being broken north of the trail. I had my 9MM loaded and by my side but I don't believe I slept at all. I was glad to see the sunrise the next morning!
Teacher & Snacktime
12-22-2021, 14:28
Re. "creepy" feelings at shelters, I felt that way at Brink Road in NJ.
My son (Strife) and I were dayhiking in NJ and came to the Brink Rd. Shelter. It was midweek in early December, so as we expected it was deserted. On the approach to the shelter was a large stump, and imbedded into it was a shining hatchet. We stopped cold that far and went no farther. There was no sign of anyone around and no answers to our calls. It was chilling though there was likely no reason for it to be. Presumably a caretaker had just left this piece of equipment, but leaning on the side of caution, I wrenched it from the stump and approached the shelter with "weapon in hand". There was no one anywhere, so I left a scathing message about responsible removal of "tools" in the journal with the hopes that the caretaker might read it, and instructions on what to do if he wanted it returned.
We stayed about 15 mins, and I transferred the hatched to my son's pack. As we left, we encountered a gentleman who was from the State Park Service (?) on his lunch break. He stated he was NOT the caretaker, and I kept mum about the hatchet. (Seriously, like I would hand over something like that to a total stranger in the wilderness!)
Was I wrong to remove it? I don't think so. I was completely creeped out and I was accompanied by a strong, stalwart Marine. Imagine the young female hiker who could arrive there alone to face a hatchet-wielding stranger! The shelter itself was great...a lovely setup, but I can't even think about that day without a "what if" shudder.
psyculman
12-23-2021, 04:40
Do people who hike with dogs run into some of the apprehensions mentioned in these experiences? I'm just curious.
My son (Strife) and I were dayhiking in NJ and came to the Brink Rd. Shelter. It was midweek in early December, so as we expected it was deserted. On the approach to the shelter was a large stump, and imbedded into it was a shining hatchet. We stopped cold that far and went no farther. There was no sign of anyone around and no answers to our calls. It was chilling though there was likely no reason for it to be. Presumably a caretaker had just left this piece of equipment, but leaning on the side of caution, I wrenched it from the stump and approached the shelter with "weapon in hand". There was no one anywhere, so I left a scathing message about responsible removal of "tools" in the journal with the hopes that the caretaker might read it, and instructions on what to do if he wanted it returned.
We stayed about 15 mins, and I transferred the hatched to my son's pack. As we left, we encountered a gentleman who was from the State Park Service (?) on his lunch break. He stated he was NOT the caretaker, and I kept mum about the hatchet. (Seriously, like I would hand over something like that to a total stranger in the wilderness!)
Was I wrong to remove it? I don't think so. I was completely creeped out and I was accompanied by a strong, stalwart Marine. Imagine the young female hiker who could arrive there alone to face a hatchet-wielding stranger! The shelter itself was great...a lovely setup, but I can't even think about that day without a "what if" shudder.
Could also be that someone forgot it (not just the caretaker), or perhaps the care taker was thinking that most people wouldn't want to carry and might find useful for tasks that didn't involve anything dangerous or unlawful.
Teacher & Snacktime
12-27-2021, 18:01
Could also be that someone forgot it (not just the caretaker), or perhaps the care taker was thinking that most people wouldn't want to carry and might find useful for tasks that didn't involve anything dangerous or unlawful.
Yes, certainly considered this, but at the end of the day I had to go with how it made me "feel".....which was a little terrified.